The Epherus

Epherus is a continent located entirely in the Northern Hemisphere and mostly in the Eastern Hemisphere. It is bordered by the Euanthe Ocean to the north, the Ismene Ocean to the west, the Nausicaa Sea to the south, and a continent called Anatolia to the east.

In the west lies the Aureville, a realm steeped in tradition and heraldry, where chivalry and honour reign supreme. Its cities are adorned with grand castles and cathedrals, and its knights are revered for their bravery and loyalty. However, beneath the veneer of nobility, political intrigue simmers, with noble houses vying for power and influence.

To the east lies Argenia, a land of innovation and enlightenment. Its bustling metropolises are centres of learning and commerce, where scholars and artisans push the boundaries of knowledge and creativity. Yet, amidst the pursuit of progress, social inequality festers, with a stark divide between the affluent elite and the impoverished masses.

In the south, the Free States of Vesperia are a patchwork of independent city-states and merchant republics. Here, freedom is cherished above all else, and the seas are alive with trade and adventure. Yet, piracy and smuggling thrive in the lawless waters, and rivalries between city-states often erupt into open conflict.

The central heartlands of Epherus are dominated by the Forest Kingdom of Sylvana, an ancient realm shrouded in mystery and magic. Its dense woodlands are home to mystical creatures, and its rulers are said to possess the wisdom of ages past. However, dark forces lurk in the shadows, threatening to unleash chaos upon the land.

To the north, beyond the icy wastelands of the Frozen Reach, lies that were once the Barbarian Lands, a harsh and unforgiving realm inhabited by fierce warriors and savage beasts. Now two kingdoms Farehiem And Mirgrad.

The Aureville

Aureville is a massive Island on the West of Epherus Its landscape is a patchwork of verdant fields and rolling hills, dotted with majestic castles and towering cathedrals that pierce the sky like spears of marble. This massive Island is divided in five kingdoms.

In the rugged, untamed north of Aureville lies Norweth, the northernmost kingdom and home to the most decorated army in all of Aureville. Its landscape is dominated by vast forests of Dark Timber, their towering trees shrouded in mist and mystery, their branches reaching towards the heavens like sentinels guarding ancient secrets.

Before the fracturing of Aureville into five distinct kingdoms, It was ruled by the Earles, a noble family whose lineage stretched back centuries. Renowned for their prowess in battle and their love of whiskey, the Earles were feared and respected throughout the realm. Their castle, perched atop a windswept cliff overlooking the icy waters of the Euanthe Ocean, stood as a symbol of Norweth’s strength and resilience.

When Aureville split, the Earles seized the opportunity to assert their dominance over their northern domain, consolidating their power and forging alliances with neighbouring kingdoms. Under their rule, Norweth became a beacon of martial prowess, its army feared and revered on the battlefield, its warriors clad in armour forged from the finest steel.

But Norweth is more than just a land of warriors and whiskey. Its Dark Timber forests (exclusive to Norweth) are home to a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, from towering evergreens to elusive creatures that stalk the shadows. Deep within the heart of the forest lies the ancestral seat of the Earles, a sprawling fortress carved from the living rock, its walls adorned with the trophies of past conquests.

Despite its rugged beauty, Norweth is not without its challenges. The harsh winters and unforgiving terrain make survival a constant struggle, and the ever-present threat of invasion looms on the horizon. Yet, for the people of Norweth, adversity is simply another obstacle to be overcome, another chapter in the saga of their proud and storied kingdom.

In the west of Norweth, nestled amidst rolling hills and verdant meadows, lies Wylewood, known as the “God’s Garden” for its breathtaking scenic beauty, with fields of golden wheat swaying in the breeze and orchards bursting with fruits of every hue. Rivers meander through the landscape, their waters sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight, while forests teeming with wildlife provide shelter and sustenance for the kingdom’s inhabitants.

Wylewood is ruled by the Harlanes, a noble family whose roots run deep in the fertile soil of the kingdom. Known for their shrewd diplomacy and keen business acumen, the Harlanes have transformed Wylewood into a prosperous realm, its granaries overflowing with food grains that feed the hungry mouths of Aureville.

But Wylewood’s beauty belies a turbulent history, for it is said that the Harlanes’ ancestors were the instigators of the Elvin Sapien War, a conflict that shook the foundations of Aureville and plunged the realm into chaos. Though the details of the war have faded into legend, whispers of ancient enmities and long-held grudges still linger in the air, a reminder of the kingdom’s troubled past.

But beneath the surface of prosperity, tensions simmer between the Harlanes and their rivals, as old wounds threaten to reopen and old alliances fray. Rumours swirl of secret plots and whispered conspiracies, as ambitious nobles vie for power and influence within the court of Wylewood.

In the southern reaches of Norweth, nestled against the border like a sentinel guarding the realm, lies the small but bustling kingdom of Edenberg. Despite its size, Edenberg plays a significant role in the region, serving as an old and trusted ally of Norweth.

