This RP takes place in the world of Altaea 70 years before the present day.

In this RP players will take the role of nobles and aristocrats within the court of Valania, now currently under occupation by Sarifen forces. There they will vie for power, plotting and scheming to achieve their own goals in the hopes of securing their position and gaining influence. While in the background a revolution stirs, led by an enigmatic figure who threatens to overthrow all of Valania for his own ends.

The revolution itself will remain in the background for the most part, with the plot focussing on the interactions of the nobility and a conspiracy within their ranks.

Altaea Saga: The Prince

Over a decade ago the nation of Valania, which for so long had stood as the last line of defence against the mighty empire of Sarife was occupied and subjugated by The Sarifen Imperial forces. The heir to the throne, Lucius Delacroix was captured and held as a political hostage by the Emperor, imprisoned within the walls of his grand palace. There Lucius planned to wreak his vengeance on those who betrayed his family and usurped his throne. Now he must put that plan into action.

Important places:

Valania:

Capitol: Voltas

A cluster of small independent countries that has gathered under the banner of Valania, the true Valania is the eastern-most country, a land that in the past acted as the first line of defence against the invaders of the Sarife empire. It is now under Sarife occupation. There is a sharp contrast between the standard of living of the rich and poor, leading to deep seated resentment in those who lived under the rule of the previous king. There is much crime and homelessness due to lenient laws, the Chuda gypsies in particular are allowed to roam free from punishment. It is famous for its mastery of horsemanship and the quality of its horsemanship in the military. Its cavalry are without compare among the world.

The current ruler of Valania is governer Richter De Valois IV, a vassal of the former king who pledged his allegiance to the emperor of Sarife in exchange for becoming steward of Valania. He is a Chuda gypsy and a noble man in his own right, though he has a deep, abiding hatred of the Rydars who oppressed his people for so long and of whom the former king was descended.
The next in line to the throne of Valania, prince Lucius Vii Delacroix I is currently captive of the emperor of Sarife, as is his younger brother Rothion. Their elder sister, Maria is the wife of Richter De Valois. Lucius harbours a deep hatred of those who betrayed his family and a burning desire to reassert himself as rightful king. He possesses a ruthless and calculating nature and an animal cunning.

The landscape is mainly flatlands that slowly segues into desert in the east as the land borders Sarife territory. its architecture is spindly and gothic, with sinister looking spires.

As a province under the protection of the Sarife empire, Valania is afforded the full extent of the empires military and acts as its front lines.

The Sarife empire:

Capitol: Orad

The home of Ahmenm, the only religion in the world to rival the Erusian church for size and the trading capitol of the world, acting as the gateway between the east and west. Formerly the Sarife empire stood in opposition to the Suitania empire before its collapse. It is famous for its horses, the highest quality breeds are bred from the wild runners on the plains. In a land where water is scarce and considered a commodity the capitol city, Orad is overflowing with vast public fountains and water features, a display of its wealth and power.

The current ruler of Sarife is king Anoush Arash Aryanpur I, a cruel and callous man much despised by his subjects.
His son, Prince Bahramesh Azad Aryanpur II is half Al Mayin, though due to his eyes not taking on the normal pupil less nature of the Al Mayin he is able to pass for a normal person. He is beloved by the people of Sarife who see him as a saviour, specifically the military, as he grew up as a mascot for the military forces, accompanying them from an early age. Some say he is the reincarnation of the first king of Sarife, king Bahramesh from whom he draws his name as the resemblance is uncanny. He is loved for his noble and honourable nature, though he is also known for his ruthlessness. He cares deeply for his people though he comes across as somewhat arrogant and selfish.
The king's daughter Princess Farah Lila Aryanpur I is a seer and half Al Mayin. She is blessed with miraculous powers and is kept disguised when she appears in public to prevent others from seeing her tell tale eyes. The official cover story is that she is seriously ill and must be covered with a veil at all times due to a skin condition.

Occupying the rocky deserts of Dumah in the north, Sarife is surrounded by sand dunes with a few oasis areas. A large central river springs from the main city of Orad and flows west to the sea. Architecture in Sarife is simple, with small, squat sand stone buildings and rectangular apartment buildings. The temples and palaces are more elaborate, with exquisite marble and ornate sandstone masonry.

Sarife possesses a tremendous military, the largest in the known world by some margin. They are highly trained and well equipped. It's archers are on par with those of Vectis. its military might also extends to a colossal navy rivalling that of Ivalis.