The Kingdom of Eblana

Far from the other kingdoms of the Earth lies a small, isolated continent that is home to the kingdom of Eblana. Although the people of Eblana freely trade with the rest of the world, they are by choice a secretive people, set apart from the rest of the Earth. What little is known about this kingdom speaks of their two unique warrior orders, known as the ninja and samurai. These legendary warriors are reputed to be able to disappear into the shadows, wield powerful elemental magics, and fight with strangely crafted blades known as katanas. The kingdom also exists under the shadow of the Tower of Babil, an incredible towering structure that arises from deep within the mountains and seems to stretch to the heavens.

1. The Town of Eblan

Size: Small Town (4500)

Government: Monarchy

Affiliation: Kingdom of Eblana

Trade & Industries: Mining, Trade, Weapons, Armor

Crime Level: Low

South and east of the great Khalisto Mountains, along the southern reaches of the Akhito Bay, is the capital city of the isolated, mysterious kingdom of Eblana. While fierce storms and ferocious wind and wave batter much of this region, the limited protection offered by this small cove creates an ideal location for the town. While naturally suspicious of outsiders, the families of this town have lived within the region for generations, creating an apparent sense of community and continuity among the populace. This familiarity also discourages crime far more effectively than even the ever-present guardsmen. The town itself is arranged into four separate quarters, with the small yet formidable Eblan Keep in the center. Outside of limited agricultural interest around the town, much of the populace supports itself through the abundance of iron, copper, and other metals and precious minerals. These are locally refined, and either traded or utilized in the creation of Eblana’s unique weapons and armor, which are highly prized across the known world.

History

Little is known of the earliest history of this isolated kingdom. Many scholars believe that the people of Eblana are not native to this windswept island, but instead crossed the ocean long ago and, perhaps out of necessity, created this mysterious kingdom. In any case, the current reigning dynasty can trace it roots back as far as the middle of the ninth century, when a powerful samurai by the name of Wazai Geraldine, won a decisive victory against several rival clans. In honor and recognition of this feat, he was elevated as the new Emperor of Eblana, replacing the mistrusted and politically compromised Shinwanzai dynasty. This new dynasty of monarchs, believed by much of the populace to reign by divine right, survived through many dangers to the present day.

Although Emperor Wazai was highly revered, much more is known of his son Kenji. As strange as it seems, it would appear Kenji traveled across much of the world during his early adulthood, including a prolonged sojourn in both Baron and Fabul. It would seem that in his travels, this young man developed a perspective unique from most of his subjects. Although he became renown as one of the most valiant and skilled samurai of all time, he also greatly disdained the constant warfare and bloodshed that seemed to constantly envelope his people. Upon his return to Eblana following his father’s death, Kenji forged a lasting peace within the kingdom through a mix of cunning, diplomacy, and skilled negotiation. To inaugurate this peace, he commissioned the construction of the Eblan Keep, apparently building upon the foundations of a much older building that had been razed in one of the countless wars that overshadow much of this region’s history.

Kenji’s renown reign, however, was interrupted by profound tragedy. Just eight years into his reign, mysterious assailants garbed in black attacked his residence. With incredible skill, they fought past the defending samurais, captured the emperor’s eldest son Aliani and vanished from the residence almost as quickly as they had come. Naturally outraged, Kenji began a concentrated search of his entire kingdom, desperately searching for any news or word on the fate of his beloved son. Sadly, as days turned to weeks and weeks to month, no word ever came to the emperor concerning either the fate of his son or even the identity of the mysterious kidnappers. Finally, after more than two years of fruitless effort, the search ended, and the kingdom of Eblana mourned the passing of its former heir.

Then, ten years later, a mysterious figure appeared at the gates of Eblan Keep, demanding to see the emperor. Although initially rebuffed, the shadowy figure claimed to have knowledge of the emperor’s long lost son, and was therefore immediately ushered into the throne room, albeit under extremely close watch. As the figure entered the throne room, he swept of his mask and cloak, dropped several weapons to the floor, ran to the foot of the throne, and threw himself towards the emperor, crying out “Father!” At long last, when all hope was gone, the heir of the kingdom of Eblana returned home.

