<span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">The Lost Lands </span><br/><br/><div class="floatright">(https://img1.ak.crunchyroll.com/i/spire4/b9e8931a805a7c75890f24579812bc581385406120_full.jpg)</div><br/>Deep in the center of a Kingdom is a region shrouded in fog and mystery. One unexplored by anybody on the outside, or at least anybody who's lived to tell the tale. An adventurer trying to make their fortune would come out empty. Dragons are seen soaring through the sky. Locals with strange weapons. Monstrous beings that roam the land, and a mysterious order that have capture anyone foolish enough to enter.  A land that is said to be housing Stars that have fallen from the sky. A land in which is surrounded by large ancient towers that creates a barrier preventing anyone from  entering save its very few entrances and exists. This, is the Land of Fallen Stars, or often known as The Lost Lands.<br/><br/><br/>So, that brings the question. Why would a noble woman, daughter of a recently departed king, be traversing such a dangerous place? Well... We should start our story from the beginning.<br/><br/><br/><div class="floatleft">(https://img00.deviantart.net/02ee/i/2012/299/0/6/mountain_kingdom_by_karlschulschenk-d5izdod.jpg)  </div><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">Star Crest Kingdom</span><br/><br/>A beautiful Starcrest Kingdom was founded 500 years ago by those who traveled in search for the falling stars. The settlers consisted of religious pilgrims, scholars, and common folk alike. Driven by curiosity, and lead by Knight General Alexander Caemond. Upon reaching the land in which the stars fell, stories speak of an Angel appearing before the travelers, telling them not to proceed. Some listened, some didn't. Those who didn't head the angels warnings were never heard from again.<br/><br/>Tired of traveling, the settlers made camp at a nearby river. In time, the camp turned into a village. And later that village into a town. The land was rich with resources, and grew fast. It wasn't long before it became a kingdom of its own. Named after the original journey, the Kingdom of Starcrest was born.<br/><br/>With mountains filled with rich resources to the north, a beautiful sea to the south, forests rich with life to the west, and fertile farming lands to the east. It truly was a kingdom rich with resources, but its main export seems to be the large surplus of iron and gold found in the mines along side the border of The Lost Lands.<br/><br/>Along side Trade, another big attraction was the many religious orders that made their way. They believed that Starcrest was a holy land of sorts, and the Lost Lands in the heart of the Kingdom were in turn, either unholy ground, or sacred ground that no mortal should venture towards... depending on who you ask. The various religous sects did all agree, that nobody should venture into these lands not only due to their danger, but the fact it was clear the gods for whatever reason didn't want mortal trespassers. And strict laws were formed to keep any from entering. The Paladin Order making temples near the Lost Lands borders to keep any from entering, as well as keep anything from exiting should the time come.<br/><br/>This however, greatly angered the scholars. A group dedicated to wanting to learn everything there is about these lands, and who in the past sent a few envoys. Through their expeditions, they were able to bring back a few items of interest, including an old broken weapon of some sort that was apparently held by the natives. Further request to send further expeditions however, were denied, and a few hundred years went by without any further exploration of the Lost Lands.<br/><br/><div class="floatleft">(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/401306539413078026/484467626282713088/LadyAmriel.png)  </div><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">The Death of King Olivander Caedmond</span></div><div class="floatright">(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/401306539413078026/484455635375620106/KingCaedmond.png?width=449&amp;height=551)</div><br/>The recently departed King was known for many things. Most of those things not very good however. Having been given the right to rule at a very young age, Olivander Caedmond spent most of his days participating in a Hedonistic lifestyle and chasing skirts. He was accompanied by his harem of courtesans nearly always, and threw his work on others. The exact number of children he had before death is impossible to tell, with many claiming a birth right. So, the only children of his that were given any sort of political power, were the 7 born from his wife. Lady Amriel.<br/><br/>Lady Amriel was once one of the Kings many courtesans. However, it seems even he was capable of love, as he seemed to have genuinely loved her while he was alive. However, due to the fact that she was not of royal blood, she was not allowed to rule the kingdom. So, rulerships fell to one of her 7 children, almost all of which demanded they be the rightful ruler.