Kingdom of Craidrade

Craidrade is a hidden, underwater Merfolk kingdom located in the depths of the Bluefin Gulf. Famously, it is the largest merfolk city near Ferra. Its exact location remains a well-guarded secret from the majority of surface dwellers. 
The kingdom has been ruled by House Stormcrest for many generations. Secrecy and the avoidance of the Imperials on the surface left them undisturbed and able to prosper. In recent years, however, the younger generations have grown ever more bold, raiding ships and plundering coastal villages, drawing the ire and even more dangerously the attention of the imperials.
== Geography ==
Craidrade is nestled deep within the Bluefin Gulf on a small plateau, deep enough to be virtually undetectable from the surface, but still high enough to be dimly illuminated by the sun.
The city itself is a marvel of natural and magical engineering, with coral towers that rise from the ocean floor, illuminated by bioluminescent flora and fauna. The kingdom’s architecture blends seamlessly with the natural environment, using materials like shell, coral, and enchanted pearls that shimmer in the dim light of the deep sea. 
The capital city is surrounded by thick kelp forests, treacherous whirlpools, and rocky cliffs, dangerous to all who lack the knowledge to navigate them. The kingdom’s depth ensures that only those with advanced magical abilities or the natural traits of the merfolk can reach its depths safely.
== History ==
The Kingdoms' origins can be traced back to the Storm's Wrath Tribe, a tribe of merfolk that escaped imperial enslavement during the Beastly Torment. For centuries, the tribe remained a nomadic people, raiding the occasional fishers village or merchant ship.
Eventually in the year 879 AtS the city was founded by the Kingdom's first King, King Tharil 'Blue Thunder' Stormcrest. As the city took shape, it attracted other merfolk tribes and grew from a small, hidden refuge into a thriving underwater metropolis. Now settled, the merfolk feared drawing attention to their new homes and started to increasingly isolate themselves from the surface world.
Since its founding, Craidrade has faced numerous threats from both within and outside its borders. The kingdom has defended itself from rogue sea creatures, internal factionalism, and even other merfolk tribes and kingdoms. However, through cunning, diligence, and dedication the Stormcreasts managed to hold on to power to this day.
== Territories ==
The Kingdom of Craidrade formally only rules over the city and surrounding ocean scape. It is however surrounded by many smaller merfolk tribes and settlements, over which it can exert significant influence. Together with these outlying, groups, its territories include, vast oceanic plains and various coral reefs teeming with life. These territories are rich in marine resources, from the abundant fish populations to the rare and magical sea plants that only grow in the depths of the gulf. 
Craidrade’s influence extends to several outposts and trading hubs scattered across the underwater world, where merfolk engage in commerce and gather intelligence. While Craidrade is the undisputed centre of power in the kingdom, these outlying territories and outposts are crucial to support the kingdom’s economy and defence.
== Politics ==
The Stormcrest family, led by King Tridarian Stormcrest and Queen-Consort Heldria Stormcrest, reigns supreme over the kingdom. Their rule is marked by a combination of strict adherence to tradition and a deep sense of responsibility to their people. 
The royal family is supported by a council of nobles, each representing different regions, factions, and tribes within the kingdom. While not formally wielding any power, these nobles can exert some influence on the royal family, and their alliances and rivalries often shape the kingdom’s political landscape.
The royal family is known for its protective nature towards their people, family and in particular, towards Princess Milriana Stormcrest, whose rebellious spirit has caused some tension within the palace. The search for Milri, who fled the kingdom with her lover Silka Sharklyn, has become a point of contention within the court, with some viewing it as a distraction from more pressing concerns.
Category:Nation