The Deck

Death is the only truth.
Honour and surrender to her.

The Spades Empire

The breadth of the Spades Empire is vast.  The rock and ice  surrounding the archipelago nation, conceal it from the outside world.  The treacherous waters bring death to many who are not familiar with them.  The Empire is ruled by a long reigning dynasty; the current Emperor and an oligarchy of powerful bloodlines govern their islands with a firm grasp.

​​The Spades archipelago is home to several volcanoes that bring warmth and fertile soil for the Empire.  A nation built on mining, farming, and fishing, their most prized commodity is their mined ‘Gods Eye’ gem.  A bright stone, green in colour and sharp in clarity,  the gemstone is coveted by many for its beauty and it's suspected source of mystic energy. However, the gem is scarcely found outside the Spades nation.

​The people of spades have lived in isolation for a thousand generations, and defended their homeland with vicious savagery.  The Spades navy is a formidable force in the seas. They serve their empire by protecting the waters from foreigners, fishing and trading with the neighbouring Kingdoms.

 Sailors and those unfortunate enough to journey into the Spade Empire's waters, are often left scarred and mutilated, their eyes ears and tongues marking them as offerings to ‘Lady Death’.

​From those lucky to escape such a fate, stories have spread of black ships with silver sales and dark priests with painted faces that sacrifice enemy crew to their barbaric god.

At the heart of the Spades culture, is the worship of ‘Lady Death’.  A half spider, half woman goddess whose webs span time, land, and sea; sensing the heart and minds of all.  She offers either salvation for the righteous, or torment for the wicked, and greets all that depart the mortal sphere and are caught in her eternal web.

​

It is long chronicled by scholars in the Kingdom of Hearts that the 'Lady Death', was once an ancient Queen.  Writings from a time when their borders were not as hardened, tell of a land that was visited by a deadly plague during one winter. The number of dead was catastrophic and nearly collapsed the societies of the spades archipelago.  The Queen of one of the islands at that time was stricken by the plague.  Her healers tested many remedies on villagers, most proving fatal, before discovering the cure in a small purple tailed spider native to several of the islands.  The spider whose venom proved to be a viable remedy for the plague also brought along vivid hallucinations. It also held similar markings to the speared sigil the current empire uses as their heraldry.

The Empire of Spades has survived many challenges in its long existence.  They have overcome civil wars, pestilence, earthquakes and several winters that outlasted their supplies.  The Current Emperor ascended to the throne after his father and older brother died in one of the last civil uprisings.  He spent much time on the sea in his youth and visited many ports around the known world.  In his travels he was struck by the beauty that many of the other lands held. From the colourful plants and animals to the unique flavours and fruits.  He was in awe of what the world had to offer.

​

He was also aghast by the level of moral depravity he encountered in his travels.  Women and men selling their bodies, consuming intoxicants that turned them in to beasts,  Societies where the richest walked on the backs of the poor and regaled in their misery for sport.  The Emperor dreamed that one day the Spades empire could show the rest of the known world another way. Teach them to live with respect and worship ‘Lady Death’ as they do in his homeland.  He would bring them this gift. If they refused, he would offer their souls to his lady.

Ones greatness is earned.
Power exists to serve the many.

Kingdom of Hearts

Warm grassland plateaus and foothills form the greater part of the landlocked nation of Hearts. The Heart River is the lifeline that winds through the land. It provides freshwater fish, irrigation for crops, water to drink and access for trade up and down the river.  The kingdom of hearts is governed by an elected council representing the various regions of the Hearts Nation and is chaired by an elected King and/or Queen.

​

A culture rich in architecture, music and art, the Kingdom of Hearts also invest a lot of their resources into supporting education in mathematics, science, and philosophy.  It is strongly believed that the way forward as a nation is together and through the pursuit of knowledge. Their culture is centred around the value of those with the strength to do so, should help those less fortunate to rise. This value is embodied in the story of 'The First'.

​

In a time when the kingdom of hearts was divided and consumed with greed and power, a villager roamed the grasslands with their pet lion speaking of sacrifice and love for others. Their name has long been forgotten, and is believed to be their wish so others could see themselves in their deeds. It is said that 'The First' brought the people across the land together and created the first council.

