Aldor

Dirwin is woodward from Aldor.

Arna is maiden knight from Aldor.

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Despite sharing a common culture, humans of Aldor are now more divided than ever. A multitude of political conflicts between the kingdom's estates has plunged the country into a prolonged civil war, barely contained by a shaky truce.

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Aldor, known as Ab-Aldur to the elves, is the kingdom in which Stoneshard takes place, a formerly prosperous and powerful kingdom.

Following the death of King Etbert, a dispute arose within the royal court over the succession and the hereditary claims of the new king by the late queen. The political crisis led several groups of burghers and commoners to seek separation from the Council of Aldor and declare their independence.

The resulting conflict developed into a civil war, further destabilizing the Kingdom of Aldor following the devastation caused by the previous Radiant Wars. The kingdom was subsequently divided among three major factions: the Council, the Magistrate, and the Gray Army.

The outbreak of the Crimson Plague further worsened the situation but it helps to keep the status quo across the land. As the plague spread throughout Aldor, necromancer cults began desecrating temples and catacombs, contributing to widespread social and religious unrest. The combination of political instability, disease, and supernatural activity drove some barons and Aldorian communities into banditry and other forms of lawlessness... so here we are.

Geography and economy

Geographically, the Kingdom of Aldor is situated among several major civilizations in the western region of the Continent. Its strategic position places it between several powerful neighboring states and territories, many of which maintain political rivalries and conflicts with Aldor itself. As a result, Aldor has historically been vulnerable to external intervention, particularly during periods of political instability or military weakness.

The western border of Aldor is shared with the Great Despotate of Nistra, a major regional power with which Aldor has maintained a longstanding rivalry spanning several decades. Relations between the two states have frequently been characterized by political and military tensions.

To the north, Aldor borders the mountainous territories of the Fjall Clans. The region is known for frequent clan raids and incursions into Aldorian territory, requiring the kingdom to maintain a permanent border guard presence along the northern frontier.

The eastern border is shared with the Jacinth Kingdoms, a collection of neighboring kingdoms with significant political and historical connections to Aldor. The region is particularly associated with the Radiant Wars, during which King Etbert famously led Aldorian forces in the final war against the elves of Jibei.

The southern frontier extends to the sea, providing Aldor with access to maritime trade and foreign supplies. The principal port is the city of Brynn, which serves as an important center for commerce and maritime transportation. The port's strategic importance has made the southern coastline vital to Aldor's economy, supplies, and continued access to external markets.

Agriculture and Food Production

The Kingdom of Aldor maintains a largely agricultural economy, with farming, fishing, and pastoralism serving as the primary means of sustaining its population. Numerous farms, plantations, fisheries, and pastures are distributed throughout the kingdom, supplying food and other agricultural products to surrounding settlements and cities.

Southern Aldor is particularly known for its agricultural production. The region surrounding Osbrook contains wheat farms that supply grain to the surrounding settlements. Other agricultural estates produce hops and grapes, supporting Aldor's brewing and winemaking industries. Wineries and hop plantations are distributed throughout the kingdom to meet the demand for alcoholic beverages, including wine and ale.

The transportation and distribution of agricultural goods are overseen by bailiffs, who are responsible for managing various estates, facilities, transactions, and logistical operations. Bailiffs also supervise the movement of goods between settlements, making them an important part of Aldor's administrative and economic system.

But after the civil war and the Crimson Plague, the agriculture and logistics that Aldor proud of now need their time to revive their glory, if not already burnt down t the ground.

Arms and Armor

Aldorian weaponsmiths have historically adapted their techniques and designs in response to the military practices of neighboring civilizations. In the decades following the Civil War, the various Aldorian factions increasingly adopted and imitated foreign weapons that were considered effective in warfare.

Among these adaptations was the longaxe, derived from the martial traditions of the Fjall Clans, as well as the polemace, whose design was influenced by weapons used by the Great Despotate of Nistra. Aldorian smiths also incorporated techniques from the Jacinth Kingdoms into the production of sabers and bows.