<br/><br/><br/><br/><div align="center">(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/401306539413078026/484592834796716032/Portraits2.png)</div><br/>From left to right.<br/><br/><strong>Elizabeth Caemond </strong>was the eldest of the children. Brought up in noble society and spent the longest time learning the rules of engagement, Court Manners, and took deep interest in all of the the political intrege of the kingdom and its neighbors. She was brought up to be a proper lady, and originally to be named next in line to the throne. However, she has a habit of excess cruelty and sociopathic tendencies. Many of her service staff have been found dead and beaten after making slight mistakes. She lashes out at petty insults, and when she found out she wasn't guaranteed the throne, 15 members of her service staff were found hung. Despite this, she is well respected among the nobles and has ties with many foreign factions.<br/><br/><strong>Noah Caemond </strong>was the second eldest. When he was a kid, he loved playing strategy board games. He was became a Grandmaster at chess early on in his teen years and only got better since. While ultimately laid back and relaxed, Noah decided to persue a career as an army general due to his love of strategy. He lead the army against the armies of the Kingdom of Oasis, a Desert kingdom to the East. While he was a strategy board game genius, and he did always lead his armies to victory, it was always at a cost. Never once during his career as a general did he see his troops as anything more then pieces on the battlefield. He would gladly sacrifice an entire battalion of new recruits to lead the opposing army into a trap. He see's everything like a challenge, and feels like the goal of life is to win no matter the cost. He currently see's the current throne as the next challenge.<br/><br/><strong>Cordiela Caedmond</strong>was the third oldest. Since she was a child, she sung the hymns of the gods. Deeply religious ever since she was a young girl, she devoted her life to life to the church. Devotion to the gods of Good and Law soon slowly devolved into Madness. Demanding absolute purity, she lead the church into an initiative that she called "The Cleansing of minds". Books were censored, statues were covered or destroyed. Talk of sex was not to be uttered whatsoever, nor was any blasphemous language or profanity. Displays of acts of violence were not allowed. As she pushed this initiative, she found that she only had power within her own province. Dedicated to become Queen, she wishes to purify the land. No matter the cost.<br/><br/><strong>Amora Caedmon</strong>was the 4th Born. A mousy woman who unlike her siblings did not want to be queen. She was still gifted and expected to rule over the share of land her father had given her, and she was a favorite of her mother. We'll speak more of her later.<br/><br/><strong>Alexander Caedmond</strong>, 5th born, usually preferred to be called by just Alex. An androgynous man with a penchant for business. Highly flamboyant and great at talking to people, Alex uses his business know-how, silver tongue, and natural born charm to get amazing deals, and has done wonders for the Starcrest Kingdoms economy. Not so wondrous is the secrets to his success. If you were to ask him, he'd say it was knowing the right people. The right people of course being pirates, and a large underground mafia that broke the knee caps and murdered any who wouldn't play ball. Behind his cheerful smile and flamboyant behavior was a ruthless businessman.<br/><br/><strong>Seth and Sylvia Caedmond</strong>were the 6th and 7th born. Twins whom many believe are identical until they discover that Seth is in fact a boy. The two are inseparable. Despite being given two separate sections of lands and two separate manors, the two tend to run it all as one. Alternating back and forth as they see fit. Seth was given full control over the Farm Lands, and Sylvia over the denser city district that are filled with industries. They work together to ensure maximum productivity. At 23, the two of them are easily the youngest of the siblings, and as such often act more immature. They seek the throne, and while not as antagonistic or malicious as some of their siblings, they are overlooked due to their immaturity, and the fact that neither of them are capable of making a decision without the other.