In a remote place, under a sky studded with stars, next to a campfire that was slowly dying out, two figures tried to find sleep in a foul-smelling stable. The penetrating aroma of horse manure filled the air, while the weak light of the embers barely illuminated the surroundings.
The young man, lying on the cold dirt floor, turned to his mentor. "Old man, tell me something to help me fall asleep," he begged, his tone mixing weariness and need.
The old man, leaning against the wooden wall that separated his corner of the stable from the horses' space, sighed. "Even if you ask, I only have old stories I used to tell my students about the history of this world."
The young man, coughing dryly, nodded. "Even so, anything will help to ease the pain."
The old man observed the young man, noting the fatigue in his eyes. "Very well, boy," he finally said, "but don't blame me if it's very boring."
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Where the stars barely shine and the void almost reigns, a small canvas rests in the middle of the darkness, and within it lies the story.
Two continents; first, the continent Deling, home of the strong, barbaric, and territorial. Such were they in the times of the Mantra, but now they are consecrated as the aggressive yet sagacious continent, using the great strength cultivated over years for what is good and just.
They are characterized by a monarchical form of government with few leading heads, only a King, without queens, just as many concubines as he desired. The choice of the ruler is not made through lineage or history, but in the most just and ideal way.
Whoever possesses the greatest strength and intelligence will lead, for that will be the person able to protect their people in difficult times. Here, nothing is given, and everything is earned.
This continent consists of five countries, led by the so-called "Governors," and the "King" above them. The population is dense but well-distributed, as the "King" ensures that, although the five countries are different, the lifestyles are appropriate for comfortable living, maintaining the military strength that characterizes them.
Tharion:
A country known for its vast military strength and unbreakable honor. Its inhabitants are experts in battle magic and strategy. It emerged as a small battalion during the Sacred Blade War in the continent of Deling, and it takes its name from there.
Eldoria:
A mystical kingdom full of ancient libraries and magic academies. Eldoria is the center of knowledge and arcane wisdom in Deling.
Several years of conflict were triggered by the knowledge in this library. Although the knowledge stored inside is not as vast as in other famous places, its quality is such that a country was founded around its gates, located in the central castle. It is so protected that only a few very specific people, including the "King," can enter.
Nerathis
A dark and enigmatic land, inhabited by warriors who master both physical strength and dark magical arts. This country concentrates the greatest amount of magic in all of Deling, studying all kinds of magic, even that which only Deling possesses.
Valkoria
A country of vast forests and mountains, home to clans that revere nature and draw their power from the elements. Much of the economic income comes from Valkoria, as renewable resources are extracted from its lands, and from its depths, jewels that serve as magical stones traded worldwide.
Zarion
A vibrant and energetic nation where citizens combine elemental magic with physical skills to protect their borders and maintain peace. Here lies the main strength of the continent, forming the most capable military force. Some are selected to protect Deling's border, others to protect the king in his fortress, or distributed to one of the countries. Their greatest pride: the Zargard Academy.
Valtoria Tower
Located in the center of the five countries, where their borders intersect, stands a great tower, as beautiful as it is imposing, as majestic as to envy no palace, and so tall it surpasses the clouds. There, at the very top, resides the King.
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His Majesty, King Valgard, who has stood as the most powerful for over thirty years.
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And its namesake, the continent Osztaly, which scaled the complicated skyscraper of knowledge, created the foundation of knowledge for both themselves and the neighboring continent. Thanks to this, great wars, battles, and truces arose. This continent is known for its great advancements for the progress of the world.
Osztaly is not divided into countries but into districts, with "Altaria" being the central one, where the governmental zone is located.
In the governmental zone resides a single ruler who manages the sixteen districts. She is "Yuna," accompanied by her loyal friend and right hand, "Ceres."
Her advisors and second-in-command are the "Sacred Families," whose surnames are synonymous with authority.
They have been called this since the great war, and so it has been until today. There are five Sacred Families, whose palaces are known as the “Houses,” proudly bearing their respective surnames.
