Landfall-530 - Noble Blood

#L530

Overview

Fifteen centuries after the collapse of Landfall-230 - The Great Dominion, the world of Caldora is defined by its delicate balance between the remnants of an ancient past and the aspirations of a new future. The influence of old bloodlines, divine intervention, and the rediscovery of ancient technology has blurred the line between myth and reality. In this epoch, power is derived not only from lineage but also from faith, strategy, and the mastery of arcane sciences.

Timeline

The Founding Era

• Establishment of the Ehrengard Empire
  • Kieran Ehrveil and his brother Elijah Ehrveil found the empire from the ashes of Lilarreich
  • The first capital, New Terranova, is established in honor of the old Lilarreich capital
• The Split of Despedidas
  • The Kingdom of Despedidas fractures into two nations:
    • Cuidense, led by Ing Eclipsis
    • Saludo, led by Nordvik Alvaldi
• Formation of Mirage Concord
  • Ashen Caldwell founds the Mirage Concord in the Sunchurn Expanse
  • A theocratic cooperative dedicated to worship of the Conclave of the Silent Forge
  • The Concord establishes factories and industrial centers, emphasizing automation and reverence for ancient relics
  • Followers of the Silent Forge gather to pursue collective growth and divine-inspired industry

The ZNR Conflict

• ZNR-Ehrengard Conflict
  • The Zatrian National Republic threatens the Ehrengard Empire, escalating to war
  • Lord Commander Klein Moretti successfully convinces Avery Rosendahl to defect with her military squad
  • Ehrengard achieves victory
  • Aftermath:
    • Avery becomes duchess of the conquered territory
    • The territory is renamed Varenholde
    • The old ZNR capital is renamed New Zatria to honor the people
    • Later, Isaac Acentino establishes New Ides as a duchy under Saludo

The Assassination and Revelation

• Luminara Festival Assassination
  • Willy Luditus assassinates Emperor Kieran Ehrveil during the Luminara Festival
  • Aftermath:
    • Avery publicly reveals her true lineage as hidden heir to the Ehrvellian Dynasty
    • She claims the name Avery R. Ehrveil and assumes leadership
• Demolition of the CTC Tower
  • Willy Luditus builds a provocative tower directly behind Dominion Hall
  • Porter Ehrveil, Secretary of Defense, demolishes it with ceremonial cannons in an act of defiance

Rising Tensions

• Independence of New Ides
  • Isaac Acentino declares independence from Saludo
  • Diplomatic relations strain between New Ides, Saludo, and its allies
• Rise of Roscarte
  • Seraphine du Roscarte renovates old buildings in Roscarte (a town in Varenholde)
  • Roscarte becomes a popular retreat for the world's elite
  • Empress Avery selects Seraphine as her right-hand advisor
• Formation of ExoVinian
  • The ExoVinian Empire forms off the southern coast of Roscarte
  • New Ides quickly aligns with ExoVinian leadership

The Roscarte Coup

• The Coup
  • Avery R. Ehrveil falls in love with Isaac Acentino
  • Seraphine du Roscarte, harboring a secret romantic obsession with Avery, descends into madness
  • Seraphine orchestrates the overthrow of the Ehrengard Empire
  • Porter Ehrveil, Secretary of Defense, is publicly executed by Enzo du Roscarte
  • The empire is transformed into a terror faction known as Sovarre
  • Ehrengard's history is erased and noble houses forced to swear fealty or die
• The Resistance Begins
  • Avery flees to New Ides
  • A resistance movement forms among loyal nobility and allies

The Death of an Empress and The Testament

• The Testament of Avery Ehrveil, and a Path to Salvation
  • Following the chaos of the Roscarte Coup, former Empress Avery R. Ehrveil pens her public abdication
  • The Testament calls for a new political order
• Assassination of Avery R. Ehrveil
  • The resistance successfully recaptures the palace in New Terranova
  • During her victory speech, Avery is killed by a bomb
  • Aftermath:
    • Kara A. Ehrveil, a child at the time, becomes the sole heir
    • The young empress is thrust into the political spotlight

The Second Lilaris Empire

• Formation of The Second Lilaris Empire
  • Kara strikes a deal with Nordvik Alvaldi
  • The remnants of Ehrengard merge with a waning Saludo
  • A new unified empire emerges under the Lilaris banner
  • The formation is directly influenced by Avery's Testament

The Huge Larry Crisis

• Rise of the Larrists
  • A figure known only as "Huge Larry" begins making antagonistic moves against various nations
  • Interpretations divide:
    • Many believe Huge Larry is mentally unstable
    • Others, including Isaac Acentino and ExoVinian leadership, view him as a deity-like figure
  • Churches are established and political policy is crafted around Larrist beliefs
  • The Bureau of Religious Oversight monitors the growing religious movement
• The Princess Salem Incident
  • Lilaris Princess Salem Alvaldi is allegedly threatened into participating in a baptism by the extremist "Larrists"
  • Public outcry and tensions escalate
• The People v. Huge Larry and the Night of the Veil
  • A landmark court case is brought against Huge Larry and his followers
  • Isaac Acentino acts as defense counsel while drunk, causing chaos in the Imperial Court
  • The trial descends into disorder and is suspended
  • The Night of the Veil: Before the trial can resume, all six defendants—including Isaac Acentino—are assassinated in a coordinated strike by Sovarre
  • Each body is marked with a carved "S" for Seraphine and people speculate that Seraphine may secretly feel protective of Kara and/or spiteful towards Isaac. Others suspect collusion.