<br/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">The Dawn of War</span></div><div class="floatleft">(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/401306539413078026/484656664621088789/PoliticalMap.png?width=500&amp;height=375)  </div><br/>It wasn't too long after the King's Death that disagreement of who should be the next Ruler erupted. The Queen had been allowed some power for a short bit, however, it had since been stripped after a vote of no confidence with 4-3 against Lady Amriel. With the only votes in her favor being Amora, Seth, and Sylvia. With that, the kingdom had been split. The only way a King or Queen can be named, is if one of the seven heirs is voted in by the others. 50% or more is needed.<br/><br/>While it began as minor squabbling. Things got heated really fast. Threats were made, and Elizabeth was the first to make good on them. A convoy of Traders were found dead in Elizabeth's land, having been sent too Alexander's province.<br/><br/>Alexander in turn created a Trade Embargo against the others. And in secret sent his Mafia Goons and Pirate armies too destroy any trade ships or trading caravans found anywhere else.<br/><br/>Cordiela fortified her paladin order. Declaring the rest to be heathens. She spread propaganda on how the others were denying her right to rule. The Religious Order that she was in charge of now her trained attack dogs.<br/><br/>Noah saw the whole thing as a game. He issued a draft, and now his armies are training. Spies have been sent around. Elizabeth found one, and he was impaled on a stake.<br/><br/>Seth and Slyvia both were more resigned. Ultimately a neutral party in everything, they lost all trust in anybody and now in days keep each other company in Seth's keep. Not speaking to anybody in fear of assassination.<br/><br/>Lady Amriel, had moved in with the one child she had high hopes for to being Queen. Amora Caedmond.<br/><br/><br/><div class="floatright">(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/401306539413078026/484664719467216924/Angel.png)</div><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">The Truth</span></div><br/><br/>Lady Amriel, Amora's mother. Had approached her individually as Amora had been the most level headed out of all of her siblings. The people themselves also had the biggest outcry for Amora to be queen! A fact that her siblings were none too happy with, painting a huge target on her back. Despite this, Amora wasn't too interested in ruling the throne. Lady Amriel however, insisted. It was then that she had decided she would reveal to her daughter the secret to her lineage. That her siblings did not know about.<br/><br/>It was then that Lady Amriel had bared all before her daughter. Beautiful white wings growing out of her back! Her eyes glowing bright! She hovering slightly before she had a feint celestial glow.<strong>"Amora... this is our lineage. You are of Celestial blood. Though, I had hidden it from you from birth. It was with the best intentions. With not just our lives in danger but the people of the kingdom, it is important that you tap into your heritage, and rule." </strong>The former queen explained, putting her hand on her daughters shoulder.<strong>"If you would allow me. I'll aid you and help you tap into this part of your heritage." </strong><br/><br/>It was explained that the former queen had came from The Lost Lands many many years ago. The land was dangerous, and can only be traversed safely of those with celestial blood. She spoke of a golden city towards the edge, a bright bastion in the heart of an unforgiving wasteland. In this city, in a keep, was a magical artifact that once belonged to Lady Amriel. A ring, a ring that made the wearer shine with absolute authority. The ring made the wearer's words powerful. When spoken, others listened, and believed every word! In the wrong hands, it can be a tool of oppression. In the right hands, it can end a Civil War.<br/><br/>Lady Amriel then made a very strange request. "<strong>You're son, William, is 9 correct? He has your celestial blood in his veins, and in The Lost Lands, the Fey protect the children, and make them undetectable, and even offer them a safe haven should they be put in danger. When a child is born they normally come and take the young to their lands and return them when they are adults. William will be protected from the nasty beasts, and because he is of our bloodline, he can make his way to the Golden City, and claim the ring. I'll give him my mark, and they'll let him in once he reaches the city." </strong><br/><br/>Reluctantly, it was agreed on. William, Amora's son, was sent into the Lost Lands with a convoy of armed guards and a high general, while Amora and Amriel both began making preparations for the chance of an upcoming war. Hoping that they convoy would make it there and back before it gets too bad.