The development of Aldorian armor has followed a similar pattern. Armorers have continually improved the protection provided by plate and other forms of protective equipment, particularly for the kingdom's knights. The increasing protection worn by heavily armored soldiers subsequently encouraged Aldorian smiths to develop new weapons and improve existing designs in order to overcome enhanced armor. This process of adaptation has resulted in an ongoing cycle of armor development and weapons innovation, with Aldorian craftsmen incorporating foreign techniques while developing their own designs.

Commerce and Trade

Aldor participates in extensive trade with neighboring kingdoms and distant regions. Agricultural products and manufactured commodities form an important part of its exports. Wine, ale, cider, and salt are among the commodities commonly transported through Aldorian trade networks.

The kingdom also exports raw materials, particularly timber and charcoal. The extensive forests of northern Aldor provide a significant source of lumber and fuel, supporting both domestic industries and foreign trade.

Aldor's southern coastline and the port city of Brynn provide access to maritime trade routes, allowing goods produced throughout the kingdom to be transported to foreign markets. The combination of agricultural production, natural resources, manufacturing, and maritime commerce makes trade an important component of the Aldorian economy.

Government and religion

Government

The Kingdom of Aldor is traditionally governed as a hereditary monarchy, with the king serving as the head of state and exercising authority through the Royal Court. The kingdom's feudal lords, nobles, local governors, and merchant lords are traditionally expected to recognize the authority of the crown and administer their respective territories in accordance with royal law.

Following the death of King Etbert, the established system of government collapsed amid a dispute over the royal succession. The resulting Aldorian Civil War divided the kingdom among several competing factions, each establishing its own political and military leadership. The three principal factions are the Council, the Grand Magistrate, and the Gray Army.

The Council

The Council was established by the final wife of King Etbert, Queen Inora following her accession, who assumed the regency alongside her son, King Verne. Inora and her supporters gathered royal loyalists and feudal lords who had fallen from favor under the previous administration King in an effort to preserve the monarchy and maintain the territorial integrity of Aldor.

The Council claims continuity with the traditional Aldorian monarchy and regards King Verne as the legitimate successor to the throne. Its administration is supported primarily by royal loyalists, sections of the nobility, and feudal lords who seeks influence and reintegrate to the court life.

The Grand Magistrate

The Grand Magistrate originated as a political union of city councils, rebellious aristocrats, artisan guilds, and merchant guilds, with its principal center in Brynn.

Brynn had previously possessed the status of a free city status before losing its political privileges under the authority of King Etbert. Following King's death, representatives of the city's political and commercial institutions voted to withdraw from the Kingdom of Aldor. They rejected the legitimacy of the new royal succession and organized a separate administration known as the Grand Magistrate.

The movement subsequently attracted support from burghers, merchants, guilds, military forces, and other groups opposed to royal authority. The Grand Magistrate therefore developed into both a political government and a military faction during the Civil War.

The Gray Army

The Gray Army emerged as a popular movement composed of various social groups, with peasants and artisans forming the majority of its supporters. Its ranks also include former brigands, disillusioned clerics, impoverished feudal lords, and deserters from both the Council and the Grand Magistrate.

The movement is led by Nir, a figure whose origins remain uncertain. Under his leadership, the Gray Army expanded its influence and acquired control over additional territories following the prolonged conflict between the Council and the Grand Magistrate.

Unlike the other major factions, the Gray Army does not originate from the established royal or urban political institutions of Aldor. Its organization instead developed from the social and economic instability caused by the Civil War, allowing individuals from different backgrounds to join the movement.

Religion

Hieronism is a Gnostic religious tradition originating in the Kingdom of Aldor and remains one of the principal religious traditions of the region. Its teachings are centered on the Host, a divine entity understood through the concept of the Trinity of Hands: the Guiding Hand, the Warding Hand, and the Judging Hand.

