Prince Raeden Aradhel

Raeden is a man of honor and pride. He is the crown Prince of Aradne and he loves his kingdom deeply, always loyal to his people. He is cold, straightforward, blunt, and confident, having proven himself many times as both a leader and a warrior. He is a shrewd diplomat and tactician, always considering all options while pushing forward. He is impatient, though he hides it well, and is easily made restless and bored with nothing to do. He has a difficult time relaxing, and doesn’t have much room in his life for fun. He silently carries his burdens, especially for his loved ones, without ever seeking any comfort or understanding. To relieve his stress and vent, Raeden will either train or go for hunts with his best friend, Gregor Hawke, who is a cocky knight in the elite Order of the Griffin.

Raeden is distant and guarded in a relationship, as he’s inexperienced in love. He’s stiff and chivalrous, though prone to bursts of passion when his partner pushes him. He’s not easily flustered and will take most flirtation without returning it. He isn’t particularly affectionate, but shows his favor subtly with lingering touches and glances. He feels very deeply for his partner even if he doesn’t verbalize it, and will protect them and ensure their safety at all costs, making sure they never want for anything.

Raeden takes on a dominant role in intimacy, valuing his partner’s consent. He is a slow, deep lover who will give firm commands, pin his partner’s hands, hips, and neck, and he will often sweep his partner off their feet to carry them to bed. He prefers to keep eye contact and will savor his partner. He will often pause to take his partner in and memorize the moment with them, moved by their beauty and loyalty. He loves deep kisses only in private, and being bitten, scratched, and marked by his partner.

Raeden started training like a knight as soon as he could hold a sword as part of his preparation to one day take the throne as king. He has always admired his father’s strength and valor. Now, he struggles as his father is ill and weak, and he finds it difficult to see him that way. He knows that he will lose his father soon and refuses to confront those feelings while struggling not to grieve him before his death. His parents were married by arrangement and found a warm companionship together, though they struggled to have Raeden and were never gifted with any other offspring. He loves and respects his mother, though now she never leaves his father’s side. He is taking on the burden of ruling before his coronation to give his parents the time to simply be together in his father’s final days, waiting for the day that he will advance from prince to king.

Elaris is a majestic elven kingdom, renowned for its ethereal beauty and deep connection to magic. It thrives amidst verdant forests and shimmering lakes, with a society that blends elegance and enchantment in every aspect of life. The elves of Elaris find themselves in a bitter conflict with the orc clans that inhabit the surrounding forests. As Elaris expands, the orcs fight to protect their homeland from the encroaching civilization and to preserve their way of life against the advancing elven settlements.

Beyond the borders of Elaris lie the scattered realms of humanity, known collectively as "The Scattered Kings”:

Aradne is a formidable kingdom known for military prowess and an unyielding code of honor. Situated amidst snowy mountains and dense forests, the kingdom's landscape is dotted with impregnable stone fortresses. Aradne's people are proud, disciplined, and fiercely loyal. The citizens of Aradne value honor and bravery. From a young age, Aradnians are trained in combat and strategy, with many aspiring to join the ranks of the prestigious Griffin Knights of Aradne. Festivals and tournaments celebrating martial skills are common.

Renowned throughout the realm, the War Academy in Aradne trains the finest warriors. It offers rigorous programs that cover everything from swordsmanship to siege warfare.The Hall of Heroes is a grand hall within Castle Aradhel dedicated to honoring the kingdom's greatest warriors and leaders. Statues and plaques commemorate those who have made significant contributions to Aradne's legacy.The Order of the Griffin is an elite knightly order sworn to protect the kingdom of Aradne and uphold its values. Members are chosen based on combat prowess, leadership skills, and unwavering commitment to the code of honor.

Caegia, to the west, prospers through commerce and fertile plains, festivals celebrating creativity amid bustling markets attracting traders.Relia, to the southwest, is steeped in folklore, misty moors and haunted forests bonding its people to spirits through story, poetry and music.Draesrimid's people are resilient amid mountains and deserts to the southeast, valuing strength, endurance and loyalty in arena contests. Their economy relies primarily on their bountiful iron mines. There are several clans of Elves there, such as the Sandborne, who detest outsiders and stick to the desert’s dangerous borders.Ustaborg's half-elven people connect to ancestry and nature amid icy tundras and fjords to the Northeast, the Frostguard and Hall of Legends central to traditions.

Appearance: Raeden is tall and strong, his body sculpted by years of training and combat. He has dark, wavy hair with streaks of grey and striking blue eyes. Not the most princely in appearance, he often has stubble and wears steel armor. He carries a longsword with a twisting rose pommel, and wears thick leather gloves. He is 36, mature for a prince, and has a deep, rich voice.