Metoa

## Summary

Metoa is the third smallest of the Nine Kingdoms before Stellara and Brigg. It is bordered only by Stellara to the North. To its west is the Great Sea, and the east and south is the Bordweall Mountains. It is well known for it's magic academy, Hodwarth's Keep as well as it's order of knights, the Order of the Swordbreaker.

## History

Metoa has a rich and well-cultured history spanning thousands of years. How the original inhabitants of the kingdom crossed the mountains and into the large territory is mostly unknown, however, a few key clues lead historians to believe that one of two options is most viable; one: the mountains were created by Flos Matri after the Umbran War as a reward for their devoted worship of the Goddess to provide protection and strategic advantage; or two: the original Metoans were a nomadic tribe that made their way through the mountains over the course of many years in hopes of settling down. In either case, it is well documented by the Elvish people living in Metoa that humans and Beastmen were not native to the small nation rather, elves, monsters, demons and the fae inhabited and took care of the lands. It is a vast, fertile wilderness springing with both life and magical energy.

As time went on and the humans began to move from small nomadic tribes and settlements, they grew to be particularly in tune with nature and magic. It is documented that the first monarch of Metoa, King Sol the First, unified the land which had been prior shattered into fragments of tribes spread out between many dignitaries and warlords alike, led by Apollo the First of Solaria. The war would last the vast majority of Sol's reign. It was after this defeat of the bloodthirsty and particularly brutal warlord, that the faction following him were banished to the kingdom of Solaria along with their king out in the waters of the Great Sea, never to be seen again. Under the rule of King Sol the First, the newly united monarchy saw military expansion at its finest, taking over much of the lands which once belonged to the other warlords quickly falling at the feet of Sol. This expanded Metoa to its full size which used the mountains as a border. Though not as stable as with many of the later rulers, the Kingdom of Metoa was as stable as it could have been at the time of forced submission.
By the time King Sol the First passed, Metoa was fairly stable and the next King, King Sol the Second was ready to take the throne. It was arranged on his father’s deathbed that the young ruler, (only 16 at the time of his father’s death), be married off to the daughter of a local Elven tribe, however, the prince took a lover in the form a young maiden who was a frequent visitor to the temporary palace shortly before the marriage, dissolving the deal between the Kingdom and tribes which would cause tension for many years to come. This is one of many things that set Metoa apart from other kingdoms and began the tradition of its monarchs marrying for love early on, as opposed to the other kingdoms which preferred arrangements of power. It was also during the time of Sol the Second that the Metoa Castle’s construction was completed. This was a masterwork for the time and considered the most beautiful castle in the kingdoms barring Eden in Paon Turris. It was built into the mountain faces of the Bordweall Mountains far from the unforgiving seas should there ever be an invasion, giving a prime strategic point for the Metoan army as a stronghold of sorts. It was built not only for function but style and power as well. A bridge was built across the moat in order to allow easy access but was always heavily guarded by the elite guard, an impressive group of soldiers who were in charge of palace security. Though early on the castle was exclusively guarded by the elite guard, later on, normal guards were allowed to work in non-essential areas of the palace.
The economy of Metoa is currently at its lowest due to the hubris of the current king Sol the Third.

### Order of the Swordbreaker

The Order of the Swordbreaker the greatest order of knights Metoa has to offer. Their history starts with the original knights of King Sol the First, who's band of 7 loyal knights and their squires rose up with an army of eager young people to bring an end to the tyranny of the land's then many warlords.