Kingdom of Axonder - The World of Syphora

<img src="crest-axonder.png" class="character-top-banner"> > [!infobox|wikipedia] > ### ![[crest-axonder.png|Image]] Crest of Axonder's royal family > ###### General Knowledge > | | | > | ---- | ---- | > | **Alias** | Shadowlit Kingdom | > | **Ruler** | King and Queen | > | **Current leader** | - [[Aurora Axonder]] (regent) - [[Aeon Axonder]] (incapacitated) | > | **Government system** | Monarchy, Crowned Republic | > | **Military** | <img class="infobox-icon" src="crest-axonder-knights_of_eclipse.png">[[Knights of Eclipse]] <img class="infobox-icon" src="crest-axonder-ebony_mercenaries.png">[[Ebony Mercenaries]] | > > ###### Societal Knowledge > | | | > | ---- | ---- | > | **Capital** | [[Aiōn]] | > | **Religion** | <img class="infobox-icon" src="symbol-saia.png">[[Saia]] (primarily) <img class="infobox-icon" src="symbol-vithyo.png">[[Vithyo]] (primarily) - Any [[Prime Deities]] | > | **Continent** | [[Valkion]] | > | **Plane** | Material Plane ([[Syphora]]) | > > ##### Historical Knowledge > | | | > | ---- | ---- | > | **Founding** | 415 P.D. | > | **Founder** | [[Aeon Axonder]] | **The Kingdom of Axonder** (/ ak-ss-ahn-der/) is a nation on the continent of [[Valkion]], residing on the southern half of the region. It is a struggling monarchy just outside of the [[Lands of Despair]], seeking to expand into those lands in pursuit of knowledge and ruins. It is one of the Five Kingdoms of Valkion. The kingdom is known for its exceptional knowledge of lore and ancient relics, as well as its treacherous landscape. They have the largest library in all of [[Valkion]]. ## Geography #### Aegisciel Fields ... A stretch of land preceding the [[Lands of Despair]], right before the river. Primarily consisting of plains and small forests, it's the birthplace of the Kingdom of Axonder. It is said that its name originates from a society that lived there since the Unknown Ages. The name means "land of the protected sky." - **[[Aiōn]]**: the massive capital city of the Kingdom. Home to the royal family of Axonder. - **[[Library of Eon]]**: largest library in Valkion; maintained by the Order of the Eon Soul, and located in the city of Aiōn. - **[[Aegishold Fortress]]**: an incredible fortress dedicated to protecting the capital city. - **[[Sûrhaven]]**: a major city to the north of Aiōn, in charge of northern forces and houses the Knights Academy. - **[[Fyrêt]]**: city to the west of Aiōn. Known for monstrous outbreaks and farmland and providing most nearby cities with its harvest. - **[[Leière]]**: a city to the east of Aiōn. Specializes in fishing and protection against waterborn monsters. Harbors many criminals. - **[[Bordeaux]]**: a town beside the river that bisects Axonder with the Lands of Despair; in Foscerra territory. Known as the last stop between mainland Axonder and the Lands of Despair - **[[Aronstead]]**: a farming village on the outskirts of Fyrêt. #### Shrouded Vale ... A darkened valley between the Odysse Mountains and Ashen Hills that's constantly shrouded in dark skies. Said to have been carved out by an enormous serpent in ancient times, the terrain of this area consists primarily of dry grass, bones, and massive caverns and overhangs that, alongside the monsters said to dwell within, make the deeper regions inhabitable. Its landscape is steeped in enormous, mysterious ruins and skeletons dating back to an ancient civilization of giants. - **[[Ezel's Gate]]**: A stronghold city that houses the noble family of tieflings it's named after and situated on the southern outskirts of the vale itself, mostly outside of the region. - **[[Laville]]**: A town led by House Laval; A barony that researches and keeps the depths of the vale under control. - **[[Eastern Church]]**: One of the four churches of Saia, maintained under the name of Sorathane, on the western outskirts of the vale atop the Ashen Hills. #### The Lands of Despair ... A treacherous wasteland to the South of the Kingdom. A landscape devoid of nature and hospitality, inhabited by monsters of various sizes and sentience. This vast region has scattered ruins and ancient artifacts of civilizations that stood during and before the Calamity. Its reaches have claimed and continue to claim many souls. - **[[Foscerra]]**: a small city just past the river and on the cusp of the wasteland, ruled by House Foscerra. Harbors a tight-knit community of hunters and explorers. - **Desolate Gorge**: a massive ravine in the north of Foscerra territory and used primarily as a mine and protective border. #### Wilderness ... The wilderness of Axonder; Mostly reaches of nature untouched by the hands of civilization due to respect, danger, or otherwise. - **Crimson Highlands**: currently unexplored landscape of red trees and steep, wondrous cliffs. Myths believe it to shelter creatures of legend such as unicorns, giants, or even dragons. - **Odysse Mountains**: a mountain range that spans through central [[Valkion]] and Axonder. - **Ashen Hills**: hills that serve as a separator between Axonder and Ithor. - **Grimlocke Forest**: a large forest to the south of the kingdom said to house spirits of the dead. #### Other ... - **Equinox Academy**: A noble academy within the [[Kingdom of Ithor]] that welcomes nobles privileged enough to come from Axonder, alongside their own nobility. ## Society #### Demographics ... The races of Axonder originate not only from its founding, but also of those who resided in the region before it and therefore consist of