Hieronist theology places considerable emphasis on the pursuit of divine knowledge and spiritual understanding. The religion maintains a complex clerical hierarchy through which adherents progress from religious students to increasingly knowledgeable and spiritually powerful figures.

The understanding of the Host is regarded as a lifelong pursuit. Hieronist teachings maintain that deeper knowledge of sacred scripture and divine mysteries allows an individual to establish an increasingly direct spiritual connection with the Host.

Each Hieronist church is administered by a priest known as a Hierophant. Advancement through the Hieronist hierarchy traditionally requires religious study, pilgrimage, contemplation, and the interpretation of sacred texts. Per information that people been gathered such as in folio, the hierarchy of the Aldor Hieronites priests is as such:

• Exoteric

• Hierophant

• Hermeneut

• Theognostic

• Thaumaturge

• Archtheurgist

Saints and Relics

Hieronism maintains a tradition of venerating saints, individuals remembered for their exceptional devotion, virtue, and accomplishments in service to the Host. Many saints are believed to continue protecting or blessing the faithful through sacred artifacts such as Saint Wald and relics associated with their lives.

In addition, numerous saints have been commemorated through statues, religious buildings, shrines, and annual celebrations. These monuments and observances serve both as acts of devotion and as reminders of the virtues represented by the saints. Some Hieronist communities consider the relics of particularly revered saints to possess spiritual significance, and certain artifacts are believed to retain a connection to the saint and, through them, to the Host.

History and culture

Pre-unification Aldor

Before the establishment of the Kingdom of Aldor, the region was inhabited and controlled by numerous tribal societies. Among the most prominent were the Ald Tribes, the Sentian Tribes, and the Highlander Tribes of Firn. Each developed distinct cultural and military traditions that later became incorporated into Aldorian history and folklore.

The Ald Tribes were particularly renowned for their advanced metalworking techniques, which were considered superior to those of many neighboring tribes. Their expertise in metallurgy allowed the Ald to produce high-quality weapons, tools, shields, and other metal equipment.

The Firn Tribes, who inhabited the northern highlands, were known for their strong traditions and conservative social customs. Their society placed considerable importance on preserving the practices and values of their ancestors. The Firn were also renowned for their skilled marksmen and warriors.

The Sentian Tribes developed a distinctive military tradition centered around the use of slingers. Sentian slingers were regarded as highly skilled and became an important part of the tribe's military identity. The Sentians were also renowned for their culinary traditions, with their dishes and skilled cooks becoming an important part of their cultural reputation.

Unification of Aldor

According to Aldorian legends, the unification of the region began with the expansion of the Ald Tribes. Ald forces gradually conquered neighboring territories, taking the land of rivalling tribes.

The conquest of the Sentian territories required the Ald forces to cross the river separating the two peoples. The Sentians offered strong resistance, relying heavily on their renowned slingers to oppose the advancing Ald forces. According to traditional accounts, the Sentians continued their resistance until the death of their last king, Benor the Dauntless. Following Benor's death, the remaining Sentian forces were defeated, and the Ald completed their conquest of the Sentian territories. The incorporation of the Sentians significantly expanded Ald-controlled territory and brought their lands under a single political authority.

The subsequent campaign against the Firn Tribes proved considerably more difficult. The mountainous terrain of Firn provided the defenders with a natural advantage, while Firn marksmen were renowned for their exceptional skill with bows and slings. Firn warriors also fought in close combat, traditionally wielding large claymores against the metal shields and armor of the Ald warriors. Their resistance became one of the defining conflicts in the traditional accounts of Aldorian unification.

Eventually, Ald forces captured the Firn foothills, marking a major milestone in the consolidation of Ald territory. The event became an important part of Aldorian historical tradition and was later commemorated in the Tapestry, where the campaigns of unification are depicted as foundational events in the history of the kingdom.

The conquest of the Sentians and Firn is traditionally regarded as the beginning of the political consolidation that eventually led to the establishment of the Kingdom of Aldor.

