The Tetrad Moon

Chapter 1 - The Four Nations

Fresh dew kissed the morning grass as day fell upon the highland heath. The bright orange sun crept over the northern mountains, once again faintly illuminating the cities and lands that lay below. The waters sparkled like twinkling lights, as if the entire galaxy was awoken within them. Both peaceful and vicious beasts emerged from their nightfall nests and dens, preparing to scavenge for food for yet another day. Both beautiful plains and desolate forests were touched by the soft, morning light.

Every grotesque beast and morbid creature attempted to shy away from the ever intensifying rays, shielded by the mangled branches of the deepest woods, but, as every day, inch by inch, everything was exposed by the sun. Every land, forest and mountain in the land of Vandaria was eventually overcome and conquered by light.

The first region to be touched by the regular morning glow was the great plains of Grazzline. The gentle sun rolled over the grassy hills of the north, then crept onto the beautiful fields and heaths that lay to the south. All of the immense resources and riches of Grazzline were also touched by the sun. This nation had the best of all worlds, having abundant seas to fish and fertile lands to farm. A great government was also spotted by the sun's piercing eye. Massive armies and war machines marched across the Grazzlinean plains, controlled by their notorious government in the capital, Emobia. Markets for fine merchandise and riches lay at every coast and harbor, providing great wealth for every citizen and merchant. The capital, Emobia, held enormous citadels and bastions, housing noble kings and chancellors.

Grazzline was the largest and most regal nation of all of Vandaria and was deemed undefeatable by all. However, beware, for villainous traits can also be present among abundant wealth. Fat cats deep within the chains of society may develop. Even with countless riches, governments can be corrupted and destructive greed can develop. Jealousy and duplicity are the great plagues of society and can turn even the kindest of people to avaricious beasts. This ravenous sickness preys on the highest members of the civilized world, the leaders of Grazzline perhaps among them; giving some, once again, an irrational, covetous passion to conquer.

The second of the great lands of Vandaria to be touched by the soft sunlight was the land of Aquarie. The darkness was chased away from the great lakes and seas of Aquarie and rays of glorious sunlight penetrated the fresh waters. Aquarie was titled 'the nation of pure aqua' and this land's endless oceans and seas sparkled in the sunlight. Countless schools of fish swam through the boundless waters and abundant crustaceans crawled across its immense ocean floors. A myriad of aquatic plants also lined the shores and sea floors, creating a vast blanket of sprouting life.

Jagged mountains and fertile foothills surrounded the long, western nation, separating Aquarie from its surrounding lands. The mountain range was so named the Aquarian shield. The large cliffs and peaks created a large basin in the center which contained the bountiful seas that fed its inhabitants and wildlife.

The people who lived in these aquatic lands were as wondrous as its seas. They were simple, but expert fisherman, who lived completely off the food provided to them by their great oceans. Their fishing skills were legend and this nation possessed the greatest ports and ships under the sun. The Aquarians were trained for combat as well, but though they possessed a well-trained military, this nation was peaceful and friendly, wanting nothing but to carry on with their simple way of life. They would mobilize their armies only when extremely threatened and over the past centuries, this nation had never been forced to engage in an armed conflict and continued to hope that it would forever remain that way.

The third nation of Vandaria was touched by the sun much later in the day. Only a few rays of sunshine penetrated through the overcast clouds and cast the first signs of light onto the rocky land below.