The Kingdom of Lechtera on the continent of Kululja is a prosperous nation known for its thriving merchant networks, scientific centers, and thriving fishing industry. Since its founding 347 years ago, Lechtera has risen to prominence as a country that welcomes people of all origins and walks of life. For such a young kingdom, it is quite powerful.
Of course, the brighter a light, the darker its shadow.
After centuries of continual war between the numerous clans native to the region, a dream of peace rose from the battlefield. Through her endless strength and conviction, Eliana-Adrastia of the Lechter clan fought for her vision of a harmonious future, a future in which the clans put aside their differences and united under one banner. Her campaign lasted for five hard years before she succeeded. On the 9th of April, 1490 ME, Eliana was crowned the first queen of the newly unified Kingdom of Lechtera, and her reign lasted for 53 years before her death at the age of 85. All reverence to her name, may Mera weave for her soul.
Since then, the throne has been inherited by the eldest child of each generation of Queen Eliana's descendants. As of 1837, King Alerio Seneca Lechter has ruled for 28 years and is currently aged 44. All reverence to his name.
As a coastal country, Lechtera's northern and northeastern borders face the Glassian Sea, and it is here where the kingdom's lively maritime industries can be found. To the south, one will find the Republic of Étoivie. Finally, Lechtera shares its western border with Taarulka, with which the kingdom has achieved a newfound alliance.
Lechtera measures at roughly 178 million square miles in size and is divided into eight prefectures. The capital city of Solica sits in the northernmost prefecture, Arderton. For other notable cities, Lumae boasts several research facilities and universities, and the scenic landscapes of Cavuni attract hundreds of thousands of visitors during each year's warm seasons.
The terrain of Lechtera is largely flat and grassy, though hills and mountains become more prominent as one travels further south. Farming occurs all across the country. A few prefectures prefer to specialize in certain crops, but most grow the same blends of beans, fruits, gourds, and grains; one may enjoy similar, familiar flavors at all edges of the kingdom. Of course, fish are a staple of the Lechterian diet in addition to these crops.
Thousands of years ago, long before the modern calendar, the world and everything in it was shaped by five gods: Pehr, the Earth; Kai, the Water; Feng, the Air; Kenn, the Fire; and Nur, the Light. They infused the empty space with their essence, each of them giving a piece of themselves to create the world. Once they had perfected it, they rejoined the aether so that they could continue to watch over their creation. As humankind went on living, they kept the memory of the gods alive, constructing altars and temples again and again for their favor and protection. Things carried on like this, unchanging, until Mera appeared.
Mera's origins have never been clear, with none of the multiple conflicting myths on the subject being significantly more widespread or logical in any way. Kenn's fire may have brought a figure of Pehr's clay to life, a child may have met Nur in a dream, or Feng may have had pity on a dying man - for all we know, Mera may as well have sprouted out of the ground fully formed.
Whatever the case, people all over the world began to encounter a man who called himself Mera. He wandered far and wide doing good deeds and never stayed in one place very long, but he was intensely memorable regardless thanks to his seemingly effortless command of the worldly elements, as if the gods themselves dwelled within him. Mera possessed not only a great level of control, but the ability to make the elements work in tandem. Such was the majesty of his power, as though he were crafting grand tapestries, that he came to be called "The Weaver". Merely by watching him work, people deepened their understanding of magic, and the world was changed forever.
As Mera became more well-known, many tired of simply watching and begged him to teach them the ways of magic, that they might make great discoveries or amass wealth and power or lessen the hardships of life. However, for some reason lost to history, Mera always refused. Within seven years of his appearance, Mera was killed by a man named Jonah, another whom he had refused to teach. It is said that he did not retaliate against Jonah in any way.
Once he had killed Mera, Jonah was, presumably, wracked with guilt over what he had done. He spent the rest of his life atoning for killing a man who had not only held such unique power, but who had only ever done good. In Mera's honor, Jonah retroactively established the first year of Magic Era calendar, starting from the first recorded encounter with him.
The true nature of Mera's existence, further muddled by his mysterious early life, is endlessly debated by scholars.
Scientists have long pondered and studied the possibility of harnessing magic. Though many breakthroughs have been made in understanding the flow of aether and in using aether stones, direct control of magic in the manner of Mera, the Weaver, has eluded magic researchers.
As such, the manifestation of Lady Savitri Felicia Mishra Langenberg's control over flame has arrested the attention of the entire continent.
Lady Savitri is alleged to have first demonstrated her power as a young child. Duke Lorenz Hilbert Langenberg understandably keeps his daughter's life as private as possible, but the few researchers who have been selected to meet with Lady Savitri have reported that her power is solely over flames, though her prowess continues to increase as she grows. Some believe her to be an envoy of Kenn. Some believe that she heralds a new age of humanity. Others simply hope to discover some long-hidden truths about magic. As of now, no consensus can possibly be reached.