The Fractured Kingdoms

> *“They will tell you that we are without hope. But every new day resembles hope. A hope for what was to come again. To one day be able to see a brighter day. One without Rong's oppression.”*
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The Fractured Kingdoms is just one of the many terms that is given to the various realms that reside on the eastern continent. Many other names have been gifted to these realms and some don’t even see them as realms any more. Mere shadows and petty emulators of past dreams and realms. Many of the people who reside within these realms are considered ‘free’ compared to those who live underneath the reign within Rong. Despite many not living an ideal life and the threat of Rong ever present, there are many who consider it a worthy life. For it is one that is free from the oppression that occurs in Rong.

## History

The history of the Fractured Kingdoms varies from each existing fractured kingdom. But they all have something in common: their relation with Rong. With the aggressive expansion and domination of Rong on the eastern continent, many realms were shattered and either conquered or forced back. Regardless of their differences, all the Fractured kingdoms offered resistance against the expansion of Rong. And regardless of their attempts, none of them have been able to fully stop their enemy from overwhelming them. The best are now just mere shadows of what they once resembled. A fractured and shattered piece of something that was once bigger, powerful and better.

## Culture

The culture within the Fractured Kingdoms is by nature Rénese. Rén is the dominant language and while there are many different dialects, it is rare for the people of one fractured kingdom to not understand a person from another fractured kingdom. Traditions and manners might vary though between each of the Fractured Kingdom, having been developed on their own in their constant struggle against Rong and even before.

## The Fractured Kingdoms

There are various Fractured kingdoms and factions that exist on the eastern continent. They have their differences but they all long for the day that they can drive Rong back and establish their realm of old. But while one could argue that this would be a strong reason for an alliance between the Fractured Kingdoms, there are various old feuds and problems between most of these factions. A factor that has been exploited by Rong to keep the balance in their favour. Shattering the dream of many to see that Rong will be driven back or even destroyed.

### Lagyre

> *“Most of the continent knows wonderful and beautiful places. But to find one within Lagyre is as hard as trying to find a needle in a haystack.”*
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A place of hills, mountains and dry fields. Lagyre is considered to the likes of many other regions on the eastern continent to be one of the poorest. It certainly doesn’t help its general popularity that the denizens are quite hostile towards outsiders. However, this can be easily explained for the constant tension that has existed within the region for centuries. Where many point a blaming finger for the occupation of Rong, there have been many other factions, clans and people who have raided and invaded Lagyre. From Sanosuke raiders to nearby other Fractured Kingdom factions, such as Onmos and Sevudia, that invaded, proclaiming that Lagyre is technically theirs.

Yet despite the current occupation of Rong and incursions into their region, the locals have various places where they continue their struggle to obtain their independence. Within the mountains, they have managed to resist assaults from both Rongese as other forces.

### Sevudia

> *“Once it was a proud nation that was much richer and powerful than any of the past kingdoms. The prideful mounted aristocracy, the glorious large cities and noble royalty. All merely a shadow these days.”*
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The largest region on the eastern continent is known as Sevudia. It is a very fertile region that is held tight for most part under Rong’s influence and control. Not without a reason for many resources are produced and found within Sevudia’s original borders. As one might have expected, Sevudia has managed to hold off the incursions and expansion of Rong for the longest of time - when one compares the struggle of each Fractured Kingdom. When centuries ago, Sevudia’s lines of defense fell it would become fractured. Many hidden sites still offer some sanctuary for those who desire to live a better life than what Rong has to offer. But unlike some other regions, there are parts within Sevudia that are still independent. Or as those loyal to Rong would call it, *‘in open rebellion’.*

One of the most renowned sites is the old capital that is still ruled by the descendants of Zhu. One of the largest cities on the eastern continent, that isn’t governed by the laws of Rong, Qinjing, is the heart of the largest resistance to Rong. Situated in a most favourable position, the people of Qinjing hold a strong defense at the river and ruined city of Jangas. Small skirmishes occur on the daily basis and it is clear that the rulers of Qinjing aren't eager to hand over their independence without shedding more blood of those who pledged loyalty to Rong.

The people of Qinjing aren’t the only ones that offer firm resistance to the occupation of Rong. There are multiple places from which some sort of resistance is put up against Rong. The reason why there was never much of a grand success is because of the distrust, feuds and betrayals that have occured over the centuries between the Sevudian factions.

### Onmos

The region that is called Onmos is one of the smallest regions on the eastern continent. It is no surprise that it is one of the least populated areas within the eastern continent but that isn’t because of its size. It is because of the difficult terrain. If the scenery isn’t dominated by mountains, it is riddled with hills and woods. Despite Rong’s attempts to make some space and operate in the region, they haven’t been able to entirely dominate the area like they have with so many regions on the eastern continent.

The populace of Onmos is divided into two factions. One is called the Ancient Loyalists, that desire to bring the rule of the Prince-hero Jiang, to all of Onmos. They are located in the south of the country, constantly fighting off against the incursions of Rong. The northern parts of Onmos are held by the Nobles of Istmar. Nobles that have formed an oligarchy, that desire to return Onmos to peace but haven’t yet shown much enthusiasm to join any party, proclaiming themselves neutral.

### Ulalic

One of the least nations on the eastern continent, the people of Ulalic have been oppressed by the harsh regime of Rong for centuries. Many have already given into the Chant and the laws of Rong for decades, it has recovered somewhat from the grievous fighting that took place in the region. These days, Ulalic is one of the largest centres where Rong gets resources and manpower without much resistance.

