Principality of Iraela
Brigands in Crowns
For aeons, the Elemental Plane of Baelonmor has been in decline. Forgotten by the Gods, the divine energy that grants the natives of the realm life has begun to dwindle. In its absence, civilisation collapsed as everyone sought to secure their own future. It was amidst this chaos that new leaders were created. Those who possessed the cunning, wrath, and luck to forge a company of fellow warriors became the lords of the Elemental Plane. Utilising their bands of killers, they launch raids against one another and, on occasion, travel to other planes in order to siphon their divine energy. Thankfully, these clans are usually small, though there are some exceptions.
The most prominent of these greater warlords is Storm Prince Zaragon, who rules over the Principality of Iraela. He has no legal claim to any of the ancient royal families, yet he styles himself in their likeness all the same. His baroque crown sparkles with a hundred stolen jewels and he sits atop a throne padded with the tattered banners of defeated foes. Where most Elemental faction leaders command no more than a hundred warriors, the Storm Prince is said to wield a force of over 100,000.
Upward and Outward Trajectory
The Principality of Iraela is growing at an astonishing rate. In just the past two centuries, the number of Elementals loyal to the Storm Prince has doubled, and its territory has expanded tenfold. All signs suggest that this growth will only accelerate. Of course, claiming lordship over such a huge population places incredible responsibility on Zaragon's shoulders. His people must be sustained with holy energy which, despite the vast swathes of land and sea under the Storm Prince's rule, the Elemental Plane's shortage is only getting worse. To placate the masses, the Principality's forces often venture into planes.
Whilst many warlords embark on forays into other realms, few are able to maintain permanent outposts. The natives of other realms always outnumber the invaders, and local leaders are reluctant to relinquish their land. Zaragon's subjects are amongst the few who have established bases beyond the Elemental Plane. Here, they harvest divine energy to embolden themselves and to sustain their kindred at home. Each year, more of these outposts are erected and the Principality of Iraela spreads a little further with every single one. It is no secret to those who are watching this expansion know that they are witnessing the dawn of a new empire.
Zaragon's Might
If it were not for the strength of its leader, the Principality of Iraela would have likely never flourished. It is said that a furious maelstrom constantly rages around him and, in order to stand before him, one must first endure its wrath. Only the strongest of his generals can brave the journey to the storm's eye. His followers also allege that he possesses the power of both air and water; a feat that only a select few can honestly claim. If these reports are true, than the Storm Prince could soon become an era-defining power.
Origins of Power
Zaragon's true origins are unknown, but he has distributed a heroic myth. According to this legend, he was born in obscurity between two warring factions, and does not recall the peaceful age of millennia passed. His ascent to dominance was marred with hardship, though he overcame every setback in the same way: by simply overpowering his foes. In his wake, there was naught but death. This is a repeating trope in his fable.
Regardless of the authenticity of this tale, it serves its purpose to great effect. Amongst his own troops, Zaragon is revered as a godly entity who only the foolish would dare to betray. Amongst his enemies, it inspires terror, serving as a stark warning of the consequences that await anyone who would stand against his crusade.
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