Regalia (Continent)

''“You feel that change in the winds? The days will be getting colder soon. Best be prepared for anything."'' —Ralof of Histwatch

Regalia is a northern realm, home to many different walks of life. The dominant race is humans, but Regalia has its fair share of all the other known races.

The realm is comprised of five distinct kingdoms, each with their own government, kings and queens, and military. Each kingdom swears fealty to the emperor of Regalia, who is located at the central island, known as the Royal Kingdom.

Geography and Climate
Regalia is bordered to the west by the Great Western Sea and to the east by the boundless Lucent Sea. The northern edges, known as the Frosthill Alps, have not been charted by anyone still alive. The continent is about half the geography size to the real-life continent of America.

The continent's climate varies immensely. Most of the northern kingdoms live half their years in snow. Many lands to the south have occasional desert storms while many of their inhabitants suffer from immense heat. The most unique feature of Regalia, is the ever-present Tempest Ring, an unrelenting storm that surrounds the entire continent, preventing sail to other continents.

There is a single massive mountain range that splits the third eastern portion of the continent, known as the Draconian Mountains. There are also a number of river networks, most notably, the Royal River and the Histcarp River.

History
Much of Regalia's history is influenced by the ancient race of the Aarakocra, an extinct bird race that once ruled over Regalia. Ruins and statues that still remain intact are scattered all around Regalia, reminding the people who once ruled over the northern continent.

Regalia's written history can be traced back to four major eras.

The 1st Era, "Time of Elves" or TE for short, doesn't have a known duration as the eldest of the elven races have kept most history unknown to anyone outside their kin. During this era, the continent was split into three factions, defined by the three different subclass of elves: the High Elves, Wood Elves, and the Drow. The humans and the dwarves were a lesser class, slaves for the elves who ruled over them, until a lone dwarf led a massive rebellion, pushing the elves back into the forests, sparking the 2nd Era.

The 2nd Era, "Golden Era" or GE, was mostly known for the search of the three legendary shards that currently sit with the three main seats of power between the humans, elves, and dwarves. After a century, barbarians sailed from a southern land and invaded the eastern shore of Regalia. This forced Regalia to find a leader to unite them in a massive decade long war, sparking the 3rd Era.

The 3rd Era, "Sinya Conta" (elvish for New Rule) or SC, is known as the birth of Regalia's first monarchy, ruled by the first King: Elamdir Thaydes. The capital is built on the massive island known as Spade Island. Peace lasts for many years during this time and many kingdoms prop up, including: Aventail, Kaldenhal, Mur, and Koral. Many years later, the capital is overtaken by the King of Mur, Vehm Faermir. This sparks the 4th Era.

The 4th Era, still following the yearly SC calendar, becomes known for its exploration and growth, as many small towns are built and many new alliances are born. Gale becomes the last realm to rightfully claim its own kingdom. Years later, a massive explosion of cataclysmic consequence destroys all of Mur, turning it into a land of endless swamp and death. Historians are still perplexed to this day as to what caused it, but many believe that the explosion is the cause for the now, current Tempest Ring that surrounds Regalia.

Kingdoms
There are many regions that define Regalia's diverse populace, all of which have their own histories and are rich in culture.

The Royal Kingdom, commonly known as The Capital or The Great Citadel, is the capital of Regalia and the main realm amongst the Five Kingdoms, as it houses Regalia's emperor. It sits on spade island and is surrounded by a large natural moat.

Aventail, also called Land of Spears, is a militaristic kingdom that lies on the largest northwestern island known for its torrential blizzards. Once hailed as Rega­lia's spearhead, Aventail was known for its intense military training and tough soldiers. And though, many see Aventail as a shadow of its former glory, the kingdom is still ruled with the mindset of: Always Be Prepared for Anything.

Kaldenhal, or as the Dwarves call it, the Stone Root Quarry, is the northernmost kingdom where mostly dwarves and humans reside. Kaldenhal's rise stems from a rich mineral quarry that some believe reaches past the Frosthill Alps. It is also the oldest kingdom outside of the Empire.

Gale, is the youngest of kingdoms whose main city sits near the eastern cliffs. Once, a home to refugees and citizens who fled the Upheaval War that spawned the Land of Mulock to be infested with unspeakable horrors. Today, Gale is home to a vast mixture of different races and factions.

The Koral Port, a province of sorts to the Royal King­dom, is the largest port city in all of Regalia. It's also known as the Merchant City. Ever since the Tempest Ring, the city had become displaced, but it still serves as one of the largest kingdoms of trade.

Regions
The Hartwoods, is a massive mixture of forest and jungle that spans an incredible stretch of land. Not much is known about the woods, but it is common knowledge that the elves fled here during the 2nd Era.

The Draconian Mountains reach from the north eastern provinces to the Gulf of the Five Kingdoms. It can be seen from almost every part of Regalia. It is widely known that the Dwarves migrated here during the 2nd Era.

The Highlands, is a large open under-developed plains.

The Lowland Plains, is a free kingdom located in the lowland plains. Outsiders call it the Savage Lands, for it is still untouched by royal hands.

The Land of Mulock, is a massive swampland. During the 2nd and 3rd eras, its original name was simply called Mur.