a wide variety. You'll primarily find [[human|humans]] and [[halfling|halflings]] within its walls, but beyond that, you'll find many [[tiefling|tieflings]], [[goliath|goliaths]], [[insectoid|insectoids]], and even [[orc|orcs]]. Of course, you're still likely to see a smattering of other races strewn about the lands of Axonder, including, but not limited to, [[dwarf|dwarves]], [[gnome|gnomes]], [[shifter|shifters]], or even small communities of [[lamia]] near the Lands of Despair. #### Politics ... Since the dawn of the Kingdom, society has been built on a foundation that relies on its people and their voice. Though there is a distinct hierarchy between nobility and commoners, the lines tend to blur far greater than that of the other kingdoms. The ideals of Axonder persist under unity, communication, and inclusivity under their guarded, darkened skies. That each soul under the light of Axonder should be met with acceptance and passion no matter their origin, appearance, religion, or beliefs. This does not mean that the Kingdom is without its hypocritical faults. Wherein the royalty and parts of its nobility remain firm in their beliefs, many have fallen to deceit or otherwise debaucherous behavior under the darkness of their Kingdom. Liars and scoundrels run rampant under the noses of those in higher power, leading to a sickening criminal underbelly that the royalty and higher nobility either choose to ignore or cannot otherwise influence on their own. That is where the [[Ebony Mercenaries]] rise in their stead; A guild of secret assassins and spies for Axondéen royalty and nobility, devoted themselves to cleaning the darkness that encroached upon the inner society and politics of the kingdom. It was created in conjunction with the [[Knights of Eclipse]], where one keeps order in the light whilst other in the dark. Since 430 P.D., the Kingdom of Axonder officially allied with the [[Kingdom of Ithor]] due to the [[Battle of Austère]]. Through this alliance, Axonder is given aid and finances when in need while Ithor is given many magical artifacts or knowledge of the arcane found within the Lands of Despair. #### Notable people ... *See [[O' Axonder Souls]] for a greater list of the important souls of Axonder...* - **[[Aeon Axonder]]**: The King of the Kingdom. He is currently stricken with an unknown illness. - **[[Aurora Axonder]]**: Wife of Aeon and beloved queen of the Kingdom. Currently ruling in his absence. - **[[Lucia Axonder]]**: The Kingdom's crown princess. She keeps to her studies and aids in noble affairs. #### Nobility and influential families ... > [!caption|right] > ![[crests-of-axonder.png|330]] > Official Crests of the Kingdom of Axonder There are several [[noble houses of Axonder]] who hold great importance within the kingdom. Their influence is determined by their wealth and relationship with the royal family, but more importantly, their ability to uphold themselves in combat and protection. Due to the severity of danger in the lands in which they reside, it is often for nobles to value their power and skill, even sometimes above typical noble traditions and manners. The most influential of them include those of wit and skill. Some of the noble houses are the following: - **House Ezel**: Prominent family led by a tiefling duke. In charge of guarding the western border of Axonder and aiding adventurers and travelers to and from the kingdom. Descendant-run by King Aeon's head general. - **House Foscerra**: Well-known family run by a count. Known for being in charge of territory as well as relics and defense within the Lands of Despair. - **House Nyxhallow**: Minor noble family within the kingdom. For centuries they have held records and ancient history of the kingdom and lore of the world. - **House Laval**: A barony within Ezel territory. They keep the dangers that reside in the Shrouded Vale in check, and contribute to research and smithing. - **House Sûrhaven**: In charge of the northern forces and most of Axonder's knights; Ruling over the city of Sûrhaven. - **House D'Aquil**: Ruling over Fyrêt, they specialize in farmland and crops. - **House De Luco**: Rulers of Leière, they are a lesser noble family who deals mostly in fishing and labor. - **House Deveraux**: A minor family within Foscerra territory. Known as keepers of lore and hardened warriors who fight monsters. - **House Bernard**: Minor noble family of engineers who specialize in crafting and selling clockwork trinkets. #### Military ... ##### [[Knights of Eclipse]] ... The [[Knights of Eclipse]] is a collective unit and the primary military of Axonder. They are tasked with being the ruling hand of law within the kingdom and make up the vast majority of the military reserve in Axonder. They patrol every major city in the kingdom to keep order and justice within the already chaotic walls. Many of its soldiers consist of descendants of those who fought alongside King Aeon in the War of Light and Shadow—as their survivors were granted the title of Knight of Eclipse when the kingdom was first founded. *Here are some of the most notable knights:* - **[[Ofort Cera-kol]]**: Also known as "Starbreaker," he is a goliath and captain; Princess Lucia's personal guard. ##### [[Ebony Mercenaries]] ... The Ebony Mercenaries is a tight-knit group of mercenaries allied with the royal family. Little is known of them besides tales of their aid against monsters and evil outside the walls of civilization within the kingdom. *Here are some of the most notable