Empire's Throne
The North was once the heart of the world the kingdom of Antarion.
From its frozen halls, the High King Artheon Varyndor ruled all six lands beneath one banner.
But when the War of the North ended, so did his reign.
His blood soaked the snow, his crown melted in dragonfire, and his body was never found.
Now, the Empire's Throne stands empty in the ruins of Antarion's capital
a cold monument to power, betrayal, and loss.
The unity of men died with him.
And from the ashes rose six rulers each calling himself king.
1. Kingdom of Denmark House Varynsteel
King Alaric Varynsteel, the Wolf King of the North, rules from the frostbitten keep of Frostgaard.
He is young, scarred from the northern war, and haunted by the memory of his father's death beside the High King.
His wife, Queen Elara Varynsteel, once the High King's niece, is clever and quiet her silence feared more than words.
Their children, Prince Kael and Princess Rynna, are as different as night and fire: one brooding, one bold.
Motto: "Honor Stands in Frost."
2. Kingdom of Normandy House Draymont
King Corvin Draymont, called the Sea Viper, commands fleets of black-sailed ships and endless gold.
Once a merchant prince, he bought his crown with blood and trade.
His queen, Lysandra Draymont, rules the court with charm and poison-laced words.
Their son, Lord Maren, is said to know every secret in the western seas.
Motto: "Gold Buys the Crown."
3. Kingdom of Bilin House Aeronar
King Daevon Aeronar, known as the Whisper King, hides his cruelty behind poetry and silk.
His palace is a maze of gardens where nobles disappear and never return.
His sister, Lady Seris Aeronar, commands the hidden knives of Bilin's spies the Green Shadows.
No one smiles more beautifully than those who serve her.
Motto: "Beauty Conceals the Blade."
4. Kingdom of Soul House Veyra
King Malric Veyra, called the Prophet-King, claims his rule by divine right.
He hears voices from the gods or so he says and burns those who doubt him.
His queen, Ariane Veyra, was once a temple maiden; now her prayers are for power, not mercy.
Their daughter, Princess Solenne, is blind yet sees more than any priest.
Motto: "Faith is Fire."
5. Kingdom of Kareth House Thorne
King Rodric Thorne, the Iron Lord, forged his kingdom with hammer and steel.
His ancestors once guarded the Empire's Throne now he dreams of claiming it.
His eldest son, Prince Garron Thorne, commands the greatest army in Valdynor.
His daughter, Lira Thorne, was wed to the fallen king of Antarion and now wears widow's black.
Motto: "Iron Bows to None."
6. The Ember Isles House Vaelisar
Queen Seraphine Vaelisar, the Fire Queen, rules from the volcano citadel of Pyra's Gate.
It is whispered her blood burns hotter than flame that she is kin to the last dragons.
Her brother, Lord Kaen Vaelisar, leads a host of fire-priests devoted to awakening the "sleeping embers" beneath the islands.
They believe the fire itself has chosen their queen to sit upon the Empire's Throne.
Motto: "From Flame, We Rise."
Now, as winter returns to the North, banners rise again above the ashes of Antarion.
Six crowns gleam beneath a dying sun.
And every ruler from the coldest mountains to the burning seas dreams of one seat of power:
the Empire's Throne.
But prophecy whispers still:
"When the north weeps red and the fire sings, the true heir shall rise from the ashes of Antarion."