The Kingdom of Naloria is an ancient and powerful kingdom that stood tall for 300 years. It is in the south of the continent of Oretheon, a vast landmass known for its varied terrain and myriad climates. Oretheon is divided into five regions: the immense grasslands of Faeloria in the center, the icy tundra of Glaciana in the north, the lush forests of Verdonia in the south, the arid desert of Dunea in the east, and the imposing mountain range of Montania in the west. Nestled within the verdant forests of Verdonia, the land of Naloria thrives.
Naloria is one of the jewels of Verdonia, boasting a rich history and a hierarchical system that has been in place for centuries. The kingdom is ruled by the mighty King Alaric, a man known throughout the land for his wisdom and bravery. The kingdom is then divided into five duchies, each led by a Duke who has pledged his loyalty to the king.
The Dukes are potent rulers, each commanding an army of knights and managing the lands within their domain. Under the Dukes are the Marquesses, who control important fortresses and strategic locations throughout the kingdom. Each Marquess commands a battalion of knights and is responsible for maintaining peace and order within their territory.
Next in line are the Earls, who manage smaller regions within the duchies. They are entrusted with the duty of protecting the kingdom's borders and maintaining the infrastructure within their domain. Each Earl is supported by a team of Viscounts, who act as their advisors and help them in managing their territories.
Barons come next, ruling over the most minor divisions of land within the kingdom. They are responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining law and order within their baronies. The Knights, the backbone of Naloria, owe their allegiance to the Barons, Earls, Marquesses, Dukes, and ultimately, the King. They are the warriors and protectors of Naloria, harnessing the power of the elements and their physical strength to defend their kingdom.
Naloria is surrounded by four other kingdoms: the seafaring realm of Emerald Isle to the south, the rugged mountain kingdom of Stormwatch to the west, the realm of Elysia to the east, and the grassland kingdom of Prata to the north. Each of these kingdoms has a unique culture and way of life, adding to the rich tapestry of life on the southern front of the Oretheon continent.
Nestled on the fringes of the Kingdom of Naloria, along the western frontier, lies Blackwood Barony. This lush and expansive land is an untouched paradise, teeming with towering oak and pine trees, their canopies merging to create a natural green tapestry. Veins of sparkling rivers and brooks cut through the landscape, their crystal-clear waters reflecting the vibrant hues of the forest. It is a land of profound tranquility and breathtaking beauty, a contrast to the constant vigilance the borderland demanded.
Within this sprawling verdant expanse of a Barony, the household of Knights known as the Balmore has made their stronghold. Their estate, known as the Balmore Keep, is a formidable stone fortress nestled in the heart of the forest. It is surrounded by a natural moat formed by the Serpent River.
The Balmores are renowned throughout Naloria for their prowess and valor, their name synonymous with honor and courage. Despite not having the power to compete with the Viscounts' families, the Balmores have earned an undisputed reputation, their might rivaling that of the Barons' forces.
The Balmores are led by the formidable Sir Garret Balmore, a Tier 2 level 3 Knight known as the Forest's Warden. A knight of exceptional skill and strength, Sir Garret has led his family's knights through countless battles and skirmishes, defending Blackwood Barony from threats and maintaining peace at the kingdom's edge.
The Balmores are a tight-knit group, their bond forged in the fires of combat and brotherhood. The knights live and train together, their days filled with rigorous drills and duties that keep them in top form. Their nights are spent around roaring bonfires, sharing tales of their exploits and singing songs that echo through the deep forest.
Despite their martial focus, the Balmores hold a deep respect for the land they call home. They understand the delicate balance of the forest and strive to protect it, their stewardship as much a part of their duty as their combat prowess. The Balmores have harnessed the natural advantages their lush surroundings offer, using the forest as both a shield and a weapon, their knowledge of the terrain often tipping the scales in their favor during conflicts.
In the grand dining hall of the Blackwood Keep, a large wooden table groaned under the weight of an extravagant feast. The air was filled with the tantalizing smell of roasted venison, freshly baked bread, and sweet mead. Yet, the atmosphere was far from celebratory; it was stifling, oppressive, and heavy with sorrow.
