Two great kingdoms

Prologue

In a world where two great kingdoms—Astralia and Mordris—had battled for centuries over power, land, and resources, hatred and betrayal had become commonplace. These kingdoms, separated by a vast and deep canyon, were eternal enemies. Their borders were fortified with impregnable strongholds, and their citizens were raised from childhood to distrust their neighbors.

Astralia was renowned for its masters of light magic and exquisite architecture. Its cities gleamed with golden domes, and its streets were adorned with lush gardens. Knowledge, art, and order were highly valued, but beneath the surface lay intrigues and ruthless political games. Mordris, in contrast, was a kingdom of strength and resilience. Its lands were harsh but rich in natural resources. Military traditions ruled here, and loyalty to one’s clan was prized above all else.

The history of their enmity reached far into the past. According to legend, they were once a united kingdom under the wise King Aldmir. But after his death, his two sons—Alfred and Malgar—could not agree on who would inherit the throne. Their conflict led to a division that evolved into an endless war over the years. These kingdoms, separated by the canyon, sent spies daily, attempting to destroy each other with magic and cunning. The war became routine, and the people of both kingdoms had long forgotten what started it all.

Background

Legend has it that centuries ago, Astralia and Mordris were one kingdom ruled by the great King Aldmir. However, his death brought chaos: his two sons, Alfred and Malgar, could not agree on who should rule next. Alfred, a skilled diplomat, sought peace and equality, while Malgar, a powerful warrior, craved strength and dominance. The division led to the creation of two kingdoms, and their enmity only grew over time.

In recent years, the war reached a stalemate. Neither kingdom could gain a decisive advantage. However, this fragile balance was shattered when Astralia’s heir, Prince Kylan, was found dead near the border with Mordris. His death was the spark that could ignite a new wave of conflict. King Aidan of Astralia vowed revenge, while Queen Selena of Mordris was forced to defend her kingdom from accusations.

Story Hook

At the center of the tale lies the mysterious murder of Astralia’s heir, Prince Kylan. His body was discovered in a forest near the border with Mordris. In his hand, he clutched a dagger bearing Mordris’s crest. Mordris’s guilt seemed obvious, yet the evidence didn’t add up.

King Aidan of Astralia demands justice, while Queen Selena of Mordris denies her people’s involvement. To avoid an all-out war, both sides agree to an independent investigation. This is where the main characters come into play:

• Elissa: A spy from Astralia, a master of disguise and secrets. She hides the fact that her father was a Mordrisian, and her loyalty is often questioned.
• Darren: A former knight of Mordris turned bounty hunter. He has his own agenda tied to the loss of his family and harbors a deep hatred for Astralians.
• Revan: A mysterious wanderer with ancient knowledge of the kingdoms' division. His motives are unclear, but he claims to know how to end the centuries-long war.
• Kayla: The younger sister of the slain prince. She has her own plans; she distrusts the investigation and Elissa’s loyalty but is determined to uncover the truth.

Key Events

1. The First Clue: Elissa and Darren discover Prince Kylan’s journal, which mentions secret meetings with someone from Mordris. The entries hint at a conspiracy that threatens both kingdoms.
2. Ambush in the Forest: The group is attacked by unknown assailants. Revan uses ancient magic to save them, raising suspicions among the others.
3. An Ancient Artifact: The group finds an artifact capable of revealing the past. It shows that the prince’s killer was from Astralia, but their face remains hidden.
4. Betrayal: One of the heroes turns out to be a double agent, adding further complications to the mystery.

You, as the detective, must carefully examine the clues, interrogate suspects, and uncover the true culprit.