Gloomhaven

Overview:

Once known as Brighthaven, this kingdom was the jewel of the Canyon Kingdoms (The Commonwealth of the Canyon Kingdoms ), famous for its crystal towers and philosophical wizard-monks. Its tragic fall transformed it into Gloomhaven, a land shrouded in darkness, necromancy, and ruin.

The Fall of Brighthaven

Long ago, the kingdom of Brighthaven was a land of radiant beauty and light. Nestled within one of the great canyon regions of the world, it was a proud member of the Canyon Kingdoms, known for its high cliffs, majestic architecture, and noble lineage. That all changed with one fateful event—an event that began like something out of a fairytale.

The beloved Princess Seraphyne, heir to the throne, was kidnapped by a fearsome black dragon named Vorranax. Held captive in a mountainous lair, her disappearance plunged the kingdom into despair. Her father, the king, promised half his kingdom and his daughter’s hand in marriage to any who could slay the beast and bring her home.

A noble knight answered the call.

He fought bravely, or so it was believed, and returned to Brighthaven with the princess, claiming victory. The kingdom rejoiced. A wedding was arranged, the people celebrated, and peace seemed restored.

But on the night of the wedding, the tale took a darker turn.

As the knight stood beside her at the altar, Seraphyne stabbed him through the heart.

Gasps filled the great hall, but the horror was not yet over. From the shadows, Vorranax appeared, not as a dragon—but in the guise of a tall, darkly handsome man. The truth was unveiled: Vorranax had faked his death, and during her captivity, had seduced Seraphyne. She had fallen for him—not through spells or manipulation, but through shared loneliness, forbidden desire, and the thrill of rebellion.

Together, they seized the throne.

Vorranax revealed his true form to the people, and the skies above Brighthaven darkened. Under the couple’s rule, the land twisted. Sunlight became rare, thunderstorms raged, and a perpetual gloom settled over the kingdom. What was once Brighthaven became known as Gloomhaven—a land of haunted ruins, dead trees, and cracked earth.

Years passed. From their dark union, a clutch of dragon eggs hatched, giving rise to a new race—the Drakien, dragon-blooded beings of humanoid form with claws, scales, and cunning minds. The Drakien became the elite of the kingdom, loyal to their mother and father, ruling over bandits, warlocks, and demon-worshippers who had fled to Gloomhaven, drawn by the power and promise of chaos.

Queen Seraphyne now rules from the Obsidian Spire, a towering fortress carved into the bones of the land itself. Vorranax, though seldom seen, watches from the shadows—still a dragon at heart, still coiled around his queen.

Together, they are whispered of in fearful tones.

And Brighthaven is remembered only in tales, lost beneath the stormclouds.

Current Rulers:

• Queen Seraphyne: Once the beloved crown princess, now an immortal dark queen.
• Vorranax the Black: Ancient dragon and warlord, often appearing in human guise.

Key Locations:

• The Obsidian Spire: Central fortress and royal seat.
• The Wyrmforge: Drakien-run volcanic foundry producing cursed weapons.
• The Hollow Cathedral: Corrupted temple to dark gods.
• Ashmarket: Black market of forbidden magic.
• The Cradle of Fire: Sanctuary where the first Drakien (dragonkin) hatched.

Inhabitants:

• The Drakien: Humanoid dragonkin, the elite ruling class.

• Undead: Cadavers animated by necromancer nobles.
• Dark Nobility: Vampire lords, warlocks, and demon-worshippers.
• Hidden Loyalists: Small enclaves of citizens still faithful to the Commonwealth, including the famed Gloomhaven Irregulars, a rebel company fighting in exile.

Legacy:

Gloomhaven is seen as a tragic cautionary tale across Aerenfall. While officially shunned, its dark allure draws rogue mages and treasure-seekers. There are rumours of Gloomhaven seeking to reapply for Commonwealth membership under new leadership, but the stain of Seraphyne and Vorranax’s reign makes reconciliation difficult.