Stormhearth Kingdom

**Stormhearth Kingdom**, once the pride of Stormlash Valley, was a vast and influential realm that stood as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of its inhabitants. Spanning across fertile plains, verdant forests, and rugged hills, the kingdom showcased a harmonious blend of nature and human endeavor. Established at a dawn of times, Stormhearth was renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and formidable military prowess. However, its shining legacy was tragically dimmed in the **633 SC** when a devastating cadaver infestation laid waste to the kingdom, leading to its eventual fall. Today, Stormhearth exists primarily in historical accounts and tales of its former glory, serving as a solemn reminder of the fragility of civilizations and the unpredictable threats they face.

## History

### Formation

The formation of Stormhearth Kingdom can be traced back to the **89 SC** when a paragon Summercliff established a city bearing his own name. Located strategically amidst the diverse landscapes of Stormlash Valley, the city of Summercliff rapidly grew in importance and influence, drawing settlers from all corners of the valley and beyond. The city's rapid growth and prosperity were largely attributed to Summercliff's leadership and vision, bolstered by his advancements in alchemy that brought both wealth and acclaim to the region.

On **27th of November 115 SC** with the city standing as a significant power center in the valley, Summercliff declared the establishment of Stormhearth Kingdom, naming himself as its first king and designating the city of Summercliff as its capital. Under his reign, the newly formed kingdom experienced further expansion and consolidation of power, fostering a period of relative peace and prosperity.

King Summercliff's reign continued until his passing on **3st of August 162 SC**. Following established succession traditions, one of his sons took up the mantle, ensuring the continued legacy of the Summercliff dynasty and guiding the kingdom into its next chapter.

### Neighbors

#### Gloomguard Kingdom

Historically, Stormhearth and Gloomguard shared a tumultuous relationship. The origins of their animosity can be traced back to territorial disputes and political rivalries, with both kingdoms competing for dominance within the region. Over the years, various skirmishes and diplomatic standoffs marked their interactions, though direct warfare was often averted by the timely intervention of mediators and peace accords.

#### Valoria

Contrastingly, Stormhearth and Valoria enjoyed a more cordial relationship for the better part of their shared history. Their diplomatic ties were strengthened through trade agreements, cultural exchanges, and intermarriage between noble families, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect. However, this harmonious relationship was significantly strained on **547 SC** following a tragic incident involving lord Victor Umbriel of Valoria. After his transformation into an emissary, in a fit of unnatural rage, lord Umbriel murdered the niece of Stormhearth's reigning king. This act of violence deeply shocked the royal court of Stormhearth and led to an immediate cooling of diplomatic ties with Valoria. Trust between the two kingdoms was deeply fractured, and what was once a close alliance became a more cautious and distant relationship.

### Downfall

On **27th of July 631 SC** tensions reached a boiling point as Valoria launched an unexpected invasion of Stormhearth. The war, while short-lived, was marked by its intense brutality. Fierce battles erupted across the kingdom, with both sides suffering significant casualties. However, the resilient forces of Stormhearth, led by their seasoned generals and bolstered by their patriotic fervor, managed to repel the Valorian invaders.

Amidst the chaos of these battles, tragedy struck. Henry Ravenshade, a noble youth and a promising figure in the Stormhearth court, lost his life on the battlefield. The grief of his passing weighed heavily on his mother, who, in a desperate bid to reclaim her lost son, turned to the Ritual of Malicious Desires. Unbeknownst to her, this act would set in motion a catastrophe far greater than any war. As Henry returned to life, he was not the same young man that once graced the halls of Stormhearth. Instead, he had become a mindless cadaver, driven by an insatiable hunger for flesh.

From this singular event, the cadaver infestation spread like wildfire. These reanimated corpses laid siege to towns and villages, their numbers growing with each fallen victim. Panic gripped the heart of every citizen, and the once-mighty kingdom was plunged into chaos. As Stormhearth's defenses crumbled under the relentless onslaught, the neighboring kingdoms of Gloomguard and Valoria took decisive action. Recognizing the grave threat posed by the cadavers, they fortified their borders, preparing themselves for a potential breach.

The great city of Summercliff, a jewel in Stormhearth's crown and a beacon of its prosperity, became the last bastion of resistance. Its walls, which once echoed with laughter and song, now resounded with cries of despair and the clash of steel. Despite the valiant efforts of its defenders, Summercliff too eventually succumbed to the cadaver hordes, marking the tragic end of the Stormhearth Kingdom.