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The 22nd Century is when everything changed. Humanity had reached unto the stars, and came back with treasures innumerable; Technology advanced quickly, ranging from faster-than-light speeds, more powerful spacecrafts, and even genetic enhancement. All this time, humanity was sending more and more flights into space. The last recorded flight, the U.S.S Alesia – named after the commander’s deceased daughter, found a planet that had very Earth-like qualities: Stable ecosystems, flora, various fauna, and temperate climates. Sending word home, they received dire news: They were the last. It had taken them decades to find this planet, and over that time humanity had been slowly dying out. However, within the ship was the technology comparable to Noah’s Ark, DNA of each known species of animal on Earth. Landing upon the planet, the space-farers discovered no sentient life upon the planet, and thus named it after the ship: Alesia.

New lives began as the thousands of men, women, and children upon the ship disembarked, and set out to create new homes for themselves and their families. Towns began as people took to one another, forming relationships and households. These first settlers became the Houses we know today, though their names have changed from hundreds of years of being told to descendants and others: House Des’Rosiea, the surname of the Alesia’s commander and the first ruling body of the planet; House Illyrion, formed by the scientists and researchers whose families had accompanied them, the House known even know as the smarter and more advanced of all the other Houses; House Calaera, formed by the military leader of the Alesia, masters of weaponry and warfare that, over the ages, have been known for their ruthless tendencies. All male children are taught the intricacies of war; House Rakarn, metallurgists and crafters that had embarked upon Alesia. Through the ages, this House has been known as the leader in all things blacksmithing and crafting, and most unique goods come from there; House Fal’Drimm, another military house but not as harsh and ruthless as their Calaeran brethren. Honor and personal courage is their creed, making the greatest knights and soldiers that, bar from House Calaera, make up most of the officer ranks in any army; House Fi’Ran, close relatives to House Rakarn, but dealing mainly in cloth and non-metal goods. Anything not needed for warfare or combat is created by this House, or the citizens living under their guidance; and House Senathyn, close relatives to House Des’Rosiea, and contenders for the leadership of Alesia in later years. They are also the main dealers in husbandry and mounts. Seven noble Houses, seven lords and ladies vying for political power that will one day shape the world of Alesia.

The system of government quickly took to the traits of medieval Earth, forming nobility among those who had leadership upon the ship and – soon enough – upon the planet and among the people. The leaders of each House met together, and decided several things: First, the advanced technology of their ancestors would never be used. This technology was made for warfare and destruction, and they hoped to create a peaceful society that didn’t need tools of battle and death. Second, they formed areas each House would govern, spreading the animals from their holds out into the world, letting them populate and multiply the world so that later generations can benefit from them. Each House had a province, and those provinces will be held by one House. The only House that ruled over the others was Des’Rosiea, and this was understood by them all – though some didn’t like it. Third, the people must forget their previous lives beyond what their purposes were and their talents. Technology was slowly taken away as people began to feel the need for manual labor and working with their hands. Laziness went away slowly as people got used to the idea. The tools and items that were their previous lives were removed quietly, and hidden away from any prying eyes beneath the surface of the planet. Guns were replaced by hand tools and knives, and any violent disputes were handled nicely and for the benefit of both parties.

No one knows how things went wrong, how dynasties rose and fell. Each House has their own history, their own lineage, dating back to the beginning of their lives. No one, to this day, remembers or even knows of the coming to Alesia, that they were the last of humanity, and that there are most likely people among the stars, still wandering among them for a home. What the original settlers of the planet didn’t know was what the lasting effects the planet would have on their descendants. Centuries ago, it was discovered that many people exhibited extraordinary talents. Soon, these abilities were classified as a Talent, and became something quite normal as more and more people began to show this new trait. They were studied and analyzed, and soon the people discovered that not everyone was the same. Then rose someone who exhibited far more powerful Talent, and this person created a home for those who had those abilities: The White Tower. A province all its own, it consists of one city and the most powerful academy on the planet. It has lasted for centuries, becoming the most awe-inspiring area in all of Alesia. There, young men and women go to learn how to control, temper, and use their abilities for the benefit of the Empire.

As for the rest of the Land beyond the gleaming walls of the White Tower, life continues as it has always done: Political powers vying for dominance, the rare banditry or mugging upon the vast roads and byways of Alesia. Recently, the Emperor has fallen ill, and rumors spread of his deteriorating health every day. Already powers have begun to take grabs at the throne: The Crown Prince, the only legitimate heir to the throne, though is only the Emperor’s nephew due to the Empress’s inability to have children, and the lord of House Senathyn who believes he is more capable of ruling than the Emperor’s nephew. The other noble Houses have already begun to take sides, an uneven match of four against four – as the Emperor and the ruling family, they are no longer part of House Des’Rosiea but of a House all their own, though the original ruling House still supports them one-hundred percent. Provinces have begun to close borders to those bearing the colors of their rival houses, with skirmishes popping up here and there as the soldiers began to be more brutal with their ousting of the enemy.

Black deals have been made as the battle lines are drawn. Already House Senathyn plots to take the Empire, massing the armies of their House and the other Houses, taking young men from their homes to take up a cause they have no support of. Brutality goes unchecked as once-peaceful provinces began to take up arms. A civil war was brewing as the Emperor lay dying in his bed. His once close friends have betrayed him for power, and as the enemy’s side grows with their unknown deals, one can only hope this ends swiftly. Dark days lie ahead with bated breath, the Empire waiting for the pin to drop to announce the bloodshed. Wars have been fought before, but never between all the Houses, and never at one time or for one purpose. Alesia is at the breaking point. We must choose a side: Align with the just heir of the Empire, or with the side that offers power and glory in exchange for bloodshed and black treaties.

Be one of the powerful students of the White Tower, wielding the elements to deal destruction to your foes, summon powerful creatures to do your bidding, or smash through the enemy lines with unrivaled strength and with a legion of summoned creatures at your back. Lead armies as a noble of one of the eight noble Houses: The Imperial Family, Des’Rosiea, Fal’Drimm, Illyrion, or with the side vying for dominance – House Senathyn, Rakarn, Fi’Ran, or Calaera. Wield the sword and shield as a soldier or watch your men fight for the leadership of Alesia. Someone must take the throne, lying between an untested youth whose role was thrust upon him at a young age, or a man wishing to rule for the sake of power and dominance. The choice is yours. What will happen? Will the world fall below the tyrannical rule of a power-hungry man, under the rule of an unwilling youth, or will all be shaped by the coming events that no one could predict? Mysteries will be solved, history revealed, and lost ties of strength will be returned as Alesia begins the bloodiest civil war in its history.