The Blackthorne Kingdom, a shadowy land that borders Gatewell City to the east, is a nation steeped in dark magic, secrecy, and ambition. Ruled by the Blackthorne family, this kingdom has a long-standing rivalry with Gatewell, yet despite this along with being known for its support of slavery along with its extreme support of ultranationalism, they present themselves as benevolent neighbors. Officially, they are cordial, maintaining diplomatic exchanges and trade routes, but beneath this façade, the Blackthorne Kingdom harbors a simmering resentment and a fierce desire to control Gatewell.
A Veiled Alliance
Years ago, to solidify an uneasy peace, a treaty was signed between Gatewell and the Blackthorne Kingdom. This treaty, crafted in ancient arcane script, permits limited cultural exchange and trade while forbidding outright military engagement. However, the Blackthornes have since knowingly exploited every loophole in the treaty they could find, steadily infiltrating Gatewell with spies, disguised emissaries, and agents masquerading as traders and artisans.
These infiltrators are trained in subtle magic, experienced in concealing their true natures, and are frequently found mingling within Gatewell's high society, the Magical Academy, and even the Hunter Guild, quietly steering the city's politics and infrastructure toward Blackthorne's own goals.
The Kingdom's Forbidden Magic
Unlike the relatively regulated magical practices of Gatewell, the Blackthorne Kingdom revels in darker, unrestrained forms of magic. Blackthorne's military mages are notorious for practicing under the School of Magic known as Spiritism, and also participating in shadowbinding, necromancy, and blood magic, often under the watchful eyes of the Knight Grand Cross himself. Their capital, Morvane, is an eerie, mist-shrouded city where even the noble architecture is tinged with a sinister beauty, with gargoyles carved into spires and streets lined with enchanted lamplight that never fully chases away the darkness.
The Blackthorne family has made pacts with powerful demons, creatures of the night, and ancient, eldritch beings to fortify their magical prowess. Every royal child undergoes rituals binding them to a demonic patron from a realm said to be where those visit to embrace their darkness, and these patrons are said to "gift" the kingdom's leaders with powers that extend far beyond the lifespan of ordinary humans.
Plans for Gatewell City
With Gatewell City now weakened by internal strife and the ongoing corruption within its Magical Academy and Hunters Guild, the Blackthorne Kingdom sees a perfect opportunity to strike. Under the guidance of King Spencer Blackthorne, the kingdom has ramped up its covert operations, steadily preparing Gatewell's downfall from within. The royal family has no interest in a public siege or an invasion; instead, they aim to dismantle the city piece by piece, controlling it from within while Gatewell remains unaware of its silent conquerors.
Once their infiltration is complete, the Blackthornes plan to enact a swift political coup, establishing the city as a Blackthorne-controlled vassal state. Their ultimate goal is to channel Gatewell's magical resources, particularly the Crimson Forest to fuel their forbidden practices, bolstering their kingdom's already formidable power.
Crimson Forest Camps
The Blackthorne Kingdom has set up shop in the Crimson Forest, having multiple camps set up within despite its dangers. The reason the military has set their camps in the Crimson Forest is to be closer to the Academy, and also Gatewell itself. One famous camp in the Crimson Forest is known as Ruby Cove, which is actually a small island within the Crimson Forest which has large red gems on some mountains, and also houses the slaves they keep; the men being put to work, and the women being put to "pleasure" the soldiers and even their own beasts against their own will. All slaves are those that were born in foreign countries and never those born in the Blackthorne Kingdom.
No matter, it is rather obvious that with the Blackthorne's military setting up camp, it is obvious to the well-informed that they are planning something. Some within the government may wish to ignore the threat that is looming in, but even if the people of the city are currently unaware, it cannot be ignored for long.
Gatewell's Last Line of Defense
The people of Gatewell City are largely unaware of the imminent threat the Blackthorne Kingdom poses, but the Guardians of Gatewell and a handful of the city's Hunter Guild members remain suspicious, noting the unusual number of mysterious figures and eerie events as the royal family's agents grow bolder even taking note of the assassination of Headmaster Asmund Mathison, believing it was done by the Blackthorne Kingdom. Those few aware of the kingdom's influence work in the shadows, hoping to counteract the Blackthornes before the city falls entirely under their dark rule.
As the Blackthorne Kingdom tightens its grip, the fate of Gatewell hangs in a precarious balance. The city, once a shining beacon of magic and prosperity, teeters on the edge, threatened by a family that seeks to turn it into a realm where night never ends.