The kingdom’s landscape is a blend of rugged terrain and fertile valleys, where fields of wheat sway in the breeze and dense forests teem with wildlife. But it is not just the natural beauty of Edenberg that draws travellers from far and wide; it is the kingdom’s reputation as a hub of craftsmanship and commerce.

At the heart of Edenberg stands its bustling capital, a city of stone and iron where the clang of hammers and the roar of furnaces fill the air. Here, blacksmiths ply their trade, crafting weapons and armour of unparalleled quality, while merchants hawk their wares in bustling marketplaces.

But Edenberg is also known for a special aspect of its economy: the slave market. Under the rule of the Darwines, a noble family whose power stretches back generations, the kingdom has become a centre for the buying and selling of human lives. Slaves from all corners of Epherus are brought to Edenberg, their chains clanking as they are paraded before potential buyers.

Despite the controversy surrounding the slave trade, the Darwines have managed to maintain their grip on power, using their wealth and influence to sway the political currents of Edenberg in their favour. Yet, beneath the veneer of prosperity lies a simmering tension, as whispers of rebellion and resistance spread among the oppressed masses.

In the south of Wylewood and to the west of Edenberg lies Venneberg, a kingdom renowned for its breathtaking beauty and the allure of its women. With rolling hills and lush valleys, Venneberg is a veritable paradise, where fields of wildflowers carpet the countryside and crystal-clear streams meander through the landscape like ribbons of silver.

Love this novel? Read it on Royal Road to ensure the author gets credit.

But beneath its idyllic facade lies a kingdom seething with tension, for Venneberg has long been locked in a bitter feud with its neighbour, Edenberg. The roots of this hostility stretch back generations, fuelled by disputes over land, resources, and honour. Tales of raids and skirmishes between the two kingdoms echo through the annals of history, each conflict adding fuel to the flames of animosity.

At the heart of Venneberg stands its capital, a city of unparalleled beauty and sophistication. Its streets are lined with elegant mansions and ornate palaces, their facades adorned with intricate carvings and colourful banners. But it is not just the architecture that captivates visitors to Venneberg; it is the people themselves, with their striking looks and magnetic charm.

Yet, despite its allure, Venneberg is a kingdom on edge, its rulers, the Ashworths, ever vigilant against the threat of invasion from their bitter rivals in Edenberg. Under the leadership of the Ashworths, Venneberg has fortified its borders and bolstered its defences, preparing for the inevitable clash that looms on the horizon.

Nestled in the southwestern corner of Epherus, where the gentle embrace of sunlight meets the earth in a golden dance, lies Heimgrad, the most neutral of the five kingdoms. Here, amidst rolling hills and fertile plains, the kingdom of Heimgrad stands as a beacon of peace and diplomacy in a world torn apart by conflict.

Unlike its neighbours, Heimgrad has chosen to eschew the politics of aggression and conquest, instead opting for a stance of neutrality and non-interference in the affairs of its neighbouring kingdoms. This commitment to peace has earned Heimgrad the respect of all who dwell within its borders, as well as the admiration of those who seek an end to the endless cycle of violence that plagues the land.

But Heimgrad’s dedication to peace goes beyond mere words; it is a kingdom built on principles of justice and equality. Unlike some of its neighbours, Heimgrad vehemently opposes the practice of slavery, viewing it as a vile and barbaric institution that has no place in a civilized society. Under the rule of the Withttemores, a noble family known for their compassion and integrity, Heimgrad has become a sanctuary for those fleeing the horrors of bondage, offering refuge and protection to all who seek it.

The kingdom’s economy relies heavily on its tanneries, where skilled craftsmen transform hides and pelts into fine leather goods coveted throughout Epherus.

Elvin-Sapien War

In the annals of recorded history, there exists a poignant narrative, one woven with the threads of glory, tragedy, and the inexorable passage of time. Across the tapestry of ages, two apex species have cast their indelible shadows upon the world: Man and Elf. Within the confines of their respective realms, they flourished, their civilizations rising like majestic edifices amidst the sands of time.

For epochs untold, a fragile equilibrium held sway, fostering a semblance of harmony between these titans of existence. Yet, as with all epochs, the tides of fate are destined to turn, and the tranquil waters of peace can be rent asunder by the tempests of strife. Thus dawned an era of upheaval, a chapter in the history stained with the blood of brotherhood: the War of Men and Elves.

Across the verdant fields and towering spires of Epherus, the clash of steel and the cries of battle rent the air, as kin turned against kin in a tempest of conflict. The kingdoms of Men, spurred by ambition and the thirst for dominion, clashed with the ancient bastions of Elven kind, each vying for supremacy over the lands they called home.