According to his tale, the young lad had been captured by a band of skilled warriors known as the Shadow Ninjas. Through no little skill and fortune, Aliani had slain the clan’s master and assumed undisputed control of the entire clan. Now, the young man offered the services of these ninjas to the kingdom, to serve the emperor alone on missions demanding the unique skills of this clan. Thus, under the command of Aliani Wazai, second Emperor of Eblana, the elite military forces of the kingdom were composed of the strong, chivalrous samurai and the mysterious, stealthy ninjas.

During the late ninth and early tenth centuries, the kingdom of Eblana continued to thrive and prosper. The ranks of both the samurai and the ninja continued to grow, as did their mastery of these two military traditions. As the population continued to swell, several smaller villages sprung up in the region, providing much needed agriculture to support the growing number of mouths to feed. Nonetheless, the hostile climate of their native home always worked against these efforts, nearly ensuring that this kingdom would never rise to the prominence of the other major kingdoms of the world.

Recently, contact has been reestablished between Eblana and the other kingdoms of the world, allowing limited trade to pass through this otherwise isolated kingdom. Much of this trade consists of the sale of specialized arms and armor, which are highly prized for their unique design and craftsmanship. This, in turn, has allowed Eblana to expand its mining facilities, which extract valuable ores and precious minerals from the nearby Khalisto Mountains. The current monarchs, Emperor Mirugi Wazai and Empress Tari Wazai, are credited with this recent prosperity, which has done much to ease the daily life of the kingdom’s citizens. However, dark tidings have also begun circulating among the populace, speaking of mysterious activity within the mysterious Tower of Babil as well as a growing threat from the evil creatures that dwell within its shadow.

Key Landmarks

Eblan Keep – Constructed around the middle of the ninth century, Eblan Keep has a long, rich history as the cultural and political center of the kingdom. Although smaller than those found elsewhere, the keep is a stunning showcase of Eblan culture and craftsmanship, resplendent with its expensive tapestries, elegant furnishings, and vibrant colors that dazzle the eye. Despite this beauty, Eblan Keep also serves as the final defense against any threat to the kingdom, with strong fortifications and stockpiles to withstand any siege. It is also rumored that the keep is honeycombed with secret passages, providing not only unhindered escape for the royal family but also protecting its most valuable treasures.

The Shadowed Quarter – Although appearing as the most unremarkable of the four quarters of the city, the Shadowed Quarter derives its name from the secretive Shadow Ninjas who maintain several bases of operation and residences within the district. Despite the alliance between this infamous group and the royal family, an aura of suspicion and fear surrounds those who live and work within the district. It is also rumored that what little criminal activity exists within the kingdom is centered here, with all manner of illegal services available for the right word and price.

The Merchants Quarter – Although not exclusive, nearly all of the commerce of the city is located within this district. Boasting several open-air markets as well as more permanent shops, the Merchants Quarter bustles throughout the day with merchants and shoppers of all sorts, including no few foreigners. Several excellent weapon and armor shops are scattered through this quarter, most of which profit considerably from the recent increase in demand for their wares. Not surprisingly, the Merchants Quarter is also heavily patrolled by guardsmen, who strictly observe the laws of the kingdom and ensure the peace and safety of this important commercial center.

Important People

Emperor Mirugi Wazai

Human male age 49

Job: High level Samurai

Attributes: STR (High), VIT (Avg), AGI (Avg), SPD (Low), MAG (High), SPR (Low)

Skills: Command (Trained), Etiquette (Talented), Negotiation (Trained),

Riding (Trained), Swords (Talented)

Equipment: Very Good

Empress Tari Wazai

Human female age 42

Job: Average level Ninja

Attributes: STR (Low), VIT (Low), AGI (High), SPD (Avg), MAG (High), SPR (Avg)

Skills: Command (Trained), Streetwise (Trained), Negotiation (Trained), Riding (Low),

