Chương 1: Balmore Household

The Kingdom of Naloria is an ancient and powerful kingdom that stood tall for 300 years. It is in the south of the continent of Oretheon, a vast landmass known for its varied terrain and myriad climates. Oretheon is divided into five regions: the vast grasslands of Faeloria in the centre, the icy tundra of Glaciana in the north, the lush forests of Verdonia in the south, the arid desert of Dunea in the east, and the imposing mountain range of Montania in the west. Nestled within the verdant forests of Verdonia, the land of Naloria thrives.

Naloria is one of the jewels of Verdonia, boasting a rich history and a hierarchical system that has been in place for centuries. The kingdom is ruled by the mighty King Alaric, a man known throughout the land for his wisdom and bravery. The kingdom is then divided into five duchies, each ruled by a Duke who has pledged his loyalty to the king.

The Dukes are powerful rulers, each commanding an army of knights and managing the lands within their domain. Under the Dukes are the Marquesses, who control important fortresses and strategic locations throughout the kingdom. Each Marquess commands a battalion of knights and is responsible for maintaining peace and order within their territory.

Next in line are the Earls, who manage smaller regions within the duchies. They are entrusted with the duty of protecting the kingdom's borders and maintaining the infrastructure within their domain. Each Earl is supported by a team of Viscounts, who act as their advisors and help them in managing their territories.

Barons come next, ruling over the smallest divisions of land within the kingdom. They are responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining law and order within their baronies. The Knights, the backbone of Naloria, owe their allegiance to the Barons, Earls, Marquesses, Dukes, and ultimately, the King. They are the warriors and protectors of Naloria, harnessing the power of the elements and their physical strength to defend their kingdom.

Naloria is surrounded by four other kingdoms: the seafaring realm of Emerald Isle to the south, the rugged mountain kingdom of Stormwatch to the west, the realm of Elysia to the east, and the grassland kingdom of Prata to the north. Each of these kingdoms has a unique culture and way of life, adding to the rich tapestry of life on the southern front of the Oretheon continent.

Nestled on the fringes of the Kingdom of Naloria, along the western frontier, lies Blackwood Barony. This lush and expansive land is an untouched paradise, teeming with towering oak and pine trees, their canopies merging to create a natural green tapestry. Veins of sparkling rivers and brooks cut through the landscape, their crystal-clear waters reflecting the vibrant hues of the forest. It is a land of profound tranquility and breathtaking beauty, a contrast to the constant vigilance the borderland demanded.

Within this sprawling verdant expanse of a Barony, the household of Knights known as the Balmore has made their stronghold. Their estate, known as the Balmore Keep, is a formidable stone fortress nestled in the heart of the forest. Surrounded by a natural moat formed by the Serpent River.

The Balmores are renowned throughout Naloria for their prowess and valor, their name synonymous with honor and courage. Despite not having the power to compete with the Viscounts' families, the Balmores have earned an undisputed reputation, their might rivalling that of the Barons' forces.

The Balmores are led by the formidable Sir Garret Balmore, a Tier 2 level 3 Knight, known as the Forest's Warden. A knight of exceptional skill and strength, Sir Garret has led his family's knights through countless battles and skirmishes, defending Blackwood Barony from threats and maintaining peace at the kingdom's edge.

The Balmores are a tight-knit group, their bond forged in the fires of combat and brotherhood. The knights live and train together, their days filled with rigorous drills and duties that keep them in top form. Their nights are spent around roaring bonfires, sharing tales of their exploits and singing songs that echo through the deep forest.

Despite their martial focus, the Balmores hold a deep respect for the land they call home. They understand the delicate balance of the forest and strive to protect it, their stewardship as much a part of their duty as their combat prowess. The Balmores have harnessed the natural advantages their lush surroundings offer, using the forest as both a shield and a weapon, their knowledge of the terrain often tipping the scales in their favor during conflicts.