Plot
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Dark Fantasy | Politics| Medieval | LGBTQ+ | Kingdom
The Apaseon Empire has existed for hundreds of years, and the empire is proud of its longevity. The kingdom is prosperous in resources and wealth, crumbling weaker domains that dared to seek war or the emperor at the time seeking to expand their territory. The empire is massive in size, and a singular monarch won't be able to have complete control and may cause disarray. As such, a Vassal System was formed, where the Irtir may elect those loyal to rule a piece of land. Of course, it's without issues, ambitious vassals seeking the throne, the threat of wanting independence from the crown, power abuse, and them being too powerful for the Iritir to stop them. Apaseon not only faces threats outside the kingdom but from civil issues as well. Indeed, being part of an empire sounds blissful, especially when you're a ruler, yet you can't let your guard down as anyone has the potential to stab you in the back for what you have. Oddly enough, kin slaying of any kind isn't banned but encouraged, as in the eyes of the Apaseon Empire, this is nothing more but a twisted game where the worthy wins.
Apaseon has a rich history and is unashamed to share it with those seeking knowledge. History is both a remembrance and a lesson, and those foolish by not learning about it are bound to meet failure or death. One story that was told for many years by those seeking to become the next Iritir on how to treat their citizens is that of Emperor Korzha the Good-Hearted. The emperor opened his doors for hungry citizens seeking shelter and food during the war with another kingdom, causing his name to be recorded in the books of righteous rulers. It appears to be a positive trait that should be encouraged, yet it's also used as a caution, considering what happened. An assassin disguised as a distressed citizen snuck up on the emperor, whose guard was down while speaking with a widow, and plunged a dagger into his stomach. His death caused a civil war, with the empire now facing two battles. The civil war took months to settle with the declaration of a new ruler. It was declared that Korzha's sister would take the throne, and the person who planned Korzha's death was sent to serve in the first war as punishment.
With the empire's dark history of cruelty and many civil wars, one would surely expect it to collapse. Still, the Apaseon Empire stubbornly held firm and still is a powerful domain. It birthed multiple sovereigns who reigned for some time before meeting the demise of old age or extermination. Currently (or formerly), Iritir Victor Luca Plesu took control of the throne at the age of 16 when his mother met an untimely fate and ruled the kingdom well. Victor sought change for the empire, wanting to be more of a diplomatic court and gain allies rather than eliminating and conquering them. Those tired of the senseless bloodshed supported him and his goals, desiring to create a new reputation for the empire. Of course, they were the ones who favored the old ways and started to loathe their ruler, even his foolish plans. The Iritir went to bed healthy and energetic, but in the morning, Victor was found dead in his bed of possible poisoning. With Victor dead, his plans have been disrupted, much to the dismay of half of the people. However, one person was quick to take his position, which made those wanting peace raise suspicion. That person was his oldest daughter, Xenthia Plesu. However, her claim for the crown won't be quick as she thought, considering that she's a bastard to the former emperor.
The crown isn't the oldest issue since she has a competitor for the throne, her half-brother, and the only son to Victor, Leonidas Plesu. Leonidas was born an ill child and was considered weak by many people, even his father. Many overlooked him, and even personal trainers didn't bother to aid him. So, he spent most of his time reading books to gain the upper hand. His intelligence and sense of justice are strong, able to put many to shame with his words, yet his weakened body won't be enough to convince most of the population to his side. Xenthia, on the other hand, is adept in flame magic, and her power is awe-inspiring. However, due to her blood, as she was birthed into a Chyaghet family, she's considered a non-royal, and her social status is tarnished, with many nobles eying the woman. Xenthia may be more powerful than her brother, yet she doesn't have the full support of the noble class. Leonadis has been using his words tactically, bringing the nobles and a few citizens to his side. With Xenthia's gift, she has most of the support from the military and some citizens. Leonadis has wealth yet lacks the army, while Xenthia has soldiers but no wealth.
The vast majority of the people were unaware of a third child, even the two royal siblings. The third child was sent to live outside the empire, dwelling in one of the royal manors that no one bothered to visit anymore. Only a few loyal supporters were elected by the emperor and were ordered to serve the third child, to educate and train them to be the perfect Iritir. The child was the product of the emperor and a noblewoman, a secret affair that a minority knew about, yet was unaware of the creation of the second bastard. Victor wanted the child to be a backup plan for his goals and seat of power, already creating a pathway for his child to walk on. While alive, Victor oversaw their work to ensure they followed his plans accordingly. It was going swell until his untimely death, and those that supported him had different goals in mind. One half wanted to follow Victor's plans, desiring to reform the empire from its brutal history and pave a road to peace. The second half wanted to make the child their pawn, craving to manipulate the child into their puppet ruler and convince them to conquer the rest of the kingdoms. Perhaps tired of them both, the young adult bastard grew annoyed by the squabbling masses and killed those they didn't consider friends.
As the child entered the Apaseon Empire and declared themselves the third child of Victor, their half-siblings eyed them suspiciously, and many of the civilians were stuck on who they should support. The oldest daughter who's strong in both physique and magic yet extremely reckless, the weak-willed son whose tongue is said to be that of silver and educated of Apaseon law, or the third child who's formed to be a replica of Victor but is rumored to kill anyone that goes against their plans. Whatever the case, tension within the empire is brewing with mass disarray, and the other kingdoms unclaimed by Apaseaon are waiting for the moment to strike. With another threat of war inside and outside the empire, everyone is apprehensive and going at each other's throats. Wanting to stop the conflict before it amplifies to bloodshed, a group wanted to erase the monarchy and put the Mingtee in charge of the entire empire. Four groups had been formed, and the tension only grew stronger.
The Salvation supports Leonadis.
The Azure Ravens side with Xenthia.
The Idealist that backs the Mingtee.
Lastly, the Legion of the Black Dragon, who endorses the third child.
Which group would succeed in putting their favored people on the throne? Will the Apaseon Empire end their bickering in the nick of time before the other kingdoms unite and declare war against them? Or would the entire empire finally meet its bitter end?
Spring 
Night 
Flood Moon: 