Culture

Following the unification of Aldor, the cultural traditions of the former tribes continued to survive throughout the kingdom. Many customs remained particularly prominent in rural communities, while others were gradually incorporated into the customs of Aldorian nobility and urban society. Although the kingdom developed a shared cultural identity, regional traditions from the Ald, Sentian, and Firn peoples remain recognizable in various parts of Aldor.

One of the most widespread aspects of Aldorian culture is the consumption of wine and ale. Inns and taverns can be found throughout the kingdom, including in remote and rural settlements. Alcoholic beverages are commonly consumed after a day of labor and are enjoyed by people from various social classes, including nobles, farmers, guards, and members of the clergy. The widespread availability of wine and ale has made drinking an established part of Aldorian social life.

Another prominent aspect of Aldorian noble culture is its tradition of jousting and duelling. Jousting was historically practiced not only as a martial competition but also as a form of public spectacle and social display. Knights would don their finest armor, helmets, and barded steeds before competing before large crowds. Success in the joust was considered a means of demonstrating martial ability, wealth, and prestige, while victorious knights often gained the admiration of the crowds and the attention of the fair maidens.

Over time, however, the traditional practice of duelling declined in popularity. Once considered an important component of martial and personal honor, formal duels became increasingly uncommon among Aldorian nobles and warriors. Many pieces of equipment traditionally associated with the practice, including bucklers and specialized duelling belts, have consequently fallen into disuse and are often left neglected.

But beside of that, one element of Sentian culture, particularly its culinary traditions, have survived into the modern era. Sentian cuisine became especially influential in Brynn, where cooks developed and refined numerous dishes using both traditional and foreign ingredients. Brynn's cooks have acquired a reputation for their ability to transform inexpensive, unusual, or otherwise undesirable ingredients into elaborate dishes suitable for the tables of the nobility. This reputation has contributed to Brynn's status as one of Aldor's notable centers of culinary culture.

Alas not all traditions of the pre-unification tribes survived the development of the modern Kingdom of Aldor. Some customs have gradually disappeared, while others are no longer formally recognized under Aldorian law. One example is an old Firn custom concerning the inheritance of knightly titles. Certain Firn noble houses traditionally permitted a daughter who had been raised according to the customs and duties traditionally expected of a son could inherit the family's knightly title. Although the practice existed within some Firn houses, it is no longer generally recognized under contemporary Aldorian law and led several noble houses of Firn ceased to exist.

Military and weaponries

The military history of Aldor has been shaped by repeated civil wars, foreign campaigns, and internal rebellions, beginning with the tribal conflicts that preceded the unification of the kingdom and continuing into the modern era. These conflicts have encouraged the Aldorian military to continually adapt its weapons, tactics, and organization in response to changing forms of warfare.

Aldorian military doctrine places considerable emphasis on practicality and adaptation rather than strict adherence to established customs or martial traditions. Weapons and tactics originating from foreign cultures are studied when they demonstrate effectiveness against Aldorian forces. Rather than rejecting unfamiliar methods, Aldorian commanders and craftsmen commonly seek to adopt, reproduce, and improve them for use by their own armies.

This approach has resulted in the incorporation of numerous foreign weapons and techniques into Aldorian warfare. Designs originally developed by neighboring civilizations have been modified to suit Aldorian equipment, terrain, and military organization. As a result, Aldorian warfare has developed as an evolving combination of indigenous traditions and foreign innovations.

The continuous cycle of observation, imitation, adaptation, and improvement has become a defining characteristic of the Aldorian military. Its commanders regard battlefield experience as an opportunity to identify weaknesses and develop new methods to counter them, contributing to the kingdom's reputation for military adaptability.

Weapons and armor

Plate armor

Aldor is particularly renowned for its armorsmithing tradition, most notably the production of heavy plate armor. The development of Aldorian armor has been influenced by centuries of warfare, rebellions, and continual competition with neighboring civilizations. Compared with the heavy infantry of Nistra, which traditionally relies on scale armor, and the Maafs warriors of the Jacinth Kingdoms, who commonly employ heavily reinforced brigandine, Aldorian armorers are regarded as among the foremost practitioners of plate armor.