mercenaries:* - **[[Shadow Blade]]**: A [[human]] woman seemingly tasked with aiding those facing [[the Sombre]]. - **[[Fiora]]**: Shadow Blade's sister and a young yet capable woman who, despite being coddled by her sister, helps out where she's able. ## History #### Independence from Sorathane ... Around 405 P.D., there was a rebellion within the nobility of the [[Holy Kingdom of Sorathane]] which resulted in a 5-year-long revolution. This movement was led primarily by minor nobility and priests who disagreed with the laws and presentation of gods and religion. As a result, King Lihan Sorathane II sought to abolish the worship of certain deities to appease and quell those who revolted. However, this only strengthened the just goals of those who spread their revolution. Races from [[elf|elves]] and [[human|humans]] to [[orc|orcs]] and [[tiefling|tieflings]] fought against the kingdom to earn justice—or better, freedom from the kingdom. This conflict became known as the [[War of Light and Shadow]]. After years of debate and bloodshed, all who remained finally found freedom. Dispersing from the kingdom, they embarked on a holy journey into southern [[Valkion]] in pursuit of a land they thought to be blessed by [[Saia|the Goddess]] herself. After traveling through the [[Kingdom of Ithor]], they settled in a land they called Aegisciel Fields—a stretch of land right outside of the Lands of Despair; a dead, uninhabitable wasteland filled to the brim with wild magic and ruins. These magically scarred reaches were said to be home to a land that thrived with the arcane and knowledge of gods from a time lost past. One of several who led the liberation was a young luxael elf named [[Aeon Axonder]]. He often led speeches of justice and conviction—said to preach the word of [[Saia]] to their followers, as well as motivation to push onward no matter what horrors they faced. Although not given a proper title at the time, many referred to him as the leader of the revolution. Due to this, when it was due time to establish a societal government among the people, all looked to him for guidance. As such, he struck the ground, and from it arose what is now known as the Kingdom of Axonder. #### Aftermath of the Revolution ... Proceeding the founding of Axonder, the kingdom was slowly built into what it is now. Settlements soon learned of the true danger that lurked in the region—faced with threat after threat by monsters and ungodly beasts that roamed the wilds they thought to be blessed, as well as the dreadful weather that plagued the land. They rarely saw sunlight, as dark clouds seemed to scarcely disperse, as well as terrible heat and blistering cold. Even after the bloodshed of war, reality set in that they were far from the peril of before. Within the next century, warriors and knights of the newfound kingdom repelled the dangers of their new world in the name of [[Saia|the Goddess]]. They soon erected cities and towns after developing fortresses, castles, and guard posts. The now-King of Axonder raised laws and jurisdiction across the land. He sought to better improve the lives of many, yet was unable to aid the rest. However, through the darkness, the kingdom held a confident, incredible first century thanks to the aid of Ithor. Desperate for assistance in the dreary, dark-skied lands, they sought assistance from the outside. At their call, the [[Kingdom of Ithor]] accepted their call for aid in exchange for knowledge and magical artifacts they found interest in. This union brought Axonder to a new age of prosperity; access to crops, resources, and finances they barely held before. #### The Battle of Austère ... It wasn't until the year 430 P.D. that monsters arose to combat Axonder's forces once more. These beasts were unlike before—demons and creatures of the darkness said to threaten [[Valkion]] with destruction. War between such beasts and the Kingdom broke out as aid from [[Kingdom of Ithor|Ithor]] kept the monsters at bay for awhile—a war known as the Battle of Austère. However, darkness crept further and further into Axonder, and the Kingdom threatened to fall. It was then that the [[Holy Kingdom of Sorathane]] caught wind of this and sent holy knights and priests to aid—preaching that they would not let destruction befall the land of [[Syphora]], or Valkion, again. Once they arrived, they erected a church, eventually called the Eastern Church, on the outskirts of Axonder that assisted in pushing back the monsters with their holy aid. After several arduous years of fighting, the creatures of darkness were quelled. Due to the kingdom's need for religious aid, the church remained and offered its aid to the people of Axonder. #### Current Day ... After centuries of relative calm in the kingdom, they have since dispersed from the havoc of monsters from the outside. Instead, corruption and poverty runs rampant within the walls. Crime lurks in the dark streets, and what law the king enacted stays firm, but to little avail. For the past ten years, the kingdom has been stricken with a sudden influx of crime and corruption as an abrupt sickness has plagued the king. Unable to rule, the current Queen of Axonder, [[Aurora Axonder]] has since taken his place in what duties she's capable of while rumors spread of his condition. Some say that he is soon to pass while others say that [[Saia|the Goddess]] will cure him in due time. ## Maps > [!caption|wmed] > ![[Map of Axonder.png|relative]] > Map of Axonder and the surrounding area ## Trivia ...