Tales of Albia

History of Albia

The large isles of Albia were once ruled by the Capirana three kingdoms which consist of Capirana, Gil il Broed and Gauland. It is the former that holds the real power as King Marmaduke IV sits upon the throne. A weak individual with the chambers running the ruse it is a nest of vipers.

Over a hundred years ago, a slave revolt broke out on Albia who declared themselves free of the three kingdoms. The truth was that they were never free as the then King Roger the Blackard set up a garrison with an uneasy truce broken before the Three kingdoms in effect took control back.

Roll on forty years or more and a corrupt Governor Lord Percival Ashe who allowed pirates to port and rest, if they kicked up a cut of their booty to him. It was a scheme that was mutually beneficial until the nomadic raiders from the Icevig started to attack and raid.

Ashe who loved a good deal and to stop the Three kingdoms sending troops agreed a deal without the approval of King Marmaduke the XII that gave the Vigs as they were called substantial land to call their own.

It was almost a year when the so called treaty that had been signed when Lord Ashe with Three Kingdom troops and paid pirate crews set fire to the lands massacring the Vig settlers and selling the survivors into slavery.

Once done, Lord Ashe ensured that there were enough pirate crews and a fleet of Capirana ships to protect any potential revenge.

Six months later a swarm of Vigland ships led by the famous (or infamous depending on what side of the fence you sit on) Ragnar and his spirit brother Auon set siege to Albia and with the help of the infamous Phoenix birds took control of Albia.

'Break your shackles for you are all now free,' is the quote attributed to Ragnar.

Albia was declared a republic with all men and women declared equal. A Moot was formed with all senators voted into the Moot as well as a Che (leader) who was the head of the chamber.

Of course, it was not all so simple and took years, especially after Che Ragnar declared slavery illegal and defeated the Three kingdoms in two big battles even taking land.

Ragnar was said to have died during a storm as his ship never returned from a raid although some believe he would return.

The Three kingdom saw their opportunity, but Albia was strong enough to see through the siege and even made ground into the Three Kingdoms.

Currently, Albia has a strong government and is growing prosperous despite the Three kingdoms attempts to wrest back control. Once again there is an uneasy truce between the two with Marmaduke's council trying to take back lands now occupied by the Albian republic.

This is the short stories from that world.

Brief description of the main countries

The Three kingdoms consist of Capriana, Gil Il Broed, and Gauland. It is over four hundred years after King Roger 'The flat nose,' united the three kingdoms through sheer deviousness, striking deals and backstabbing as quickly as he changed his shirts.

Ironically, Roger had no real claim to the throne and was at best the distant cousin of King Edward 'The Steady,' of Capriana who died. Roger claimed that Edward had signed over the throne to him. The fact that Roger was the only one in the room when it was signed was a mere inconvenience as was the fact that his son Henry was next in line.

Summoning up an alliance from King Grus of Gil Il Broed an invasion of Capriana took place. The idea was that King Grus would come from the north and Roger from the south. Some say Roger was a cunning bastard as he blamed the weather conditions prior to setting sail. For Henry took King Grus to the sword killing him in battle when Roger's men hit the shores of Poriet.

It was a tough battle and quite a close thing as Henry had the advantage of being on the hill when a loose charge of cavalry attacked. Thinking that Roger's men were routed, Henry's men charged only to realise that they hadn't and had left a barn door open.

King Henry died with an arrow in the eye and Roger the bastard had taken the throne of Capriana.

The old Empire

An ancient empire in the east that once ruled the world. Whilst the rest of the world was still living in mud huts and killing each other, the old empire was way ahead in science, technology, and living standards.

It's well known leader was Lander 'the great,' who was meant to have cried when there were no continents to conquer. Other leaders are Shadi who paved the way in science, magic and architecture.

Times change as the power lies with the Three kingdoms, but no one is foolish to take on the old empire. Currently in splendid isolation and the Emperor leaning to the one light god it is a continent that is the centre of trade with Byzan known as the gateway to east and therefore vital for commerce.

Varailist

Broke away from the old empire and although not as powerful it has riches that is the envy of the world. Everything is for sale in Varailist with many rich men sailing to Varailist for whatever pleasures they wish for.

Due to slavery being prominent it is currently in a war with Albia due to the Albians seeing their ships as legitimate targets. It doesn't help that Varailist has taken Albian's as slaves which has led to ransoming and in a couple of instances raids by Albia.

Alkebulan

A rich continent who is fighting the Three kingdoms as they try to colonise part of their continent.

They say that Samuel will return when it is the end of world but despite this fairy stories it is a world of the best magic, law, and living standards.

Currently in a pact with Albia in terms of trade and joint protection.