Aldorian smiths produce a wide variety of protective equipment, ranging from cuirasses and chestplates to complete suits of plate armor. Such armor is designed to withstand powerful blows and provide substantial protection on the battlefield, although its manufacture requires considerable quantities of metal, skilled labor, and financial resources. Consequently, the heaviest forms of Aldorian armor are generally reserved for wealthier soldiers and the nobility.

Swords and Halberds

The sword holds a particularly prominent position within Aldorian knightly culture. Noble swords are traditionally associated with knighthood, social status, and martial prestige, making them a favored weapon among the kingdom's aristocratic warriors.

Despite the cultural importance of the sword, Aldorian military doctrine does not restrict its soldiers to traditional weapons. Over time, Aldorian smiths and military authorities, including King Etbert himself, encouraged the adoption of a wider variety of weapons in order to familiarize troops with different forms of combat.

Among common soldiers, guards and levies frequently employ one of the famous invention of polearms, the halberd. Its combination of cutting, thrusting, and hooking capabilities makes it a versatile weapon suitable for a variety of battlefield and non-battlefield duties. The halberd's adaptability allows commanders to employ their levies and guards in different roles without requiring them to carry specialized weapons for every task.

The widespread use of foreign and unconventional weapons reflects the broader Aldorian military philosophy of adaptation and practicality, in which established traditions are maintained when effective but are readily supplemented or replaced when superior alternatives become available.

Longbows

The longbow is one of the most prominent weapons associated with the military traditions of Aldor. A common Aldorian proverb states, "as long as Aldor has at least a dozen longbows, it'll remain unconquered." The saying reflects the reputation of Aldorian longbowmen and their importance in the kingdom's military history.

Aldorian archers have gained a reputation among neighboring powers for their range, accuracy, and ability to deliver concentrated volleys. Historical accounts attribute several notable victories to the longbowmen, including the destruction of a Jacinth army after it was drawn into an Aldorian ambush. During conflicts with Nistra, Aldorian archers were also credited with killing numerous enemy commanders, standard-bearers, and mages through concentrated and precisely aimed volleys.

Despite the effectiveness of the longbow, its widespread use has not always been supported by the Aldorian nobility. Some nobles have historically regarded archery as an inferior martial practice associated with peasants and commoners, rather than a discipline worthy of aristocratic warriors. Rather than encouraging rural communities to maintain and develop their archery skills, certain lords have discouraged the practice or restricted the use of bows on their estates. In some territories, nobles have even imposed restrictions on archery in order to protect their private hunting grounds. These policies have occasionally placed the interests of aristocratic hunting traditions in conflict with the military value of maintaining a large population of skilled archers.

Military tactics

Wedge formation

Aldorian commanders have traditionally sought to weaken Nistrian formations through sustained volleys of longbow fire before committing their cavalry to a wedge formation intended to break the enemy's lines. However, this tactic carries considerable risks, particularly when the cavalry assault fails to achieve a decisive breakthrough. Failed charges can result in significant casualties and, in some cases, contribute to an Aldorian defeat.

As a result, some Aldorian commanders and military reformers have advocated for changes to the traditional approach. These advocates have called upon the kingdom's knights and nobles to set aside their pride and study the tactics employed successfully by their Nistrian adversaries. Such proposals emphasize adapting proven enemy methods rather than relying exclusively on established Aldorian traditions of warfare.

Pike and Shot formation

The practice was introduced by Commander Damian of the renowned Albatross Brigade, who employed a formation reminiscent of the ancient phalanx during the Battle of the Chilly Ford. The formation contributed to his decisive victory over Duke der Narn.

Following the battle, many commanders advocated for the increased use of pikemen in military formations, arguing that pike formations represented an important development in the future of warfare. They further recommended that the Magistrate prioritize military reforms aimed at countering the Council Army's reliance on heavy cavalry.

