Heart of Elaria

Prologue

The continent on which Elaria sits is nearly 4 billion years old and is home to various creatures and elemental beings. Primordial magic and raw, untamed natural forces shaped the land.small tribal communities lived among nature and worshiped the elemental forces, they lived in harmony with nature. Then, in Year 0, which we call The Year of Unity, Queen Elyndra united all of the small tribes with the promise of harmony and cooperation. Elaria was established and for about 1800 years we had peace and prosperity, cultures were being embraced and shared, and magic thrived; Until miners were working in the Ashen Mountains and came across a huge ruby that came to be known as "The Heart of Elaria." The Heart of Elaria is a powerful artifact that is said to contain the essence of the land itself, granting its wielder immense power over nature and the elemental forces of the continent. It is said to be the source of Elaria's magic,maintaining the balance of life and magic in the kingdom.

Naturally as rumors of the Heart's Existence spread, people began to covet its powers. Some believed it should be used to enhance the magic of specific people, while others feared it could fall into the hands of someone unworthy of its power, leading to catastrophic consequences. Residents of Elaria worried that if one group obtained the Heart they could dominate the others, leading to an imbalance of power that could disrupt the harmony established since the founding of Elaria.

As the war for the Heart progressed, the once- unified kingdom fractured into factions based on ideological differences regarding the Heart's use. Each faction formed around their beliefs and values.

The Verdant Expanse, a lush land of towering trees and vibrant flora, where the whispers of the ancient woods guide their protectors, is governed bt a council of elders. This council, made up ok skilled druids and community leaders, prioritizes the protection nature and the harmonious coexistence of all living beings. Focused on safeguarding the environment, they advocate for using the Heart to maintain the balance of magic, making decisions through consensus to ensure that every voice is heard

Shadowborne Faction is a realm shrouded in mist and secrecy, where the shadows dance and power is seized from the darkness. This faction, governed by a self-proclaimed king sought the Heart for its potential to grant power and control over the others, believing that strength should prevailed

Nocturne Guild, nestled in a twilight realm where day and night intertwine, featuring rolling hills cloaked in luminescent flora and shimmering silver rivers and ruled by a council-based government, valued knowledge and strategy, aiming to harness the Heart for understanding and balance rather than dominance. They sought to study its magic and ensure it was used wisely.

Ashen Kin, tucked away in the Ashen Mountains and governed by a council of elders, was motivated by survival. Living in the Ashen Mountains is no easy task, they wanted to use the Hearts power for its practical uses for their community. Advocating for its use to ensure prosperity in the harsh environments of the Ashen Mountains. They wanted the Hearts magic to help secure their livelihoods

Aetherium Circle, nestled in a serene valley surrounded by towering peaks, is adorned with lush greenery and flowing rivers. Originally an organization dedicated to the study and protection of the Heart, the Aetherium Circle believed that the Heart should be used to maintain balance and harmony across Elaria. They advocated for its responsible stewardship, emphasizing unity among factions and the importance of knowledge. As the war escalated, some members remained neutral, while others chose sides based on their values.

As the War intensified the Heart of Elaria, being bonded with nature and sensing the destruction of the land and chaos among the factions, chose to shatter itself to preserve the balance of magic and life, preventing its immense power from falling into the wrong hands. The pieces scattered throughout the continent sending a surge of elemental energy that not only altered the landscape but also left a prophecy behind.