Story of Faunerro
Exposition of the Faunerro Setting
Divine Era
Strange New Beginnings
How or why the world came to be is uncertain. The current inhabitants only know that it was a grand and forgotten deity that brought them here. These strangers of this world know it to be old as the ruins of a previous civilization still stand. An echo from the past beckoned to avoid what fate could have become of those before.
The Reverie, a pantheon of celestials known as caels (sai-ell), readied the provinces where these chosen races would have their own domains. Overtime, as the people got acquainted with their new home, they figured forming a grand alliance would help ease off the pressure of exploring their regions.
Eventually, with the divine blessing from the Reverie above, the grand Kingdom of Ardentry formed as a prosperous union. For 1,000 years, peace and harmony was just normality. Any disputes or grievances would often be minor or trivial things as many got to enjoy the quiet life.
Vicians of Maledict, Arise
As if waiting for the right moment, vile demons of Maledict, called vicians, sprung out from hiding. A quarter of the Kingdom was nearly lost from the initial shock. Whether by fear or temptation, some were swayed to join the evils of Maledict against their own. Hope had begun to wane.
The caels above were just as shocked. They knew these vicians existed before but were uncertain as to why they barely did anything. Plans were made in case Maledict acted up but this incursion surpassed anything they anticipated. Overall, the caels had stumbled to retaliate and aid the realm. It was their aid during the siege on the City of Hearth that turned the fighting in Ardentry’s favor finally.
Shattered Era
Road to Recovery
With time, the vicians of Maledict may not have been pushed entirely back to where they came but they lurk in far off uncharted areas beyond current maps. A strange, unspoken truce then occurred then where both the vicians and Ardentry backed off to avoid more mass casualties. At least for the moment…
Inquisition’s Purge
In the aftermath, more selfish desires awakened within the mortals. Traits such as greed, pride, envy, and more arose. Under the belief that it was the work of Maledict’s corruption, the Inquisition was formed and appointed with authority by the monarch in hopes of restoring the old peaceful ways of life. The work of the inquisitors was easy at first, identifying and purging out vician influence raised their confidence greatly. The problems began to arise as zealous hunters ruled settlements with iron fists. Anyone suspected of heresy, or even astray from the Reverie’s way of beliefs, were swiftly sought with strict scrutiny.
The Lendstead Case
One of the most severe cases that many point to for the Inquisition’s abuse of authority is the Lendstead Family case. The Lendsteads were a family of stouts that were a quiet bunch. They only interacted with their community if they needed such as selling their produce to the markets. It was their lack of attendance to the church did it arouse the suspicions of Captain Helmbert, Inquisitor Captain within the valley. Many spies were sent to observe the family and their activities.
It all spiraled when the Lendsteads began noticing the spies and hunters watching them. They became even more reclusive by hiding indoors more, drawing out more paranoia from the Inquisition. When the father, Jameson Lendstead, confronted Captain Helmbert about these invasive activities, it was not taken likely. The Inquisition did a full raid on their home, put every family member on trial for suspicions of heretical behavior, and even tortured a few of them in hopes of getting a confession.
When the locals did their own investigating, they found no sign of Maledian influence or vician presence within their home. Captain Helmbert got defensive and accused the residents of blasphemy for losing trust in, and undermining, the Inquisition’s efforts. In a last ditch effort, Helmbert torched the Lendstead farm as a show of force for further dissent against the Inquisition.
The Lendstead Case inevitably reached Hearth and the magistrates there became shocked by it. More of the Inquisition’s abuses of power soon came to light, stirring unrest within the provinces from there.
Evendur Dundragon’s Golden Days
A war hero from Maledict’s incursion, Evendur Dundragon became appointed as king over Ardentry. One of his first moves was to demote the Inquisition after hearing these troubles. It would no longer have official authority but instead act as specialists against the threats of Maledict. He reasoned that by trying to purify Ardentry so intensely risks taking more innocents than Vicians along the way. A new age was upon the Kingdom and it was time to embrace it.
What Happens Now?
Queen Amelia Dundragon
With the current year, a disastrous regent over the throne had been making the Dukes and Duchesses uneasy. Constant defeats and losses trying to keep the kingdom intact has been an issue and the regent withholding the Auxiliary army made things only worse. The dukes and duchesses turned their eyes to another member of the Dundragon family line, Amelia Dundragon. She did meet the bare requirements for being a monarch but there was still uneasiness if she would pull through.
Amelia has much to learn. With the kindhearted Albert Mayhew at her side as an advisor, she still struggles to provide the people confidence. Living up to the family name of Dundragon will only make it more difficult with the expectations to come.
Champions of Maledict, Arise
It is a poor time for many people in Ardentry, as the Deviser has lost his champion. Maledict is keen to procure a replacement as it would mean a great deal of influence in the Cult. For each of the Overlords, they seek someone who has both power and embodies their ideals. Desideri’s wyrmbloods contest for the biggest horde of wealth, Alkaran’s roden aspire to become the pack with the biggest horde, Sidresk demands someone who can show a great deal of despair upon Ardentry, Irator watches to see who among his followers are the best warriors, and Verita gives her approval for the household with the greatest sway of power.
Once a champion prevails for each Overlord, they are then pitted against the other. The victor has the greatest honorary title of the Deviser’s champion.
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