House Mudae of Elaria

Pre-Suncoast Rule Era

Founding and Early History

Elaria, a land of majestic peaks and ancient forests, is the birthplace of the legendary House Mudae. This house, known for its mastery of dragon riding, traces its origins back to Aelinor Mudae, the first dragon rider who forged a bond with the mythical creatures that roamed the skies of Elaria. The capital, Dragonspine Peak, stands as a testament to the house's grandeur, with its towering spires and fortified walls.

Culture and Society

The people of Elaria are deeply connected to their dragons, viewing them not just as mounts but as revered companions and protectors. Dragon riding is a sacred tradition, with each member of House Mudae undergoing rigorous training to form a bond with their dragon. The bond between rider and dragon is seen as a symbol of unity and strength, integral to the identity of House Mudae. Elaria is also rich in magical resources, and the house has always sought to control and protect these to maintain their power and influence.

Guilds and Traditions

Various guilds within Elaria support the dragon riders, including the Guild of Dragon Keepers, responsible for the care and training of dragons, and the Guild of Dragon Forgers, who craft specialized armor and weapons for the riders. The Dragon Council, composed of the most experienced and respected dragon riders, advises the head of House Mudae, ensuring that the house's traditions and power remain intact.

Golden Age Under House Mudae

Reign of Prosperity

During its golden age, House Mudae was at the pinnacle of its power. The dragons of Elaria were a force to be reckoned with, and their riders were celebrated as heroes across the Rookery Isles. Under the leadership of wise and just rulers, the house forged strong alliances and expanded its influence. Dragonspine Peak became a beacon of prosperity and strength, attracting scholars, warriors, and adventurers from all corners of the world.

Advancements and Recognition

The golden age saw advancements in dragon-riding techniques and the development of new magical spells and enchantments. House Mudae's control over Elaria's magical resources allowed them to create powerful artifacts and potions, further solidifying their dominance. The dragons themselves grew larger and more powerful, their riders more skilled and respected. Elaria's contributions to the defense and prosperity of the Rookery Isles were widely acknowledged, and the house's influence was unmatched.

The Dark Age

Rhaenor's Rule

In the heart of Elaria, where the whispers of tyranny echoed through the corridors of power, there stood a mountain peak crowned by the fortress of House Mudae. At its summit, cloaked in the midst of fear and oppression, sat King Rhaenor, a despot whose rule knew no mercy, and whose subjects lived in constant dread of his wrath. Rhaenor's dominion was not one of law or order, but of absolute control. In the valley below, the people of his kingdom toiled under the weight of his decrees, their every move monitored by the watchful eyes of his enforcers, a set of his most high advisors, shadow riders. These elite soldiers, mounted atop their fearsome dragons, enforced Rhaenor's will with ruthless efficiency, crushing any hint of dissent beneath their iron-clad boots.

Tyranny and Manipulation

Rhaenor wielded a weapon far more insidious than mere force: the manipulation of truth itself. Through a network of spies and informants, he twisted reality to suit his own ends, rewriting history with each stroke of his pen until the very fabric of truth lay in tatters. In this world of deception and despair, resistance was futile. Those who dared to challenge Rhaenor's rule faced a fate worse than death, their names erased from memory, their voices silenced forever. To speak out against the king was to invite the wrath of his enforcers, to vanish into the darkness without a trace.

Resistance and Downfall

Yet, amidst the suffocating grip of oppression, there arose whispers of defiance. A small band of rebels dared to defy Rhaenor's iron will. With each clandestine meeting, each act of defiance, they struck a blow against the tyranny that had engulfed their land. They began to reach out to other kingdoms, sending quiet cries for help. Among those who answered their call was House Sunspear, led by Queen Ashley and King Trystane Love, guided by their sense of justice and the reports from their celestial companion Cedric.