<br/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">7 Years Later</span></div><br/><div class="floatleft">(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/401306539413078026/484800355750903809/PoliticalMap2.png?width=735&amp;height=552)  </div><br/>Things are looking bad on the war front. Elizabeth had  in these 7 years taken control of the Kingdom's main castle as her own, seizing control. While it doesn't give her any political power, it is a strong fortification and has been a huge morale boost. She leads her conquest mainly towards Amora, cutting into Seth's territories. Now controlling a huge chunk of farm lands, and pushing for the twins to surrender their territories.<br/><br/>Noah had taken a huge chunk of Amora and Sylvia's territories as well. Pushing through and fortifying his troops. He was playing defensiveness for a while. Waiting for other skirmishes to tire everyone out before he sent his troops on a march and took over several towns.<br/><br/>Cordelia cut into Amora's lands as well,  and took some of Elizabeth's while she was on her death march. Mostly spending time fortifying her land and sending missionaries to others, and growing in power.<br/><br/>Alex fronts have been against Elizabeth and Seth, slowly pushing against them while his own land was slowly  being taken. He has succeeded in controlling the entire sea  trade and has succesfully blockaded the twins land.<br/><br/>The twins have acted as something of an Ally for Amora. Though their inexperience has lead them to being pushed against a corner.  While focused on defense, their lives will soon be on the line. At the last meeting they had with Amora, they revealed that both of them were heavily considering gifting their lands and armies to one of the others, and not to Amora herself. Fear being the primary motive, seeking to ally themselves with the most likely to win, though they are reluctant to do so...<br/><br/>Things are bad, and its been a while since any word had come from the Convoy through the Lost Lands... If something doesn't change soon, the land will be covered in blood. Noah's army will be marching. It won't be long now before they take Amora's capital. Elizabeth, Cordelia, and Alex not too far away either. And Amora's only allies fearing for their own lives and reluctant to send aid. There seems to only be one place left to go...<br/><br/><div align="center"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 14pt;">The Meeting...</span></div><div class="floatright">(https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/finalfantasy/images/5/54/Ul%27dah_FFXIV_Art_2.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20130901043704)</div><br/><div class="floatleft">(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS3nmME5JKsTlnTbPrA1iMagY65DyCj5bMWnC06H8aamk6At0NZ)(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/b8/d4/9c/b8d49ce4e8150c1155b28a6b76ee9345.jpg)  </div>Lady Amriel stood in front of her daughter in the war room. It was time to consider the last course of action. "Amora... It's been a full year since we've heard from them. They sounded like they were getting close from the last sending they sent us, but..." The former queen looked crestfallen. The years seemed to weigh down on her.<br/><br/>In the room there were a small handful of individuals. General Marcus, a young handsome man who had recently been promoted due to the death of the previous general, and the captain under him. The leader of the Druid circle, Veronica Vinecreeper, a darker skinned lass who has powerful nature magic at her disposal. Amora's mother, Lady Amriel. And a cleric from the local churches.<br/><div class="floatleft">(https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/401306539413078026/484664719467216924/Angel.png) (https://i.pinimg.com/originals/cd/73/85/cd7385df55d5d7e40236435ddad2488f.jpg)</div><br/>It was there that Lady Amriel made the suggestion of sending more into the Lost Lands. Only problem was that one of Cordelia's guard towers guarded the path so it will be tricky even getting there. "<strong>Amora. In the past 7 years I have been training you the ways of our people. I believe you should lead the charge into the lands now. Find your son, find the Golden City, and return." </strong><br/><br/>The angelic women got up, and walked to her daughter. Standing over her tall and planting a kiss on her forehead. Closing her eyes as suddenly a power surged deep within Amora.<strong>"This is my guardian spirit. May it serve you well"</strong><br/><br/>A power would surge inside Amora, a power she would have a hard time controlling right away, but this is what she was trained for.<br/><br/>The Army General was next to speak. "Lady Amora... What would you have us do? This is a very important expedition, so how many of my troops do you want sent with you? We've got 5 Battalions left. About 2,500 soldiers. I can a few squads."<br/><br/>The Druid Leader nodded.<strong>"I'll also send some of my circle to help!  12 should just about do it right?" </strong><br/><br/><strong>"And I'll send what few Clerics I can to aid you"</strong>The Head Priest said.<br/><br/>Lady Amriel bowed.<strong>"So. My daughter. What will you do?"</strong>