When the princess was born, she cried. So loud, the villagers claim that her screams could be heard throughout the valley of the First Kingdom, so loud they carried across the oceans and sent ripples through the wave. Her twin sister, although, sat in perfect silence. Her wide brown eyes looking out into the vastness of her land, the land that her sister would one day rule.
Or at least, that is how the story goes.
Odessa rested her arms on the balcony of her father's chamber. She waited patiently, watching the boats of the Third Kingdom crest the horizon, their white sails billowing in like clouds stuck in the wind. Below her, she heard the joyous giggles of her sisters playing in the gardens, running through the mazes of shrubbery and swaying trees. Odessa tried to dampen the seed of jealousy growing in her stomach. She yearned to spend her days playing with her sisters, but her hours were filled with schooling, classes, watching her father decipher plans of war.
"You did good today," she heard King Antony say as he walked towards the balcony. He rested a reassuring hand on his daughter's shoulders. "I know it's hard."
Odessa stood in silence, her hands clenched into fists. If she had learned anything from her father in the last eight years, it was the ability to hide her anger. She turned to her father, her arms crossed over her chest. She spoke sternly, mimicking the assertive voice of her mother, Queen Aurelia. "I want to play. With Laila. In the gardens."
King Antony sighed, looking out to the ocean. He knelt down to Odessa's level, pointing to the tip of the horizon. "Do you see that?" He asked. Odessa nodded. He pointed to the left, towards the vast villages and fields that comprised the First Kingdom, and then towards the forests to the left of the castle. "And that?" Once again, Odessa bopped her head again. King Antony remained silent, sucking up the last rays of the golden sun before it drifted below the skyline.
He spoke slowly, as he turned to retire to his room. "All of this is yours, Odessa. One day, you will rule all the land the sun touches."
Where our story begins...
This story will be centered around the court of the First Kingdom. Odessa, the heir to the throne, is of the age to be married, and her marriage will solidify the First Kingdom as one of the strongest kingdoms in the modern world. But with tensions rising around the world, the kingdoms must figure out how to align themselves against the Colonies, a grouping of countries ready to take over all of the kingdoms.
The Royal Family:
King Antony and Queen Aurelia
Laila, age 18 (thank you, WolfOfStark!
Odessa, age 18
Two bastard children (to be submitted)
Basically, all of our heroes are citizens of one of the four kingdoms. Despite the inter-kingdom disputes, the kingdoms are far more fearful of another grouping of countries called Colonies, which are threatening the entire land mass that encompasses the Kingdoms.
Here are the kingdoms...
The First Kingdom (Kingdom of Crein) Powerful, commanding, stable
The First Kingdom is arguably the strongest of the kingdoms. They have the most stable government, military, and economy and very little civil unrest. Their strength, although, lies in their innate and strong leadership and diplomatic power. Because of their diplomacy, the First Kingdom's court is filled with personnel from other kingdoms; it is considered a high achievement to end up in the First Kingdom.
Geography: The First Kingdom is the most geographically diverse kingdom. The castle lies on the ocean, but the land primarily consists of valleys and forests. The weather is temperate. Aside from the royal grounds, the First Kingdom is home to many villages that make up the kingdom's population.
Economy: Lumber, steel, oil, fish. They are well off and have no economic strife.
Government: A monarchy, strong relationship with subjects, just and fair, heir based on birth order (not gender), no death penalty, low crime rates.
Military: The First Kingdom has an intimidating military. While they rarely fight wars, the military is known for being unforgiving. They have a strong alliance with the Second Kingdom's military, the two kingdoms often working together on war tactics when needed. While the Second Kingdom produces soldiers and knights, the First Kingdom is also trains their own men to be warriors. Many boys dream of working for the king and queen in the court.
The Second Kingdom (Kingdom of Praeve) Physical, resolute, intimidating
Praev is the kingdom of the warriors. They have an incredibly strong army and a ruthless, powerful king. Their diplomatic powers are weak due to their monarchy that refuses to compromise. While they have strength, the Second Kingdom has poor diplomacy. Their court consists primarily of primarily people from their own kingdom.
Geography: Praev is a cold, snowy, and mountainous region that covers a vast amount of land. The Second Kingdom's military camps are located on the edge of mountains, meaning that it would be nearly impossible to invade the Second Kingdom, which is one of the reasons their military is so renowned.
Economy: The Second Kingdom barters using their soldiers. The dole out soldiers and knights in exchange for goods. In addition, they also trade large amounts of hide and preservable meat.
Government: The government of Praev is nearly totalitarian. While there is a king and a queen, the king holds all power and there is no form of checks and balances. Historically, the Second Kingdom believes in capital punishment and cruel and unusual punishment. That being said, the people of the Second Kingdom are incredibly strong, powerful, and hard workers.
