Illegitimate Blood

The world was divided—fractured into seven formidable powers that exerted control over its expansive territories and myriad peoples. These entities were known as the **Seven Holy Empires**, each asserting a divine right and absolute authority over their respective realms. For centuries, they had engaged in conflict, trade and intricate schemes against one another; each sought supremacy in a world that seemingly knew no genuine peace. At the center of this tumult stood the **Holy Empire of Narzan**, the largest and most reviled of them all. Narzan's lands were vast (indeed), stretching from the sun-baked deserts of the south to the fertile heartlands in the north. Its cities rose high above the plains, bustling with life and wealth; however, beneath this vibrant facade lay a foundation built on blood and cruelty. Although the empire thrived, its prosperity came at a steep price, because the suffering of the many often fueled the excesses of the few. Thus, the narrative of Narzan was one of paradox, where grandeur and horror coexisted uncomfortably.

Narzan was not respected. It was feared.

The armies, adorned in shades of crimson and black, marched forward with a singular objective: domination. Their rulers were merciless; their policies were harsh and their laws favored the elite of the empire while oppressing the common populace. The empire flourished through conquest—subjugating weaker nations and annexing territories in the name of their deity. Narzan's banner (an eagle grasping a black sword) served as a symbol of dread throughout the world. To the north of Narzan, flanked by towering mountain ranges and glacial rivers, lay the **Holy Empire of Firhan**—often referred to as the Land of Frost and Honor. The soldiers of Firhan were disciplined and steadfast, their warriors esteemed for their exceptional skill and rigorous code of honor. However, in contrast to Narzan, Firhan took pride in justice and fairness within its borders; still, its animosity toward Narzan burned intensely. The remnants of past conflicts continued to haunt Firhan's icy valleys and its citizens yearned for the day they could finally bring Narzan to its knees.

Far to the west, the **Holy Empire of Grundela** emerged from the sands. This land, characterized by vast deserts and resplendent cities, was a realm populated by scholars, merchants and mystics. The people of Grundela placed immense value on knowledge and commerce; thus, its cities functioned as thriving centers of learning and culture. However, Grundela was no stranger to conflict. Its warriors, both swift and cunning, mastered the art of ambush tactics, striking with remarkable precision before disappearing back into the desert's vastness. Grundela had endured considerable suffering due to Narzan's invasions and its deep-seated animosity towards the empire was palpable. On the eastern front, the **Holy Empire of Burnel** lay nestled among forests and rivers. Known for its isolationist policies, Burnel's dense woodlands served to protect its inhabitants from external threats. Although its warriors excelled in guerrilla warfare, striking stealthily from the shadows, Burnel's leaders held a profound mistrust of all other empires, perceiving them as imminent threats to their sovereignty.

In the southern regions, the **Holy Empire of Sarhan** exerted control over expansive savannahs and bountiful coastlines. As a maritime power, Sarhan's navy was dominant (over the seas). Its inhabitants were both traders and explorers; their vessels frequently ventured far beyond the known world. The rivalry between Sarhan and Narzan was particularly intense, with the two empires often clashing over the control of essential trade routes. Conversely, the **Holy Empire of Kurdan**, situated in the mountains to the west of Firhan, emerged as a land characterized by blacksmiths and warriors. Although its people were fiercely independent, their weapons and armor were regarded as the finest in the world. Kurdan had repeatedly repelled the forces of Narzan, thus earning a reputation for its formidable defenses. However, Kurdan was not devoid of weaknesses; the internal divisions within the empire rendered it susceptible to external threats.

And ultimately, at the farthest confines of the known world, lay the **Holy Empire of Nihlan**. Nihlan was enveloped in enigma (its territories isolated by perilous seas and towering cliffs). The inhabitants were reputed to be adept in forbidden magic; their armies augmented by peculiar and potent sorcery. Few outsiders had ever ventured into Nihlan's domain and even fewer had managed to return. Narzan regarded Nihlan with a mix of fear and envy (because he understood that the empire's secrets could alter the power dynamics in an instant). However, this allure of mystery was undeniable.

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Although the Seven Empires coexisted, they harbored a profound disdain for one another. Alliances, often tenuous (formed out of necessity), were routinely shattered by acts of betrayal. Each empire yearned to dominate and trust—this elusive quality—was scarce. However, among them all, Narzan was the most reviled. Its brutal strategies of expansion and subjugation had rendered it a loathed adversary; despite being the largest, any of the other empires could annihilate it if presented with the right opportunity. Yet, even within Narzan's own borders, there were murmurs of discontent.

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Far removed from the opulence of throne rooms and the chaos of battlefields, within the muddy thoroughfares of a Narzanian village, a boy named **Roy** fought to endure. Born into a life of commonality, he had experienced nothing but hardship and despair. To him, the empires loomed as distant forces, their wars and rivalries appearing trivial in comparison to the daily quest for sustenance and shelter. However, Roy's destiny was not destined to linger in obscurity. Fate—or perhaps a greater power—had other designs for him. **"We will rise,"** he murmured to himself, standing amidst the rain-soaked streets. **"From nothing... to everything."** The path ahead would be protracted, replete with bloodshed and sacrifice. He would stumble. Yet, he would rise once more.