When The First died, it is said that they imparted their spirit into their lion, which grew wings and flew into the sky.  It is believed by many in the rural planes that the weather was a strong indication of The First's displeasure or agreeance with the people of the land. A superstition that has been long dismissed by science but still favoured to caution the young.

​On their 16th day of their birth, all citizens of the kingdom of hearts are to devote 4 years of service to their kingdom. They are directed into a field of service that best reflects their strengths and aptitudes.  This is a time of transition and welcome for them into adulthood.  Some find their place in the royal guard, learning to defend their borders and give aid in times of crisis.  Others spend their time in the grand capital university where they learn to research and study to better society.  Others learn to work the earth, from agriculture and land restoration to construction and development of the built environment.

The Kingdom of Hearts has been mostly self sufficient.  For generations they have relied moderately on trade up and down the Hearts River. Trading with other nations to supply those products they don’t have. Trading mainly with the Republic of Diamonds for minerals, oil, and spices. They also trade with the land of Clubs to the far south, for fur, wild game, and lumber. However, with hostilities increasing over the past few springs with Club raiders moving north and pillaging villages in the Hearts Kingdom, trade has all but ceased.

Upon election, the King and/or Queen govern from the capital,  They oversee the economic stability and social balance of the nation.  Their role is to work with regional leaders on matters of development and dispute. Their position is a beacon to all in society of the heights the individual can raise to when supported by their community.

For a long time, the Kingdom of hearts has existed with on going peace.  The various regional leaders for the most part have worked together with out issue.  In recent years however, disparity and resentment has begun to become more apparent amongst the regions.  The grasslands, where most the agricultural efforts are worked, have suffered in recent years due to the lack of water flowing down the Heart river, Scientific advancements in the cities have also driven more interest in city living lowering the regional population. Those residing in the foothills and directly on the river have had to increase their trade with other nations to back fill the demand on livestock and grain that has not been met to sustain the kingdom throughout the dry period.

With the kingdom of Diamonds increasing their trade demands each year, pressure is mounting on the royal Court of Hearts to find a way forward for their people.  The lack of water flowing down the Hearts river is of grave concern to the council. It is also suspected that several tributaries flowing into the Heart river have been dammed on land outside the Kingdoms boarders. This is leading to questions of foul play by the nations of Clubs or Diamonds.

The earth gives all.
We gift her battle & blood.

Land of Clubs

The Land of clubs is fraught with war and division.  Dozens of clans are imbedded deep within the south mountainous region. The Club clans violently defend their lands against foreigners and other clans.  They believe deeply in the rule of strength, might and above all wisdom.  Warlords and chieftains often rise to brutal extents to prove their worth to rule. They have existed this way for generations and are considered by many in more developed nations to be barbaric savages.

​​

They are however a passionate people, often considered hot headed. They are often prone to brutality and murder and resort to violence as a means of resolving disputes. Contrary to this view, they are also noted to be rich in culture and music.  They will often move from the heat of battle one moment to sitting and sharing a meal and song with their enemy the next. Their frivolity is believed to be deeply rooted in their complete acceptance of their death and place within the natural world.

At the heart of their culture is the understanding that they are just guardians of the land they step upon.  The land gifts them life and the means to survive, for which they pay in flesh and bone of their enemies and in the end, their own.

​

A documented journey one hundred and five years ago by Heart Kingdom scholars who had been brave enough to venture deep into the land of Clubs found their way into a conclave of chieftains from many of the larger clans.

There were thirty-seven chieftains and entourages in attendance. The meeting was a fortnight celebration brimming with feats of strength and endurance. There was bountiful food and various forms of smoke and drink as well. The several scholars who engaged in the smoke and drink spoke of vivid visions akin to joyful dreams and nightmares that lasted for several days. The festival would begin each night at sunset, and would continue into the early hours of the morning. There were many debaucheries sighted by the scholars and dangerous games played.  Many in attendance were injured. Those with wounds serious enough to be considered fatal, were dragged from the camp and into the woods to be left to die. 

​

During this time, the chieftains counselled together in a traditional hut, isolated from the festivities. They were to deliberate on issues and transgressions between their people, to negotiate trade and territories and discuss opportunities for alliances and unions.  After 14 days, thirty-four clan chieftains emerged from the hut. Three who did not survive the conclave had their bodies scattered in the woods. Their entourage had their lived and blood offered as sacrifice at their chieftains open burial site.  An offering to the great mother who’s three eyes had been thought to be watching over the gathering.