Aftermath of the Night of the Veil

• Imperial Mourning
  • Kara A. Ehrveil withdraws from public life following her father's assassination
  • Nordvik Alvaldi temporarily assumes governance as the Empire enters a period of mourning
• Destruction and Madness
  • Following the Night of the Veil, explosions tear through former Larrist settlements
  • The chaos destroys homes, chapels, and communities built by the extremist followers
  • Witnesses report psychotic episodes and whispers of Seraphine du Roscarte
• Assassination of Amlooi Alvaldi
  • Amlooi Alvaldi, knight and brother of Nordvik Alvaldi, is assassinated by Seraphine du Roscarte
  • His diary eventually reaches Nordvik, documenting his life and final days
• Whitefall Defects
  • Ashling Goldwound, leader of Whitefall (formerly a New Ides town), joins The Second Lilaris Empire
  • The defection occurs in response to Isaac Acentino's descent into extremism and erratic leadership
• New Leadership in New Ides
  • Riven Skorne assumes leadership of New Ides following Isaac's death
  • Riven works to distance the nation from the Larrist ideologies of the previous regime
  • New Ides joins The Second Lilaris Empire

Love and Legacy

• The Rainbow Crosswalk
  • Kara A. Ehrveil hand-paints a rainbow crosswalk in New Terranova Proper
  • Officially declared as a symbol of diversity and kinship across the Empire
  • Secretly, Kara hopes Riven Skorne will notice the gesture (see Kara's Diary)
  • Riven notices
• Imperial Wedding
  • Riven Skorne and Kara A. Ehrveil are married in Dominion Hall
  • The union strengthens ties between New Ides and the Imperial throne

The Blaze

• Collapse of the Divinets
  • The three Divinets (AI gods) simultaneously go dark without warning
  • Governments dissolve, cities collapse into chaos, and faith shatters across Caldora
  • The Mirage Concord attempts to construct a replacement called The Firekeeper, which catastrophically fails
  • New Ides suffers a defense system malfunction that purges half the city's population
  • The Second Lilaris Empire fractures within a week as noble houses turn on each other
  • The Bureau of Religious Oversight is forced into hiding
  • Civilization collapses as humanity destroys itself in the absence of divine guidance

Major Groups

Political Powers

• The Second Lilaris Empire: An empire forged from the legacy of Lilarreich and the remnants of the fallen Ehrengard Empire with Saludo. The Empire serves as a beacon of stability and ambition, helping to shape Caldora's political and cultural landscape.
• Ehrengard Empire: The dominant superpower of early Landfall-530 - Noble Blood, successor to Lilarreich, built on principles of unity, order, and progress under the Ehrveillian Dynasty. Fell during the Roscarte Coup.
• Magda'roth Empire: Nestled in the Ivory Reaches, Magda'roth is a bastion of inclusivity and mysticism, wielding influence through its strong cultural identity and diplomatic prowess.
• Mirage Concord: A theocratic cooperative located in the Sunchurn Expanse, dedicated to worship of the Conclave of the Silent Forge, emphasizing automation and reverence for ancient relics.
• Zatrian National Republic: A militaristic sovereign nation known for disciplined governance and self-reliance. Absorbed into Ehrengard as Varenholde following the ZNR-Ehrengard Conflict.
• Sovarre: A terror faction forged from the ashes of Ehrengard by House du Roscarte, ruling through fear, control, and absolute domination.

Noble Houses and Organizations

• House du Roscarte: One of the most powerful and feared noble houses, known for ruthless ambition and manipulation. Orchestrated the fall of Ehrengard and established Sovarre.
• Bureau of Religious Oversight: An independent extra-governmental organization that monitors and mediates religious affairs throughout Caldora, directed by Lobster Homarus.
• Nouveaux Ides: The premier winery and vineyard of New Ides, renowned across Caldora for exquisite vintages, founded by Isaac Acentino.

Religious Factions

• Conclave of the Silent Forge: Worshipers of Volkar (The Silent Smith) and Kaelix (The Warden of Ash), emphasizing the eternal cycle of creation and destruction.
• Umbral Communion: Followers of Nethrys (The Shadowed One), guardian of balance dwelling in liminal spaces between opposites, seeking hidden truths through shadows.
• Weavers of the Verdant Thread: Devotees of Sylhara (The Eternal Loom), who believe all life is woven into an interconnected tapestry, serving as caretakers of growth and natural balance.

