Once upon a time, to the north of Mystgard, there was the mighty empire of Thalassia. It was a powerful force, with a great fleet of ships that traded goods across the seas. By establishing relations with neighbouring kingdoms and other empires, its wealth and influence grew with each passing year. Its emperors were shrewd in their dealings with others: some formed alliances through mutual agreements, while others resorted to conquest to expand their territory and accumulate wealth.

The Thalassian army was known for its unmatched strength and skill, and weaker neighbours soon learned to reckon with the empire. To avoid conflict, these nations often had to make concessions and bow to the will of the Thalassian rulers. The empire's power and influence grew, and soon it became the dominant force on the continent.

But as the years passed, cracks began to appear in Thalassia. Internal strife and corruption weakened the once-great power, and the neighbours began to challenge its dominance. Eventually, the empire, like many of its predecessors, fell. Its glory and days of prosperity became nothing but a distant memory.

In the aftermath of its downfall, the land was plunged into a dark age, wrought with turmoil and chaos. Eventually, from the ashes of the old empire, two mighty kingdoms emerged, each vying for dominance over the land: Valtharia, in the west, and Aradon, in the east.

Though the two kingdoms shared a common border, they were often at odds, each seeking to extend their territory and exert their dominance. At times, they were allies, but more often than not, they were at war, each claiming rights to the disputed lands.

To the north, Valtharia bordered the Sea of Aurelia, named after the legendary queen who founded the Thalassian Empire. To the west lay the vast and uncharted Sapphire Sea, renowned for its sparkling blue waters, as clear and brilliant as sapphires. Aradon once ruled there during its golden era, but now its fleet lay in scarce remnants.

In the kingdoms of Valtharia and Aradon, the aristocracy reigned supreme. The lords who comprised this ruling class held vast wealth and power, their families tracing their lineage back through generations of nobility. To become part of this elite group, one needed to come from a family with wealth and a long-standing history of service to the kingdoms, or display unparalleled skill and bravery as a warrior.

However, nobility was usually inherited, and nearly impossible for those outside this class to attain. Marriages between nobility and commoners were rare and frowned upon, as the nobility viewed themselves as a distinct and superior class. The divide between the aristocracy and the common people was wide and unyielding, creating a society where birthright and tradition were the keys to power and influence.

In the land of Valtharia, the nobles were esteemed for their honour, bravery, and appreciation of the arts. They were renowned as patrons of poets, musicians, and artists, and it was through their generosity that Valtharia's culture thrived. The nobles of Valtharia were also well trained in the art of warfare, with many honing their skills in tournaments and battles alike.

In contrast, Aradon's reputation was built on its mastery of the seas, and its nobles were often descendants of merchants, traders, and ship captains who had amassed their wealth through overseas trade. They were a diverse group of individuals who valued commerce and the acquisition of riches over the arts, but still held their own influence and power in the kingdom.

Despite their differences, the nobles of Valtharia and Aradon shared a mutual respect for one another in times of peace, each recognising the other's strengths and skills. They traded with one another and often formed alliances to protect their shared interests. However, beneath the surface, there was a sense of competition between the two kingdoms that could never be fully resolved. Thus, the tension between the two kingdoms grew, with conflict always on the horizon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thalassia - 'thuh-LAH-see-uh' (/θəˈlæsiə/)

----------------------------------------------