Principality of Elarion
Vassal of the Federated Monarchy of Aranthia, the Principality of Elarion is a land of lush rivers and fertile plains. Ruled by Prince Aric Elysande, the principality has been a strategic asset to the monarchy, both due to its resources and military strength. However, the zombie apocalypse that has overtaken the neighboring Kingdom of Abebunoia has thrown Elarion into a state of crisis, forcing the principality to fortify its borders against the rising undead threat.
Key Figures
Prince Aric Elysande: Son of High Queen Elysande, Prince Aric is a charismatic leader known for his military acumen and diplomatic finesse. Aric is highly regarded in the court of Aranthia, but the undead threat has tested his ability to protect his lands and people. He is currently focused on the construction of magical monoliths designed to repel the zombie hordes.
General Thrain Volkir: The commander of Elarion’s military, Thrain Volkir is a battle-hardened warrior who has fought in multiple campaigns against raiders from the Khanate of Tarruk and now leads the defense against the zombie incursions. He is stoic and unflinching, revered by his troops but sometimes seen as unapproachable by Elarion's noble court.
High Magister Lirael Veyne: A renowned wizard and scholar, Lirael is the architect of the magical Runestones that Elarion is placing along its borders. Her expertise in wards and abjurations has made her vital to the prince’s efforts to stave off the zombie apocalypse, but there is concern that the resources needed to finish her project are dwindling.
Challenges
The Zombie Apocalypse: The fall of Abebunoia has thrown Elarion into perpetual crisis. The borders are under constant threat from the undead, and the construction of magical monoliths to repel the zombies is slow and resource-intensive. With only 30 out of the needed 300 runestones in place, Prince Aric faces increasing pressure from his people to secure their safety.
Fortifying Borders: The principality has had to redirect its forces and resources toward the construction of the runestones while still defending against raiders from the Khanate of Tarruk. The Khanate, sensing Elarion’s weakened state, has begun testing its defenses with small-scale incursions. Balancing the defense against both living and undead threats has stretched the military thin.
Internal Strain: The crisis has led to growing factions within the principality. The nobility believes that military power should be the primary solution, while the mages, led by High Magister Lirael, advocate for arcane solutions such as the monolith runestones. Prince Aric must balance these factions, ensuring they work together rather than fracturing the defense of Elarion.
The Aranthian Influence
As vassals of Aranthia, both Vorlis and Elarion must navigate their own crises while maintaining loyalty to the Federated Monarchy. Duke Credris and Prince Aric answer directly to the High Queen Elysande, who expects them to manage their borders and protect Aranthia’s interests. Any failure in either duchy or principality could have dire consequences for Aranthia’s influence and control over these regions, making their success in managing threats a priority for the monarchy. Both realms serve as buffer states between Aranthia and potential invaders, making their stability vital to the kingdom's defense.