Ammalia

When humanity first ventured out of the arid expanse known as the Southern Sands, they journeyed northward in search of new lands. Each noble House established its domain progressively farther from the southern deserts, creating a chain of settlements. In total, there were ten Houses. The tenth and final House, known as the House of Black, ventured deep into the northern forests and vanished from the annals of history for many years. Without warning, the House of Black reemerged from their wooden sanctuary, clad in strange black armor and wielding ornate weapons. They descended upon the southern lands with a ferocity unmatched, conquering nearly all of Ammalia. Their campaign of destruction continued until they reached the southernmost stronghold, the House of the First. According to legend, the Blinding God turned both His eyes upon the battlefield, forcing the House of Black to either remove their armor or burn to death. Seizing this divine intervention, the House of the First, along with the other surviving Houses, rallied and drove the House of Black into the sea, where they vanished, never to be seen again. Generations later, the House of the First called upon the remaining Houses to venture north and uncover the mysteries surrounding the fate of the House of Black. However, the House of the Ninth, known as the Cyneryn, rebelled against this decision for reasons unknown. They entrenched themselves deep within the northern forests, blocking any attempts by southern soldiers to enter the Blacklands. For twenty years, a brutal war raged against the Cyneryn tribesmen. The conflict, known as the Northern War, claimed the lives of nearly half of all adult men. In the end, the House of the First, facing insurmountable losses, called for a full retreat and declared the war a defeat. To this day, the House of the Ninth has kept their borders sealed, ever vigilant and ready to defend the northern forests from any southern trespassers.