At the head of the table sat Sir Garret Balmore, the patriarch of the family. His usually vibrant eyes were dulled with grief, and the lines on his face deepened by worry. His broad shoulders, which had carried the weight of his household, seemed to sag under the burden of the recent events.
To his right sat his wife, Lady Isolde Balmore, a woman of exceptional beauty and grace. Her face was pale, her usually radiant eyes red and puffy from countless nights of weeping. The vibrant woman who was once the heart of the household had been transformed into a ghost of her former self.
Their two younger children sat across from them. The younger son, Percival, was a mirror image of his father in his youth, with his fiery red hair and sharp features. His hands were clenched into fists, his knuckles white with the strain. His eyes, usually filled with laughter, were now cold and hard.
Next to him was his sister, Rose, the youngest of the Balmore children. Her delicate features were set in an expression far too solemn for her tender age. Her sparkling blue eyes were clouded with confusion and fear, her lower lip quivering as she glanced at the empty chair at the table.
That chair belonged to Eldric, the eldest son, who was nowhere to be found. The echo of his absence filled the room more than any sound could. He had been the life of their household, his laughter and energy a constant source of joy and warmth.
A few days prior, an imperial decree had arrived, bearing the seal of the second prince and the crown prince of the kingdom. It read that Eldric Balmore, the pride of the Blackwood Barony, was sentenced to death for stealing the second prince's horse, an act he had no memory of committing.
The news had struck the household like a bolt of lightning, leaving them stunned and reeling. The decree had been passed to the Balmores, a chilling reminder of the power the royals held over their lives. However, the crown prince intervened, resulting in Eldric's sentence being commuted to exile and the damage to his core. When Eldric was younger, he had the honor of saving a wounded crown prince and thus gained his favor, which led to him being spared.
The day the decree arrived was etched into their memories. Sir Garret had read the decree aloud, his voice shaking with suppressed anger and despair. Lady Isolde had fainted, the parchment slipping from her limp hand. Percival had roared in disbelief, while Rose had burst into tears.
In the gloomy silence of the dining hall, the Balmore family sat around the table, the untouched feast a stark reminder of their loss. They stared at the empty chair, their hearts heavy with the absence of Eldric, their lives forever marked by the shadow of the decree. Ethan, although spared, was a great relief; the thought of the son of Balmore being exiled and with no way able to protect himself left the family in tatters.
< Somewhere a few thousands of kilometers away >
It had been a week since Eldric Balmore was banished from the warmth of his family; his core was damaged, and his world turned upside down. He had journeyed beyond the borders of Naloria, passed through the kingdom of Stormwatch, and had now ventured into the western region of Oretheon - the mountainous expanse of Montania. His journey had been arduous, every step a reminder of his fallen status.
The money his family had given him was dwindling, with only a few coins left in his pouch. To conserve his remaining funds, Eldric had decided to scale the Stormfire Range, a rugged, untouched stretch of land known for its inhospitable environment and treacherous terrain.
The mountain lay before him like a beast, its jagged peaks piercing the sky. The wind howled around him, whipping his hair and coat as he began his arduous ascent. The rocky terrain was rough under his hands and feet, every crevice and ledge a challenge to overcome.
"I would've been able to climb this dumb mountain easily if I still had my core," he muttered to himself, frustration seeping into his voice. His breath came out in ragged gasps as he pulled himself up the mountain, his muscles screaming in protest.
Seeking a momentary respite, Eldric spotted a rock large enough to sit on. As he moved towards it, a sudden rustle from the underbrush startled him. A mountain goat-like creature sprung out, its eyes wild and startled. Startled, Eldric staggered back, his foot slipping on the loose gravel.
With a cry, he found himself sliding down the mountainside. Desperately, he reached out, and his hand closed around a sturdy-looking branch. His heart pounded in his chest as he dangled precariously over a gaping ravine. One slip, one mistake, and he would plunge into the abyss.
***
Eldric Balmore awoke with a start, his body drenched in sweat and aching all over. He groaned in pain, his battered body protesting as he tried to sit up. As his senses returned, he realized something that made his heart leap - he was alive.