Unlike the other Fractured Kingdoms, there isn’t much of an organised resistance in Ulalic. The stern Chant is still somewhat opposed by small factions but much like in Sevudia, these factions are also squabbling against each other. It is perhaps, however, sufficient to say Rong might use the squabbling of these Ulalic factions for their own good - to keep the populace having the idea that Rong is the better option.

### Arewen

The green pearl of the east, Arewen. Filled with dense forests and minerals, it is a region rich of resources. For that reason, Arewen has always been a target of Rongese incursions. Unlike the other Fractured Kingdoms, Arewen has managed to stay the most stable. Fighting off the Rongese attempts and invasions with various strategies, they have managed to enjoy times of peace and even some prosperity. This would come to an end with the late ruler, Zemin the Bold, who decided to rally one of the largest forces ever seen in Arewen. Marching into Rong, the initial victories became glorified in poems and songs. But eventually the news of Zemin started to stop reaching Arewen. Likely making Zemin just one of the many victims of Rong.

These days Arewen is in a similar state as many of the other Fractured kingdoms. Rong is pressuring them at the border and despite the efforts of the current ruler, Yahui the Sixth, there is a growing unrest within the realm. A small portion believes that they need to submit to Rong, now that they still can and hope for a more human treatment. Another portion believes that Arewen needs to seek for foreign help and yet another part of the populace believes that their only salvation lies with fully isolating themselves from the world.

## Important sites

The eastern continent is a vast landmass. A continent ravaged by mistrust, chaos and all kinds of dangers, it isn't all grim and somberness. Various places of incredible beauty or architecture speak of a rich history of the Rén culture and its people - rivalling that of the western continent and her people.

### Arewen

#### **Borsu**

One of the largest cities within the realm of Arewen, Borsu is from which the Arewenese attempt to keep the Rongese invaders out. Supplies arrive in the city from the south, only to venture further north to the various mountain fortifications that hold the tenacious invaders out of their peaceful realm.

Borsu is renowned among the Arewenese for its busy markets, and the fertile soil provides excellent agricultural produces. Various alcoholic beverages are hailing from Borsu and its surrounding, considered prized drinks - usually consumed during special occasions.

#### **Saryngol**

The capital of Arewen, Saryngol, is the political and religious centre of the realm. From here, the country is governed by the echelons of its political hierarchy. Saryngol is a site of beauty and art that rival cities located on the western continent. Many academies of various studies can be found in the town, where enlightened minds work to unravel mysteries of the world or ponder endlessly together. It is the city of poets who stalk the streets for the next muse. Some call Saryngol the diamond of the east - for its many buildings are designed and crafted out of marble and other prized resources.

As the seat of power, it is from which the country's leadership attempts to resist the invasions and raids of their Rongese neighbour. Even as no Rongese force ever managed to marshal onto Saryngol's walls, the country's leaders deemed it a necessity to prepare for such a dreadful event. Its defences are constantly improved, betraying the paranoia that slowly has seeped into the minds of the Arewenese.

#### **Zhin**

Another prominent city within the borders of Arewen, Zhin, is the focal point of constant military activity. From the fortress city, the Arewenese have been diligent in their guard against the Rongese invader. Several times the city has been besieged by their unrelenting enemy but never has it fallen. Its layer of defences is considered to be impregnatable.

The natural defences allow the Arewenese to continue to hold their own against the hordes of Rong. But fear is slipping between the cracks of the walls. This fear has corrupted the minds already, and anyone hailing out of Arewen will find only distrust and disdain here.

### Dangju

#### Chonshi

Chonshi is the capital city of Dangju. Its proud walls and tall towers have been toppled with a decree of Rong that they remain as rubble. Anyone who dares to rebuild or even wander too long around these ruined defences will be put to death. A decree and situation that just speaks of how grim the state of Dangju is underneath the yoke of Rong.

But it has been decades since the last major revolt, and some of the old damage done to the capital is recovering. Many residents have started to obey the Rongese rule. Some individuals even volunteer to serve in the Rongese military, hoping for a better life or believing that Rong is, and should be, indeed the sovereign power of the eastern continent.

### Nonjin

#### Bikhet

Bikhet is a city that used to be a sprawling urban centre from which wealth and art was generated. Trade flowed from the north and would continue southwards, to either Dangju or else the coast. But upon the Rongese grasp on Nonjin and the city of Bikhet, this all came to a crashing halt. A large massacre took place as the settlement didn't surrender right away to the Rongese invaders. This massacre still has left scars on the present residents who fearfully obey their Rongese overlords. But the city's rich past has long been overshadowed, and none dares to repair it, as long as Rong's iron fist suppresses the people of Bikhet.

#### Kherga

Kherga was a city from which the realm of Nonjin conducted various critical religious ceremonies. In its heydays, the city had countless temples and shrines dedicated to unknown deities. People of different faiths could coexist in relative peace as the Nonjin's regime ensured that all obeyed the law. This tolerant situation came to a crashing halt upon the conquest of the city by the Rongese military. Temples and shrines were lit ablaze and razed to the ground, and persecutions were held, in which thousands of people were convicted to be heretics or worse. Nowadays, Kherga's rich and diverse past is a mere memory among the residents.

#### Nonding

Nonding used to be the political centre for an independent Nonjin. The largest urban centre in the realm, it hosted important sites like various academies. Many prominent people that the Nonjin revere for their wisdom and craftmanship have studied at this centre of learning. Today, not many of these institutions remain, and those who do are under strict Rongese supervision. What does remain of the golden days of Nonding is its immense industry - which provides good craftmanship of tools, weapons and the like.