In the crucible of war, the flames of enmity consumed all in their path, leaving naught but ashes in their wake. When the dust settled and the echoes of battle faded into memory, it was the race of Men who stood triumphant upon the scarred fields of Epherus. The Elves, once proud and resplendent, had been vanquished, their once-glorious civilization reduced to naught but whispers upon the wind.

Thus marked a grim milestone in the annals of time, as the War of Men and Elves became etched into history as the first recorded instance of ethnic cleansing. Yet, amidst the ashes of destruction, whispers arose of a sanctuary for the exiled Elves, a fabled island kingdom nestled amidst the azure embrace of the southern seas.

Legends spun tales of this elusive refuge, shrouded in mystery and guarded by the tumultuous currents of the ocean’s depths. Whirlpools and sea cyclones conspired to veil its location from prying eyes, rendering it an enigma to all who sought its shores.

Though scant evidence exists to validate these whispers, the allure of the unknown beckons to intrepid souls, daring them to brave the treacherous waters in pursuit of truth. And so, the legend of the Elven sanctuary endures, a tantalizing enigma amidst the tapestry of history, awaiting the bold souls who dare to seek its secrets.

Date System

Ever since years are counted before and later to the Elvin-Sapien war. This system was introduced after the Victory of Men in the war as an attempt to give up on the Elvin date system. All dates in the book are expressed in this date system.

War of Doctrine

Xeveniaism is the Major faith in the Epherus. It is divided into two sects. Verns, the followers of Ian the old god and kerns the followers of Delqin the Messiah of Humans. Apart from that there is another group of people who follow Kazimam a religion from the east.

In 112 AW a 29-year-long conflict took place between the Kingdoms from the very East of Epherus and the Kingdoms from west Epherus. It was the first war for religion in the history of Epherus. this affair is also known as Xeveniaist Crusades

The Xeveniaist Crusades, a series of military campaigns spanning almost a quarter of century, were fervently driven by the tenets of Xeveniaism, the dominant religious ideology of the Western realms. These holy wars, echoing with the call to reclaim sacred lands and spread the faith, bore witness to both the noblest aspirations and the darkest atrocities of humanity.

At the heart of the Xeveniaist Crusades lay a fervent zeal to expand the influence of Xeveniaism, the faith that bound together kingdoms and sparked the flames of religious fervour. Inspired by tales of martyrdom and divine providence, armies marched forth under banners emblazoned with symbols of the Delqin’s Sword, their hearts aflame with the promise of spiritual glory and earthly conquest.

Yet, intertwined with the fervour of faith lay the spectre of power and politics. The Crusades were not merely religious endeavours but also geopolitical struggles for supremacy, with rival kingdoms vying for control over coveted territories. In the crucible of conflict, alliances shifted like shifting sands, and the lines between righteousness and ambition blurred beneath the weight of human ambition.

The Kazim, followers of the faith of Kazimam, found themselves thrust into the crucible of conflict as well. Their lands, rich in culture and heritage, became the battlegrounds upon which the tide of history ebbed and flowed. Even after the war for centuries, the clash between Xeveniaism and Kazimamism would define the course of empires, shaping the destinies of nations and leaving scars upon the land that would endure for generations.

Northern Conflict

the year 140 BW (Before the War) stands as a sombre chapter in the annals of history, marked by the shadowy dominion of Mirgrad within the formidable realm of Ferehiem. Renowned for its iron grip and ruthless expansionism, Ferehiem loomed as a colossus over the fractured lands, its name whispered in dread and despair among the peoples of Aureville. Under the banner of Ferehiem, the lands of Aureville quaked in fear as the thunderous hooves of Ferehiem’s raiders thundered across the countryside, leaving naught but devastation and desolation in their wake.

Infamous were the barbaric raids that swept like a scourge from the heart of Ferehiem, descending upon the unsuspecting villages of Aureville with merciless fury. Men trembled and women wept as the marauders pillaged and plundered, their swords thirsting for blood and their hearts consumed by the fires of conquest.

In the halls of power, the lords of Ferehiem revelled in their dominion, deaf to the cries of the oppressed and blind to the suffering wrought by their tyranny. For them, the spoils of war were but tokens of their supremacy, trophies to adorn their gilded thrones and fuel their insatiable lust for power.

But it was not merely the plunder of gold and riches that stained the hands of Ferehiem’s warriors; it was the desecration of innocence, the defilement of sacred trust, that left an indelible mark upon the land. For amidst the chaos of war, the cries of the innocent rang out in anguish, their voices silenced by the brutality of Ferehiem’s savagery.

Countless lives were snuffed out in the crimson tide of Ferehiem’s conquests, their dreams and aspirations dashed upon the rocks of history. Women, once the pillars of their communities, found themselves cast adrift in a sea of despair, their bodies violated and their spirits broken by the horrors inflicted upon them.

And so, in the year 140 BW, Mirgrad stood as a silent witness to the atrocities committed in the name of Ferehiem, a testament to the darkest depths of human depravity and the enduring struggle for freedom in the face of tyranny.