Arden

For the last five hundred years, the Grand Empire of the Aurelian has ruled over an era of prosperity and peace. Driven by the iron will and technological brilliance of its founder, the Empire dominated the lands of its home continent and its nearest siblings. An unparalleled mixture of arcane power, scientific expertise, diplomatic cunning, and the favor of the gods allowed the Empire's forces to conquer its vast swathes of territory.   Foremost among these forces were the Champions of the Palace, the commanders of the Empire's armies. These Paladins had no equals or betters, save Emperor Aurelian himself whom they had bound themselves to by fealty. Equipped with war machines and armors that were as much science as they were magic, the Paladins and their champions led the armies that forged the Empire. With it came the first peace that many of mankind's warring petty kingdoms and clans had known since the tyrants of the Magocracies.   Yet, now the line of the Aurelian has all but vanished due to insularity and incompetent descendants. The Noble Houses of the Empire, descendants of the Paladins, watch the throne with care. Though they may have once been united in purpose guarding Emperor and expanding the domain, they now look inward at one another with suspicion. All it may take for the war machines to go forth and a new generation of Paladins to don the techno-magical armor is a single spark.