Knives (Trained), Etiquette (Trained)

Equipment: Very Good

Descendent from the esteemed Wazai clan, Emperor Mirugi and Empress Tari are the beloved monarchs of the kingdom of Eblana. In their youth, both Mirugi and Tari were respected warriors, serving among the samurai and ninjas respectively. Although their marriage was arranged just prior to Mirgui assuming the throne, both partners grew to love each other deeply. But, to their profound sorrow, for many years it was believed that Tari was barren. However, with the aid of the kingdom’s most skilled healers, the couple eventually had their first and only child, whom they named Edward Geraldine. Although widely respected for their wisdom, diplomacy, and leadership, increasing irritation with their arrogant, headstrong, and unruly son has marked their otherwise prosperous reign.

Genzo Kamizaki

Human male age 34

Job: none

Attributes: STR (Low), VIT (Low), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (High), SPR (High)

Skills: Acrobatics (Trained), Command (Trained), Etiquette (Trained), Knives (Trained),

Awareness (Trained), Streetwise (Trained)

Equipment: Good

Born into the undistinguished Kamizaki clan, most of Genzo’s life was fairly unremarkable. Son of a successful blacksmith, Genzo showed very little talent in his family trade, and eventually abandoned his apprenticeship to seek work as a common laborer. Perhaps to ease both his disappointment and the drudgery of daily life, he developed an insatiable love of books, eventually giving the young man an education beyond any in his family. This knowledge, combined with a sharp intellect, was eventually recognized by the royal family, which resulted in Genzo’s first post as a minor official. As his success grew, Genzo eventually worked his way into the inner circle of advisors to the Emperor himself. Unbeknown to most, it is actually Genzo’s quick wit and knowledge that prompted the recent prosperity of the kingdom. As such, Genzo has become the single closest voice to the throne of Eblana. Genzo’s loyalty to the royal family is unquestioned and unbreakable, and his expertise is often called upon in the day to day task of managing the kingdom.

Edward “Edge” Geraldine Wazai

Human male age 17

Job: Average level Ninja

Attributes: STR (Avg), VIT (Low), AGI (High), SPD (High), MAG (Agv), SPR (Low)

Skills: Knives (Trained), Thrown Weapons (Trained), Pickpocket (Trained), Stealth

(Trained), Command (Low), Awareness (Low), Etiquette (Low)

Equipment: Good

Born Edward Geraldine Wazai to the reigning Emperor and Empress, this young man’s life has been a source of constant frustration to both his parents and teachers alike. Commonly known as Edge, the prince has a fiery temper and over-inflated ego that hide a true and gentle heart. His personal advisors despair of preparing the young prince for the arduous task of leadership, as his pride and quick temper often goad him into making foolish mistakes. His skills as a ninja, however, are remarkable, leading his mentor to believe that, should he master his temper and ego, Edge could become one of the greatest ninjas in the kingdom. Naturally, this recognition has only further inflated the young prince’s opinion of himself.

2. The Tower of Babil

To the west of Eblana, nestled deep within the forbidding Khalisto Mountains, is a massive monolith that stretches upward as far as the eye can see. It is a mysterious and wholly alien structure, composed of a strangely luminous, metallic stone and refining with such skill that no craftsman could ever create its like. Whether this tower is an artifact from a long extinct civilization or something more sinister has never been determined, for none have ever been able to enter, through either cunning or force. For the most part, the people of Eblana have been content to ignore it, for there has never been any sign of activity or inhabitants.

Unbeknownst to any living upon the Earth, this strange monolith was constructed by the ancient race known as the Lunarians from ores mined from the nearby Khalisto Mountains and enhanced with elements refined from the Earth’s moon. Named for an ancient tower of legend, the Tower of Babil is a sprawling complex shielded from the outside world through the Lunarian’s highly advanced technology. Although it served for a time as a Lunarian base of operations, its purpose became much more sinister. For, if a powerful enough energy source was placed within the highest chamber, a weapon of incredible destruction would be unleashed upon the Earth.

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