The Valtarian Kingdoms

"Majesty without bounds."

Once upon a time, in the wild and untamed ruins of the old Valtarian Empire, a great beast ravaged the fields. The realm's queen, without heir, promised her lands to whoever could save her people. A plucky band of adventurers answered the call, and won the kingdom.

But they would not rest; instead, they called all wandering heroes to their banner. United, they set forth on a grand crusade to cleanse the lands of foul creatures and wicked magic. They grew rich on treasure from sacked dungeons, and won the hand of many a prince or princess from grateful but impoverished kingdoms. Before long, all of old Valtaria was theirs to rule.

Now there are no monsters left unslain, no fortresses unbreached. But good cannot exist without evil to sharpen its blade upon. The valiant Monarchs of the Valtarian Kingdoms are forced to adopt villainous mantles in a charade for their peers. They manufacture trial and torment for their offspring in the hope that they, too, will gain the shaper's gift - and, by it, their divine right to rule. The Monarchs play at love and politics and war, treasuries growing ever more thin, as they await the blissful release of their next crusade.n that suits you.