Dear Friends:
After the fall of the Empire Kazia, while Solantia struggled for power, Blevenia was the first to rise from the ashes.
Tribal affiliation. Most Blevenians hail from the dragon tribe, indistinguishable from Solantians and Kazians. Ebondrakes, a dark-skinned, dark-winged subset, roam the southern deserts and mountains, and the eastern jungles. They mistrust and isolate themselves from the northern courts. The ports of the Great Sea house traders from across the realms, particularly close-lying Avicia and Tarka.
Language. The “Blevenian” tongue is close enough to the “Solantian” tongue to be considered a dialect. Some parts near the Dragonroad in the Southwest even speak Kazian.
Geography. Blevenia’s land destined it to become peaceful and prosperous. Their broad plains yield grain and wool, their hills gold and iron, and the Five-Tailed River carries them across the kingdom. Unlike Solantia, they have ports all along the northern coast, and a natural proximity to Tarka and Avicia that facilitates trade.
This prosperity allowed Blevenia to cultivate the arts of peace. Great poets and sculptors are held in as high regard as generals. It is learned and self-assured, with Tonda holding the second-greatest university in the Mortal Realms (after Tercera).
They also possess no natural enemies east of the Spires. Only the Ebondrake minority that willingly isolates itself.
The Kazian Borderlands were sometimes loyal to Blevenia, though geography favors the west—Solantian roads run easier than Blevenian passes over the Spires. Blevenia values the Borderlands more as a buffer against Solantian aggression, and not without reason.
History. King Thon Bleven, a tribal chief of what is now the Leeward Plains, forged Blevenia out of the Eastern half of Kazia. But more than a conqueror, Thon was a builder. Of cities. Of alliances. Anton ruled with divine fire, but Thon would rule by reason—he regarded the Empire Kazia as a cautionary tale. Though Thon did not order this, many noble houses even purged dragon iconography from their crests and streets. Even today, many Blevenian nobles prefer Avician “styles” and customs. For centuries, Blevenia was regarded as second only to Avicia in power and prestige.
But no recent war has wounded any power more deeply than the Black Moon War wounded Blevenia. After perfecting guerrilla skirmishes in the Spires, Agni Kazirian, whom they call the Desolator, marauded through the Leeward Plains to force their surrender, then sealed the Spires against retribution against deadly traps.
And Blevenia never recovered. The whole land still suffers famine and drought, its people proud but wary. They know that another war would bring further hurt to their land.
They know Solantian lords brow bold and restless.
Internal climate. Blevenia holds one great strength—unity. King Vardon is beloved. His dukes are loyal. He has several heirs to the throne. There are no whispers of rebellion. The Ebondrakes have little interaction with the throne, but no quarrel.
But it stands far from the rising fire of Kazia. It forsakes the dragon. It believes itself safe from the immortal.
Anton Kazirian remembers.
And he wakes.