Military: The Second Kingdom has the most ruthless, savage military. The goal of all men in the Second Kingdom is to be a knight, soldier, or guard sent to the court of the First Kingdom. Boys are trained by their fathers until age seven, and then are sent to training schools to complete their training by age fifteen.
The Third Kingdom (Kingdom of Raviel) Charming, intelligent, cunning
Raviel is the kingdom of the schoolars. They are the wealthiest in both trade and knowledge. Raviel also has an incredibly strong navy. Their monarchs are both cunning and a force to be reckoned with. Raviel is home to some of the best minds in the world, as well has the biggest collection of sacred texts. Raviel is the only kingdom which has a center for higher learning, so it is a sought after place for those seeking more knowledge.
Geography: Raviel is a coastal country with plenty of rolling hills, much like the First Kingdom. Because of their strong navy, much of Raviel's population lives in these scattered port cities. Population wise, the Third Kingdom has the smallest and wealthiest population. They have a harsh winter and moderate summer.
Economy: The economy of the Third Kingdom is the best out of all four kingdoms. Predominantly outsourcing fish, Raviel also gets their money by controlling the seas. Their banking system is revolutionary and have very few money worries. This makes the Third Kingdom a sought after in terms of marriage.
Government: The Third Kingdom's royalty is known for being particularly difficult to make a deal with. At their core, Raviel is concerned about their kingdom and their kingdom only. This philosophy, although, has worked for them this far. Their monarchy have alliances far and few inbetween and only seek them out if they feel they would benefit.
Military: Raviel makes up for their weak ground military with an impeccable, powerful navy that controls many of the seas. This has also given them some enemies. They rely on the Second Kingdom to supply them with guards and knights.
The Fourth Kingdom (Kingdom of Thalis) hard working, compassionate, human
Thalis is the kingdom of the kind. Known for their weak monarchy, Thalis is full of the underdogs. Despite this, the people of Thalis are seen as the most trustworthy and most reliable allies. Slowly but surely, the Fourth Kingdom is beginning to solidify a new reputation because of their young, unwed king. This being said, Thalis is one of the most equitable kingdoms, with strong gender equality.
Geography: Thalis consists of many fields and hills with incredibly rich and fertile soil. The rainy season makes it difficult to travel for a quarter of the year. Thalis is landlocked and has no ports. This also impacts their trade, and is reason to why they are economically weak.
Economy: Their main source of economic gain is from their export of crops. Alternatively, young boys and girls strive find jobs working in the the courts of other kingdoms has handmaids, cooks, servants, and other menial jobs.
Government: As stated earlier, historically, the Fourth Kingdom had a spineless and weak government. After the death of the reigning queen, a new, younger king has taken the throne and is ready to reinstate Thalis into a powerful kingdom.
Military: Thalis has a poor organized military and relies more on militias within the villages in case of an attack.
The Colonies
Aberforth, located south west of the First Kingdom. They are the largest rivals of the First Kingdom and are economically and militarily powerful. They are totalitarian government and treat their citizens poorly. They are currently trying to overtake the First Kingdom as a world power. Their goal is to murder all of the current monarchs in line for the throne.
Cadilind, the neighboring country and strong ally of Aberforth, Cadiliand is less powerful but more violent and malicious.
Main characters needed:
The Knight
Age: 18+
Works closely with the royalty
The knight guards the royalty, specifically the current heir
More can be decided once we talk
The Bastard Sister
Older, half-sister of the two princesses
Age: 20+
More will be decided once we talk
The Bastard Brother
The older, half-brother of the two princesses
Age: 20+
More will be decided once we talk
The Third Kingdom Princess
Second in line to throne of Raviel
Age: 18+
More will be decided once we talk
The Prince (any kingdom)
This will ultimately be the character betrothed to Odessa
Age: 18-23
More will be decided once we talk
The Fourth Kingdom King
Currently in charge of the Fourth Kingdom after the death of his mother
Age: 18+
More will be decided when we talk
The Aberforth King
Rules over the colony of Aberforth
Age: 27+
The Cadilind Queen
Rules over the colony of Aberforth
Age: 27+
The Aberforth Knight
Currently residing in the First Kingdom due to orders from the Aberforth king
Age: 18+
Ladies in Waiting (at least two needed)
The aids to the current princesses
Age: 17+
More can be decided once we talk
The Chef (male or female)
Works in the kitchen house
Originally from Thalis
Age: any
Maids/servants/housekeepers:
Self explanatory
Could work specifically with royalty or just generally around the castle
Age: any age
Are you interested in creating a character that isn't listed above? PM me and we can figure out something that would work for another main character. I am open to all sorts of ideas. This could be a blacksmith, gardener, apothecary, etc.
I understand this is a lot of information being thrown at you, but know I am open to questions and suggestions for any and all characters! Feel free to run ideas by me before you submit so I can give you an idea of how your character could fit into the story. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The form is on my profile!