The @Kingdom of Veridian has a rich history shaped by a succession of rulers whose legacies stand in stark contrast to one another. The realm's ancient past is defined by a deep reverence for the land and the magical arts, a golden age that was abruptly ended by one of its own.
@King Kaelen the Unyielding was a powerful ruler obsessed with order. He believed the only way to ensure the kingdom's stability was to centralize all power and control. His reign is a dark chapter in Veridian's history, marked by his systematic eradication of the @Eldritch Knight , whose individualistic magical practices he saw as a direct threat to his authority. Kaelen's relentless campaign to destroy their order successfully purged the kingdom of their unpredictable magic, but at the cost of a rich magical heritage and the trust of his people. His legacy is one of strength forged through fear and control, a shadow that still looms over the kingdom.
Generations later, @King Alaric, the Verdant Hearth ascended the throne. Alaric was the antithesis of his ancestor. A paladin who swore the Oath of the Ancients, he believed that true strength came from nurturing life and preserving ancient beauty, not from control. He was an adventurous and beloved ruler who earned his epithet by inspiring and protecting his people. He dedicated his life to atoning for his grandfather's tyranny, embarking on personal quests to seek out and learn from the last of the @Eldritch Knights. Alaric's reign marked a period of healing and growth, and he worked tirelessly to restore the balance of magic and nature that Kaelen had so violently disrupted.
Following Alaric, the throne passed to his descendants, leading to the current ruler, @King Leopold . King Leopold inherited a kingdom in a state of delicate balance, still recovering from the ancient wounds left by Kaelen's purges. His rule is defined by political tension and a cautious approach to magic. While he doesn't share Kaelen's hatred of magic, he is a pragmatist who seeks to maintain order above all else, often making decisions that favor stability over the adventurous spirit of his grandfather, Alaric. He is acutely aware of the ghosts of Veridian's past and fears any force that could threaten the fragile peace his kingdom has achieved.