1. HOUSE STARFALL
House Starfall is revered for its connection to the astral arts and celestial magic. They are experts in the manipulation of stars and cosmic energies, using their knowledge to guide and protect the continent.
2. HOUSE MOONSHADOW
House Moonshadow stands out for its mastery of dark arts and shadow magic. Its members are strategists and masters of stealth and intelligence, always one step ahead in defending Osztaly's interests.
3. HOUSE EMBERGLOW
House Emberglow is famous for its mastery of fire and energy. Their abilities in pyrokinesis and fire alchemy have allowed them to develop advanced technologies and pioneer the continent's progress.
4. HOUSE FROSTSPIRE
House Frostspire is distinguished by its knowledge in ice magic and climate control. Their research in these fields has enabled advances in agriculture and artificial climate, significantly contributing to Osztaly's well-being.
5. HOUSE HEARTGOLD
Known for its purity and loyalty, House Heartgold stands out as a leader in diplomacy and political strategy. Its members are renowned for their integrity and ability to mediate conflicts, ensuring the well-being of the continent Osztaly. Historically, they have been responsible for many crucial truces and peace agreements. In their lands are prestigious academies that train future leaders and diplomats, and their mastery of political strategy allows them to handle complex situations with wisdom and precision, being respected advisors in the governmental zone of Altaria.
Osztaly's capital has sixteen districts in total, distributed for each house according to the workforce each one needs.
DISTRIBUTION OF DISTRICTS
HOUSE HEARTGOLD (6 DISTRICTS)
1. Aurum District: The center of diplomacy and political strategy.
2. Radiant District: Known for its great academies of mages and strategists.
3. Luminous District: Home to the largest library and historical archives.
4. Glimmer District: Center for the training of leaders and diplomats.
5. Brighthaven District: Famous for its political conferences and summits.
6. Solstice District: Known for its festivals and celebrations of magical culture.
HOUSE STARFALL (3 DISTRICTS)
1. Astralis District: Home to observatories and astrology academies.
2. Celestia District: Known for its connection to cosmic energies.
3. Nova District: Center for celestial magic research.
HOUSE MOONSHADOW (3 DISTRICTS)
1. Umbra District: Headquarters of intelligence and espionage operations.
2. Noctis District: Known for its training in dark arts.
3. Eclipse District: Center for strategy and tactical planning.
HOUSE EMBERGLOW (3 DISTRICTS)
1. Ignis District: Home to fire alchemy laboratories.
2. Pyre District: Center for technological innovation and scientific advances.
3. Blaze District: Famous for its forges and magical engineering workshops.
HOUSE FROSTSPIRE (2 DISTRICTS)
1. Glacia District: Headquarters for climate and agricultural experiments.
2. Borealis District: Known for its ice magic and climate control academies.
Two continents dominate this world: Deling and Osztaly. Although they share the same land, they are hostile to each other due to their deep cultural differences.
Deling, with its brute strength and monarchical government, has been forged in the crucible of war and conquest. Its people value physical strength and strategic intelligence, choosing their ruler not by lineage but by merit. The five countries that make up Deling are a testament to a society that respects strength and power, but also justice and wisdom.
On the other hand, Osztaly is a continent that venerates knowledge and progress. Divided into districts rather than countries, each specializing in different branches of magic and science, Osztaly is governed by a single ruler and her sacred families. These families, with their majestic palaces and unquestionable authority, guide Osztaly in its quest for technological and magical advancements.
Culturally, these two continents are polar opposites. While Deling values strength and conquest, Osztaly focuses on knowledge and advancement. This difference has created a latent tension between the two, a rivalry that sometimes manifests in daily interactions and political decisions.
However, beyond cultural differences, there is one area where both continents find common ground: development and the well-being of the world. Here, cooperation prevails for the greater good. Scientists and mages from Osztaly collaborate with strategists and warriors from Deling on projects that benefit both sides of Etnos. Together, they work on innovations that improve quality of life, develop advanced technologies, and promote global stability.
Thus, thanks to the vision of the first king whose name has been lost in the thousands of years of this world's existence, the land where both coexist was named:
“Etnos.”