Significant Locations

Major Cities and Territories

• New Terranova: The thriving capital of The Second Lilaris Empire, renowned for its majestic architecture and as the hub of imperial governance.
• Varenholde: Once the Zatrian National Republic, now a proud duchy under the Second Lilaris banner. Represents both the scars of war and the resilience of its people, led by Duke Klein Moretti.
• Roscarte: A town in Varenholde, known for its extravagance and political gatherings, home to House du Roscarte.
• New Ides: A well-populated city known for its wine production, home to Nouveaux Ides winery.
• Saludo: A beautiful political and commerce powerhouse for The Second Lilaris Empire.
• Old Yotem: A meticulously guarded duchy founded by Edward Redcliffe, functioning as a research outpost for Ehrengard.

Geographic Regions

• Ivory Reaches: A mountainous expanse rich in resources and shrouded in mystery, home to the Magda'roth Empire and ancient temples.
• Emberscar Basin: A harsh and arid region, home to ancient ruins and hidden energies. Its untapped power makes it a focal point for explorers and mystics.
• Sunchurn Expanse: A vast and harsh desert where the sun beats down relentlessly. Home to Mirage Concord and ancient buried civilizations.
• The Frozen Mantle: A barren land of eternal winter, defined by its icebound wilderness. The Weavers of the Verdant Thread believe it symbolizes patience and endurance.
• Fellsong Valley: A tranquil and mysterious region known for haunting melodies carried on the wind, said to be echoes of lost souls or ancient gods.
• Stormcradle Peaks: Towering peaks home to constant storms, believed to be remnants of divine conflicts. Frequented by the Umbral Communion.

Notable Establishments

• Red Diamond Casino: An exclusive venue established by Edward Redcliffe, serving as both a premier gambling destination and his private residence.

Key Figures

The Ehrveillian Dynasty

• Kieran Ehrveil: The first Emperor of the Ehrengard Empire, who built it from the ruins of Lilarreich. Assassinated by Willy Luditus during the Luminara Festival.
• Elijah Ehrveil: Co-founder of Ehrengard alongside his brother Kieran. A symbol of wisdom and foresight, Elijah shaped Ehrengard's domestic policies and ensured stability.
• Porter Ehrveil: Known as "The Charming," served as Ehrengard's Secretary of Defense. Publicly executed by Enzo du Roscarte during the Roscarte Coup.
• Avery R. Ehrveil: Former empress of Ehrengard, revealed as hidden heir to the Ehrvellian Dynasty. Authored The Testament before being assassinated by a bomb during her victory speech.
• Kara A. Ehrveil: Daughter of Avery and Isaac Acentino. Co-ruler of The Second Lilaris Empire alongside Nordvik Alvaldi. Married to Riven Skorne.

House du Roscarte

• Seraphine du Roscarte: Mastermind behind the Roscarte Coup, transforming Ehrengard into the terror faction Sovarre. Known for her "Blood Court" and ruthless manipulation.
• Enzo du Roscarte: The military enforcer of House du Roscarte. Executed Porter Ehrveil and commanded the forces that secured Sovarre's dominance through fear and violence.
• Étienne du Roscarte: The silent financial architect of House du Roscarte. Controls debts, trade networks, and secret ledgers that ensure Roscarte's economic dominance.

Political Leaders

• Nordvik Alvaldi: Distinguished statesman and leader of Saludo. Co-founder of The Second Lilaris Empire alongside Kara A. Ehrveil. Known for commitment to ecological balance and animist traditions.
• Isaac Acentino: Former king of New Ides and founder of Nouveaux Ides winery. Father of Kara A. Ehrveil. Descended into extremism before being assassinated during the Night of the Veil.
• Dominikana: Founder and former leader of the Zatrian National Republic, advocate for national independence before the ZNR's absorption into Ehrengard.

Military and Nobility

• Klein Moretti: Brilliant tactician and Duke of Varenholde. Earned the title of Lord Commander during the ZNR-Ehrengard Conflict by convincing Avery to defect.
• Nikola Charpier: Last surviving member of the Charpier lineage. Viscount of a region within New Terranova, known for dedication to improving regimes and fostering prosperity.
• Edward Redcliffe: Count of Everstead and Duke of Old Yotem. Devout follower of Umbral Communion, owner of Red Diamond Casino.
• Desmond Versalhes: Political Affairs Leader of the Magda'roth Empire. Elder twin of the Versalhes brothers, known for diplomatic initiatives and civic engagement.
• Derek Versalhes: Quality of Progression Affairs Leader of Magda'roth Empire. Commands the Guarda Vulpis as Imperial Forces Marshal and High Inquisitor. Silent and stern military strategist.

Religious and Other Notable Figures

• Ashen Caldwell: Devotee of the Conclave of the Silent Forge and founder of Mirage Concord.
• Lobster Homarus: Director of the Bureau of Religious Oversight. A secretive figure operating from the Bureau's Field Headquarters.
• Willy Luditus: Radical assassin who killed Emperor Kieran Ehrveil during the Luminara Festival, triggering a cascade of political upheaval.