The Nine Reaches

**The Nine Reaches** is the common name referring to the 9 primary kingdoms that formed following the collapse of the First King's empire in 1651 BFH. Among them, the kingdom of Thalyra holds the most power over all others, as the first king of Thalyra was the one who inherited the Faint Heart, the First King's specially made crown. The crown itself was commissioned to commemorate the First King's conquest of Euslan in its entirety in 1712 BFH, and contains one of the only known Heartstones in all of Euslan.

## Constituents

### Thalyra

Thalyra is regarded as the most prosperous kingdom that emerged from the First King's empire. It sprawls over the north of the continent, with its monarch being in sole possession of the Faint Heart, a massive source of power over all the over reaches. Currently, Thalyra is ruled by House Theanos, and has been for close to four centuries. In its capital of Anathon, within the Thorian Palace, the Faint Heart rests upon the head of the king or queen as he or she oversees all that happens in Euslan.

### Lunate

Lunate is the kingdom just south of Thalyra, situated on the eastern coast of Euslan. It, too, is greatly propserous, with bustling cities and robust trade and economy. In particular, Lunate lays claim to Avisrest, the first city founded by the First King during his conquests. As it a result, it commands much authority over Euslan as well, though not enough to match that of Thalyra. The soldiers of Lunate are among the best in the world, and Thalyra has called upon them numerous times to solve crises and put down revolts.

### Kidor

Kidor resides west of Lunate, on the opposite coast of Euslan. It is a desert kingdom, centered on only a few large cities along the coast of the bay around with Kidor is set. They wield little in the way of influence over the other Reaches, not only because of the inaccessibility of their lands to both themselves and the rest of the continent, but also because the hold no true relics of the First King's reign. Only the tombs of the First King's family can be found in the land, and the Kidorans dare not disturb their rest.

### Westyra

Westyra is a small Reach located right next to Thalyra. It features one major city at the foot of the Barsonnee Mountains, surrounded on all sides by forts that put all others in Euslan to shame. Largely considered impassable, Westyra commands a surprising amount of respect for a country so small. It is also home to the Leamond Woods, which is said to be the very place where the Heartstone in the Faint Heart was retrieved.

### Evaica

Evaica is among the larger Reaches on the continent, primarily characterized by massive sprawling prairies south of the Rotham Mountains. It features a multitude of smaller villages, but also two large, urban cities situated in the north of the country. Evaica holds no real influence, having no direct connection to the First King, but it is said that their cavalry are some of the most elite units in all the 9 Reaches. Evaica is especially warlike among the Reaches, frequently finding itself in conflict with its southern neighbors.

### East Lerance

East Lerance is one of two Reaches founded on the Lerance Peninsula at the very south of Euslan. Its population is roughly equal to its western counterpart, though more widely spread, with only three major cities dotted across the coast serving as the political and economic centers. Uniquely among the Reaches, the ruler of this kingdom does not use the title of "King" but rather "Grand Prince", supposedly as a signifier of subservience to the First King.

### West Lerance

West Lerance is the second of the two Reaches founded on the Lerance Peninsula in Euslan's south. It is much like its eastern counterpart, even sharing the same culture. However, its population is denser and it maintains stronger relations with its neighbors to the north. Notably, the throne of West Lerance is constructed from stones from walls of Avisrest, earning the monarch of West Lerance much respect from its neighbors.

### Drehan

Drehan is a Reach just south of Lunate across the Cladine Sea. It features thick forests with towering cities scattered throughout. Its capital, Victorus, is supposedly the final resting place of the First King and his sword, Hope of the Reach. Though this information was lost in the chaos of collapse, Drehan's nobility treats it as fact, and so Drehan attracts a great many pilgrims, especially around the day the First King supposedly died.

### Etroi

Etroi is the Reach farthest west on the continent. It, like its neighbor Evaica, is characterized by large sprawling fields running all the way to its coasts, but it also possesses one small mountain range, which largely define its borders. Etroi isn't known to have a terribly strong connection to the First King, but it is said that it was the very last place he conquered. Befitting this, its soldiers are known to be fierce, adept especially in defensive sieges. Its people, similarly, do not take kindly to intruders.