Many traders and sailors who venture far enough south speak of the mystics from the land of Clubs.  These older Club men and women are intentionally driven near mad with smoke and wild berry drink.  Those in the land of Clubs believe they have melted away the parts of their mind that are false and impure,  An act done to be as close with the natural world as mortal beings can be.  Their wisdom is highly valued amongst chieftains, and to spill the blood of one of these mystics is considered an egregious sin worthy of the worst possible punishments.

​

As has been said, the Land of clubs has long been fraught with war and division.  In recent years however there has been rumours of a very aggressive chieftain, who has appointed himself the King of Clubs. He seeks to unite the clans into one nation.  A singular point of rule for all the land of Clubs.  This is something the Kingdom of Hearts cautiously support and hope this will bring balance to the region and help bolster trade.

​

The Republic of Diamonds believes such an endeavour will bring only more war and instability. This assertion by the Republic of diamonds is considered by many scholars of the kingdom of hearts to be false and deceptive.  Those who have extensively studied the economic and humanitarian implications of uniting the clans, have identified that the main concern for the Republic of Diamonds.  The impact the merger will have on its slave trade is considered to be devastating.  It has long been the practice for clans to sell off prisoners taken from battle, as well as the less desirable members of their society to slavery. An act considered to be the worst possible punishment and shaming for native Clubs; robbing them of the honour of dying in their homeland and giving their bodies back to the mother.

Prosperity favours the righteous.
Desolation devours the meek.

Republic of Diamonds

The Republic of Diamonds considers itself the centre of the civilised world.  It is a strongly held belief that anyone with enough favour from God, and enough ingenuity can make a fortune in the Republic.  Those who fail, were not favoured by God’s wisdom.  It is a land of extreme wealth, prosperity and decadence. It is also holds equally as much poverty, crime, and corruption.  The Republic is controlled locally by governors who are appointed by the grand council.  Atop the grand council is the Chancellor who rules as king over his people.  It is whispered that the path he took to the throne was paved by the blood of his detractors and jewelled with the bones of their children.

​

His main consort of his many brides and mistresses is said to be more cunning and strategic than the chancellor himself.  It is thought she is the true holder of power in the republic court and the orchestrator of the moves that ascended the chancellor to power.

The power and reach of the chancellor and his consort are rivalled only by that of the church of diamonds chaired by the high priest.  The only way the chancellor could reach the heights he has was with the support of the church.  If he was to act against their interests, they could effortlessly replace him.

​

The church of diamonds was founded over three thousand years ago.  Their current belief is that God gifted man the power to bend the world and its beasts to his control.  Life is meant as a reward, to be filled with pleasure and beauty. Only those who are graced with his favour are fortunate enough to prosper.

​

This reading of the ancient stone texts from which the church is based was long disputed by historians.  Many saw this reading as more callous and self-serving than the original scribes intended.  Such views are scarcely held within the republic of diamonds however, as most voices of dissent are silenced quickly.

The Republic of Diamonds relies heavily on supplies of slaves from the clans to the south as well as lesser-known regions of the world.  They do often enslave the less desirable members of their own society, and those who fall too deep into debt. These poor souls are reviled with even more contempt socially than is afforded animals.  They trade heavily in minerals and jewels, as well as spices and silk, unearthed and harvested by their slaves.  It is said in many corners of the world that it is foolish to trust the smile of a diamond. Whilst one hand is clasping yours in friendship, the other is reaching for their knife.

​

In recent years trade routes that pass-through diamonds territories on land and sea, have faced much higher taxation than previous generations.  It is believed that the council has over leveraged itself with extravagant spending and poor investments,  owing a considerable amount of money to the church.  Hearts scholars are quick to note that the Emperor of Diamonds one hundred years earlier faced a similar situation. The Diamond Emperor resorted to war with the kingdom of Hearts to gain control of mineral rich land on the nations border. It was a misjudged decision. The loss of the war cost the emperor his throne. This may now be reason enough for the current ‘King’ to consider other measures to recoup his losses. However The Republic of Diamonds is not known for the value it puts in remembering its history.