Empire of Drakmor Background

Custom Verse Setting (Grand Duchy of Kaalewin)

By the blessings of the Sun (Sul) and Moon (Mul), by the strength of arms and strategic mindset of its founder, and by the charisma that knitted the realm together, was the Drakmor Empire founded. Its progenitor, the Great Ancestor, Vladimir the Unrivaled, came to this world from unknown origins, a savior, perhaps (sent by either Sul, Mul or the vampiric god, Vul), sent from beyond the known plane of existence. By the great attributes he professed, so did he create Drakmor, uniting the petty realms and kings by the tongue of diplomacy or the strength of his sword arm. All knelt in the end and bowed their heads, rising as new nobles beneath the one banner of Drakmor. Yet, the most unknowing of facts was the true being that was Vladimir and those he made his nobles... they were vampires. Though the mortals called them Blessed, as they were blessed with greater strength, the height of intelligence and longer lives, the vampires ruled the mortals without anyone of the mortals knowing the truth. The Night Aristocracy, as they called themselves, followed the vision of Vladimir and obeyed his successors that have ruled the Empire for many thousands of years.

To the Northeast, if one follows the Seaborne Imperial Highway across the Central Plains and over the Imperial Capital's province line, one would find themselves in the region known as Kaalewin, a Grand Duchy of its own kind, a boon granted by Vladimir to its first ruler, Boris the Stalwart. It is the oldest of the provinces of Drakmor, for it was the first to unite against the Unrivaled Emperor and fight on almost equal terms. In the end, Kaalewin was not conquered, but submitted when Boris learned of the vision that Vladimir sought. Once it was known, Boris thrusted his sword into the ground, knelt before the would-be Emperor, and proclaimed his loyalty and fealty to what would become the foundations of the Empire. From this, did Kaalewin rise. A province of the Empire that is bordered by the dark waters of the Wintery Sea and the Whitemane Mountains to the North and West. The neighboring provinces of the Rhenland and the southern province of Sahadan border Kaalewin to the East and South.

As the largest of the Empire's province, behind that of the Central Plains, the capital region, it is well known for its trade, its militaristic culture, and castles that dot its landscape. It has a strong population of both Purebloods and Newbloods, the two parts of the vampiric nobility that make up the Night Aristocracy today, under the reign of Vladimir XXXIV. Trade is vital as its sea ports tend to play a game of competition with that of Sahadan to the south and Venati to the far south. Yet its prized river and sea trade is preyed upon by the sea-raiders of Kovunjaadi Islands, an ever present threat in which many Grand Dukes have fielded armies and fleets to defend the coastline from these diehard, and foolish, raiders that dare leave their island homes.

Within the present day capital of Lucallus, the Grand Duke of Kaalewin reigns. In most recent history, the city has witnessed the wise reign of Constantine XII, the merry attitude of Boris X, also known as 'the Bear' for his gargantuan stature, and the present ruler, Ryuunosuke Kuroseji, the First of His Name. The standing Grand Duke, known as an avid violinist, a lover of wine and books, and a master of the poetic arts, is the youngest of his house to rule Kaalewin. It was said that Lucallus witnessed rain for seven days and nights... even the gods themselves, the celestial brothers, Sul and Mul, wept for the death of the ever-happy Boris. Yet the death of his father, and later, his beloved mother, has not put any delay on the Grand Duke, who grabbed hold of the reins quickly and began his reign with great enthusiasm and energy. It is unknown what this man will accomplish during his reign, but many have high hopes, given the reputations of his father and grandfather. With the ever viligant butler and retainer, Hanzo, at his side, the sky is certainly the limit for the young Kuroseji.