"I'm... I'm alive," he gasped, a wave of relief washing over him. Tears welled up in his eyes and spilled down his cheeks, the stark realization of his survival overwhelming him. He thought of his family, a glimmer of hope sparking in his heart that he might see them again.
After a few moments, Eldric managed to calm himself, wiping away his tears and taking a deep breath. His eyes, now clear, took in his surroundings.
He found himself in an expanse of unparalleled beauty - a cavernous arena sculpted by nature herself. Towering rocks reached upwards, forming a natural dome. A hole in the top let in a stream of sunlight, bathing the cavern in a warm, golden glow. A river flowed gently through the cavern, its crystal-clear water glimmering under the sun.
He found himself surrounded by a lush meadow, the grass a vibrant green, dotted with wildflowers in a riot of colors. Vegetation thrived all around, the air fresh with the scent of leaves and damp earth.
The sound of cascading water drew his attention to a breathtaking waterfall, its water plunging down from a high cliff and pooling into the river. A rainbow flickered in the mist, adding to the ethereal beauty of the place.
Staggering to his feet, Eldric tried to take in the enormity of his situation. He traced his fall, his eyes following the waterfall upwards, realizing that he had fallen from those very heights. His heart pounded in his chest, the gravity of his luck sinking in.
He slowly walked towards the waterfall, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. "I guess this is where I came down from. It seems I fell into a river and flowed downstream to here," he thought, a shiver running down his spine. For all the beauty around him, it was a stark reminder of the danger he had faced.
But for now, he was safe. He was alive. And as he gazed at the waterfall, the sun casting a heavenly glow around him, Eldric Balmore dared to hope once more.
Eldric spent the rest of the day exploring the cavern. He noticed how its walls were covered in a variety of moss and lichen, creating an intricate tapestry of greens and yellows. The fertile soil, enriched by the river, was perfect for cultivation. He found fruit-bearing trees and bushes, their branches heavy with ripe fruit. The river was teeming with fish, their scales glistening under the sunlight.
"This place," Eldric thought, his eyes surveying the serene beauty around him, "is a paradise. Why not make it my home, it's not like I can go anywhere from here on. I have no place to wonder to."
He ventured towards the other end of the river, which flowed out of the cavern and into an open mountain region. The region was teeming with small animals, scurrying about in the undergrowth and darting between the rocks. A large lake filled with clear water lay beyond the river, surrounded by towering mountains. It was a picturesque place, untouched by man.
However, Eldric was no fool. He knew that this beauty could also harbor danger. He decided to stay close to the mouth of the cavern, not daring to venture too far into the mountains.
He remembered the seeds in his pocket. A spark of hope ignited within him. With these, he could start a small farm. Food would be fine here.
But he needed shelter, and for that, he needed tools. He spent the next few hours crafting a crude axe from a sturdy branch and a sharp stone. With this, he felled a few trees and began to build his hut.
Hours of hard labor later, Eldric stood back to admire his handiwork. It was no architectural marvel - just a simple structure made of logs and leaves. But it was his. His sanctuary in this beautiful yet unforgiving wilderness.
He was exhausted, his body screaming for rest. But as he looked at his cozy little hut, a wave of satisfaction washed over him. He had survived the fall, discovered paradise, and now built a home. Eldric knew that he had a long way to go, but for now, he was content. As the sun set, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, he stepped inside his hut and prepared to rest, eagerly awaiting the dawn of a new day in his newfound home.
Eldric collapsed onto the floor of his makeshift shelter, his body aching from the exertion of the day. Just as the sweet embrace of sleep was about to claim him, a deafening sound echoed in his mind, causing him to bolt upright.
*Ding* "Congratulations for building your Keep and awakening the Knight Household system."
His eyes widened in shock as a translucent screen appeared before him. The screen, which seemed to float in mid-air, displayed several categories:
[Name: Eldric Balmore]
[Household Name: None]
[Power: None (Core damaged)]
[Household Power: None]
[Army: None]
[Quests: None]
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