After Damian's proposed reforms, the training of pikemen and crossbowmen was to be significantly expanded. The two troop types were envisioned as the backbone of the Magistrate's army, with pikemen providing a defensive counter to cavalry charges while crossbowmen supplied ranged support against heavily armored opponents.

Military units

Knight

The Knights of Aldor are primarily drawn from the nobles and highborn members of the houses of nobility within the Kingdom of Aldor. They traditionally serve as the kingdom's heavily armored cavalry and are commonly equipped with full plate armor and trained warhorses.

Aldorian knights are also associated with the martial traditions and status of the nobility. Their social standing and adherence to chivalric customs have, on occasion, influenced their choice of weaponry. Some knights favor the use of noble swords, regarding them as a traditional and prestigious weapon, even when other weapons may be more practical for certain battlefield situations. Until King Etbert himself introduced them with many axes, bludgeon, and polearms that highten the status of that weapons to be worthy enough wielded by the nobles.

Peasant levy

In Aldor, particularly within territories governed by the Council, the distinction between knightly forces and peasant levies remains an established feature of the military system. For centuries, commoners have been conscripted into the army and typically provided with inexpensive equipment, with some receiving little or no standardized armament.

Peasant levies are generally assigned simple and readily available weapons, most commonly spears and bows. In contrast to the heavily equipped knights and nobles, these troops are primarily intended to serve as mass infantry and supporting forces on the battlefield. This separation in equipment and military role reflects the broader social hierarchy of Aldorian society, in which military privileges and resources are concentrated among the noble classes.

Free Company / Mercenaries

Mercenaries are a common sight throughout Aldor, particularly in the city of Brynn. They serve as a military force that fill the gap between the kingdom's noble knights and its peasant levies, providing professional soldiers for those who can afford their services.

Mercenaries with proven battlefield experience and established reputations are sometimes hired to participate in wars fought by the Kingdom of Aldor. Their reputation and personal achievements can greatly influence their standing, with successful mercenaries often displaying their weapons and equipment as symbols of their experience and worth.

Polearms such as halberds and polehammers are commonly employed by Aldorian mercenaries, owing to their effectiveness and versatility on the battlefield. More accomplished and prosperous mercenaries, however, may favor imposing two-handed swords. Such weapons are sometimes fitted with elaborately gilded hilts or ornate scabbards, serving not only as weapons but also as visible demonstrations of their wealth, status, and position in the army.

Royal Guard

The Royal Guard is the personal military force and bodyguard of King Etbert, tasked primarily with protecting the monarch and serving as his personal retinue. The Guard is regarded as an elite formation within the Aldorian military and is entrusted with the defense of the royal household.

Members of the Royal Guard are equipped with some of the finest weapons and armor produced by Aldorian smiths. Their standard equipment includes high-quality crossbows, heavy armor, and shield with broadswords carried as sidearms. The quality of their equipment distinguishes the Royal Guard from the ordinary levies and regular troops of the Aldorian army.

Longbowman

As a boastful Aldorian proverb goes, "As long as Aldor has at least a dozen longbows, it shall remain unconquered." The longbowmen of Aldor have established a reputation for their skill in archery through numerous military campaigns and the defense of Aldorian cities against invading forces.

During sieges and other defensive engagements, Aldorian longbowmen with their trusted bow have reportedly killed numerous enemy commanders, battlemages, and standard-bearers through their marksmanship. Their ability to target important personnel from a distance has made them a particularly valued component of Aldorian defensive warfare.

The widespread use of the longbow has also influenced the composition of Aldorian levies. Many levies are equipped and trained as longbowmen, with some having practiced archery from an early age and possessing years, or even a lifetime, of experience with the weapon.

Blademaster

Blademasters are elite professional soldiers who receive twice the standard military wage in exchange for serving on the frontline. Their reputation and battlefield performance are often cited as justification for the considerable expense of maintaining them.