The Role of Lucaemion

Lucaemion Mudae, Rhaenor's youngest son, played an unwitting yet pivotal role in the resistance. Although loyal to his father, Lucaemion was deeply troubled by the cruelty he witnessed. During a moment of confrontation, his latent magical abilities manifested in a burst of uncontrollable fire, gravely injuring Rhaenor and leaving him severely burnt. Lucaemion, unaware of his own involvement, fled in fear and confusion, inadvertently weakening Rhaenor's grip on power.

The Final Uprising

The final uprising was a coordinated effort. The forces of House Sunspear, bolstered by their allies, launched a full-scale assault on Dragonspine Peak. The magi of Azura unleashed powerful spells, disrupting Rhaenor's defenses, while the warriors of Skjaldor fought fiercely against the shadow riders. In the skies above, dragons clashed in a battle of fire and fury.

Queen Ashley and King Trystane led the charge, their presence inspiring hope among the rebels. As the truth of Rhaenor's atrocities spread like wildfire through the kingdom, the people rose up as one, casting off the shackles of oppression. The walls of House Mudae's fortress crumbled under the combined might of the allied forces, and Rhaenor's reign of terror came to an end.

The Great War and Its Aftermath

The Great War

The Great War was a culmination of years of suffering under Rhaenor's rule. As House Sunspear and their allies rallied against the tyranny, the dragon riders of House Mudae found themselves torn between loyalty and justice. Many dragons and riders perished in the battles that ensued, their flames lighting up the skies in a desperate fight for freedom. The combined forces of House Sunspear, supported by the magical might of Azura and the resilience of other allied houses, turned the tide of the war. The final battle at Dragonspine Peak saw the fortress fall, Rhaenor's enforcers defeated, and the tyrant king finally overthrown.

Contribution and Sacrifice

The aftermath of the Great War left Elaria in ruins. The dragon riders who had survived were scattered, their numbers decimated, their spirits broken. The fall of House Mudae marked the end of an era, and the once-mighty dragon riders became wanderers, struggling to find their place in a world that viewed them with suspicion and prejudice due to their association with Rhaenor's tyranny.

Rebuilding and Revival

Despite the devastation, a turning point came when Lucaemion Mudae of House Mudae bent the knee to Queen Ashley and King Trystane Love. Seeking to restore the honor and reclaim their legacy, Lucaemion Mudae, the new Prince of Elaria, and House Mudae, now a lone dragon rider, began the arduous task of rebuilding. Under the guidance of House Sunspear, they worked to regain the trust of the people and revive the traditions of dragon riding. The training of new riders began, and the bonds between dragons and their human companions were rekindled.

Current Era Under House Sunspear

Regaining Honor and Influence

Under the rule of House Sunspear, House Mudae is slowly regaining its honor and influence. The dragon riders are once again training, their skills and bond with their dragons being honed to regain their former glory. The people of Elaria are slowly starting to trust them again, though prejudice still lingers. The goal of House Mudae is clear: to regain their lost honor, restore their position as preeminent dragon riders, and protect the magical resources of Elaria.

Rivalries and Alliances

House Mudae faces significant challenges in its quest for redemption. Rivalries with House Love, due to past conflicts, and House Drakoria, due to their connections to dragons, add complexity to their efforts. However, the support of Queen Ashley and King Trystane offers a path to reconciliation and renewal. Through alliances and diplomatic efforts, House Mudae seeks to navigate the intricate political landscape of the Rookery Isles.

Legacy and Future

The legacy of House Mudae is one of resilience, strength, and a deep connection to the dragons of Elaria. Despite the dark chapter under Rhaenor's rule, the house strives to honor its true heritage and contribute to the prosperity and defense of the Rookery Isles. Under the vigilant eyes of their leaders and the guidance of their allies, House Mudae stands as a symbol of redemption and the enduring bond between dragon and rider. As they rebuild and strive to regain their former glory, House Mudae remains a formidable force, determined to reclaim their place among the great houses of the Rookery Isles.