When the great empires were broken by the heartbeat of the planet, the Pact of the Worm Gods & the Gods of the Heart was formed to finally put ௫ to sleep. The pact was formed in the flaming mountains of the central continent. While the followers of both sides where there the Worm Gods made one last request. That one man, a follower of the Gods of the Heart stay with the Worm Gods. An act to show their unity. The Gods of the Heart thinking this was a trick tried to give the Worm Gods any other man, but they only wanted him. Not wanting to make war after the great battle, they submitted not knowing why this one 16 year old boy was wanted by the Worm Gods. So they left him behind.
The young boy is now known as Mikado, no one knows the name of his birth but it is the name the legends call him now. Mikado now alone with the Worm Gods, asked why him? They said that he was the first truly new form in this reality. All before and most after are just the reformation of the world before ௫'s hunger. Mikado was unique, and thus unruled by destiny or the knowledge of the stars. He was unbound and the Worm Gods would show him the way. They showed him how to manipulate the world, break it down in to fundamental parts, and rebuilt it to his whims. File:Mikado.jpg|100px|thumb|The First Mikado Emperor
Now that he had mastered the power of the Worm Gods, he traveled out of the flame mountains and tried to find what cities may have survived the heartbeat. As he walked into that first city the people all fell to their knees. Mikado did not realize that the powers of breaking down the world and rebuilding it had changed him. He had become mixed with the salamanders who resided in the flame mountains. Men flocked to him, as he taught the ways of the Worm Gods, taught how to break down reality. Soon the entire country was under his banner.
Centuries past and the line continues, the Mikado Built their capital on the western coast. Peace was throughout the lands. Then the star gods attacked, jealous of those that can break destiny, those who change the world. They had their minions strike and strike hard. For not every man is free of the chains of reality, the Star Gods power of destiny let them lead many great battles.
The Mikado Emperor at the time Oido, called on the great clans to make a general, one who would run the war and push out the Star Gods. Irbu was the one chosen, he united the country and pushed back the followers of the Star Gods, and for such a new title was created. Ai Hoku, the star eater. A title that gave complete control of the military actions of the Empire.
The Ai Hoku became a vial pressure realise that has let the Mikado Empire last, noble houses do not fight to take down the empire they fight among themselves to be the first among equals.
House Mikado, also known as the Imperial House, represents the pinnacle of respectability and divine authority in the realm. Descended from ancient lineages, the Mikado family embodies the divine right to rule and commands the utmost respect and reverence from all other houses. Their regal presence, unmatched wisdom, and connection to the mystical forces that govern the land make them the embodiment of tradition and the ultimate symbol of unity. While they may not hold direct military power in the country, their influence and guidance shape the destiny of the realm.
House Abbyean currently holds the position of the Ai Hoku, the highest military authority in the realm. Known for their strategic brilliance and unwavering dedication to defending the nation, the Abbyean family has an illustrious history of leadership on the battlefield. Located in the domain closest to the Bellringer Crusaders, they have become the epicenter of the war against the foreign invaders. Through their military prowess and strategic acumen, they have earned the respect and admiration of the other houses, but their position also evokes envy and rivalries among ambitious lords.
House Toab, once the reigning Ai Hoku, held a powerful grip over the land before the rise of House Abbyean. Though no longer in command, their influence remains significant, as they are still regarded as a force to be reckoned with. The Toab family excelled in governance, fostering economic prosperity, and cultivating a sense of order and stability during their rule. Respected as wise elders, they provide sage advice and possess deep understanding of the complexities of power. Their legacy continues to shape the realm's political landscape.
House Haina, often called the "Guardian House," possesses a distinct status within the realm. Similar to how the Lithuanians once served as the elite guards of Russia before the revolution, the Haina family consists of highly skilled warriors dedicated to protecting the royal family and upholding the highest ideals of honor and loyalty. Renowned for their unwavering discipline and exceptional combat skills, they are entrusted with the safety and security of the kingdom. Their presence anywhere in the kingdom is seen as a divine mandate, instilling both awe and reassurance among the populace.
House Maj represents the mystical and spiritual aspect of the realm. Its members are revered as mystics, spiritual leaders, and custodians of the sacred shrines that dot the land. Proficient in ancient rituals and blessed with a deep understanding of the arcane arts, the Maj family plays a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate balance between the mortal realm and the ethereal planes. Their wisdom and connection to the divine make them sought-after advisors in matters of both the mundane and the supernatural. They serve as the guardians of ancient wisdom and the intermediaries between the mortal and spiritual realms.
House Jeong is the foremost trading house in the realm, renowned for its economic prowess and influence in international affairs. With an extensive network of merchants and diplomats, the Jeong family holds a crucial role in facilitating commerce and maintaining diplomatic relationships with neighboring realms. Their members are skilled negotiators, shrewd businessmen, and ambassadors of the realm. By forging strategic trade alliances and employing astute diplomacy, they ensure the prosperity and stability of the kingdom while exerting considerable soft power on the international stage.
House Thaphicare, an influential Esten House, represents the majority of the Esten population in the realm. The Thaphicare family holds a deep connection to the land and its resources, boasting a proud lineage that stretches back 400 years since they were exiled from the Belllands. Their strong agricultural traditions and mastery of land cultivation make them indispensable to the kingdom's food production. The unity and cohesion within their house ensure the protection and advancement of Esten interests within the realm, allowing their cultural heritage to flourish while contributing to the realm's overall prosperity.
House Lulumia, another Esten House, holds a unique position within the realm as they wield significant political influence despite not being the majority. Though they may not command the sheer numbers of House Thaphicare, their members possess remarkable acumen for politics, governance, and diplomacy. Through their subtle maneuvering and astute alliances, the Lulumia family has established themselves as formidable power brokers, skillfully navigating the complexities of the court. They ensure the preservation of Esten traditions while actively shaping the realm's political landscape.
House Dast, known as perennial rivals for the Shogunate, stands apart from the other houses due to their towering stature. Mostly composed of formidable giants, the Dast family possesses unmatched strength and resilience. Their warriors are feared on the battlefield for their colossal might, and their leaders relentlessly vie for the position of Shogun. While some view them with trepidation due to their intimidating presence, their undeniable prowess and unwavering determination ensure that they are always a force to be reckoned with. They embody both physical power and unyielding ambition.
House Nushelis, located in a small region known as Helior, is considered the sanctuary for those freed from Roguemark. They provide shelter and integration opportunities for the former Roguemark inhabitants, especially the giants. The Nushelis family not only commands the respect and loyalty of the giant clans but also acts as their protectors and guardians. By serving as the bridge between the giants and the realm's ruling class, the Nushelis family maintains a delicate balance, ensuring harmony between the two worlds. They strive to foster understanding, acceptance, and coexistence between different communities, embracing diversity as a source of strength.