Typically armed with greatswords, Blademasters are deployed against enemy infantry formations, particularly poorly equipped levies. Their primary role is to assault the frontline and disrupt its formation, with their presence and aggressive fighting style intended to undermine enemy morale and create openings for the rest of the army to exploit.

The Vehement

The Vehement are militant Hieronites who take up arms against ghouls, warlocks, and other unholy monstrosities. Unlike conventional military orders, the Vehement are not restricted to a particular social class or profession. Their ranks include peasants, zealous pilgrims, knights-errant, battlemages, and others who have devoted themselves to the cause.

Membership in the Vehement requires the taking of a sacred vow. Those who swear the vow pledge "to stand in defense of the Hieron and the common folk, dedicating themselves to the eradication of evil wherever it may be found." The vow is considered the foundation of the Vehement's identity, binding its members together despite their differences in origin, status, and training.

The Vehement therefore function as both a religious brotherhood and a militant force, with their members united primarily by their oath rather than by a common military background.

Sons of Eeders

Eeders is a remote and inhospitable village located deep within dense woodland. Its isolated location and harsh environment have contributed to its reputation as an unpleasant place for outsiders, with visitors rarely remaining for extended periods. The village is primarily known for two things: its extensive lumber mills and its perpetually combat-ready militia. Eeders' mills produce timber that is transported directly to the docks of Brynn, making the settlement an important source of lumber for the region.

The sons of Eeders are particularly renowned for their proficiency with heavy poleaxes, a skill regarded as exceptional throughout Aldor. The weapon most commonly associated with the village is the eederax, a polearm named after its place of origin. The eederax bears similarities to the Skadian bardiche, but features a hook attached to the rear of the axe blade to hook horsemen. Eeders militiamen are especially skilled in using the weapon's hook to catch and dismount enemy cavalrymen, making the eederax an effective weapon against mounted opponents. This technique, combined with their longbowman, has made the warriors of Eeders particularly well suited to defending their woodland settlement and confronting cavalry forces.

Company and Order under Aldor

• Albatross Brigade
• Steel Company
• Faclon Company
• Falcon Plume Company
• United Circle of Mages
• Order of the Triune Hands
• Royal Armorbreakers
• The Woodwight
• Royal Ranger

Outdated Lore

Half a century before the events of the game, Aldor waged a war against the elven Jade Kingdoms. This aggression was repelled by the elves who in turn invaded Aldor. The kingdom was swept by a wave of bloodsheds. Making his last stand, the Last King revived many fallen warriors to act as his last line of defense. However this terrifying blasphemy was doomed to failure and the Last King was soon vanquished leaving behind him a terrible legacy. The disappearance of the Last King signed the end of this horrific part of Aldor's history which the historians aptly named the War of the Fallen.

In the aftermath of the war and following the fall of the monarchy no one was left at the reign of the kingdom. After the Jade Kingdoms armies left all matters of pretenders sought to ascend to the throne. This was the start of a decade long civil war, the Discord. Only the Grand Magistrate, an alliance of well-off merchant families, tired of hatred and violence, was capable of stopping that bloodshed.

Still, years of conflicts left Aldor ravaged. The Grand Magistrate slowly lost its role as its members parted ways. The already tenuous peace of the kingdom was stretched thin. This fragile balance was shattered when the Last King suddenly returned. The great orc migration and another political race added fuel to the fire of war. In a blink of an eye the whole Aldor was split into zones, influenced by rivaling faction.<ref>https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1926605606/stoneshard-open-world-roguelike-rpg-with-tactical/posts/2190173</ref>

This is where the story of Stoneshard begins...

Interesting Facts

• At the time of the events of the game, Aldor is 428 years old.
• Aldor, before unification, consisted of three smaller kingdoms, which were later demoted to duchies. The name of only one of these kingdoms of the past is known for certain - Sentia and the name of its last king - Benor the Dauntless. It is on the territory of this kingdom that modern Brynn is located.
• The population of Aldor, with rare exceptions, professes Gnostic Hieronism.