The Plot

[Hattie]

The Homelands

The Homelands have always been divided into six Kingships each ruled by only the strongest and wisest stallions. This tradition was not some rule specifically enforced, but holding on to a throne is such an immense challenge that a stud who was anything less would surely fail.

Of course every horse grows old and sooner or later each King would fall to a challenger, temporarily throwing the region into turmoil. The fallen King was often cast out, left to die alone and nameless- his reward for years of toil... Over time, the wisest Rulers found a way to avoid such a fate. When a King felt old age creeping up on him, rather than wait for his doom to come knocking, he would pass the throne on to an eldest son and so the concept of an heir was born in the Homelands.

By allowing a favored son to succeed him a King ensures not only his autum years, but that his kin will remain in power.

Many adopted this tradition and for a time it allowed unprecedented periods of peace across the land, but soon the tradition began to evolve. Some Kings began surrounding themselves with younger, stronger stallions, clinging to the throne long after they were fit to rule. Royals began to adopt a sort of untouchable quality, demanding absolute power, and using it to ruin the lives of equines they disliked. Kingdoms began falling into ruin and Royal family member bickered among themselves. Out of this disorder rose Octavian. He was a young King who had inherited the Throne to the North Range.

Octavian saw a golden opportunity to steady the Homeland and at the same time elevate himself to a level of power the likes of which the land had never seen. With a band of high ranking bachelors, his half brother included, Octavian conquered three of the five remaining kingdoms, The Far North, The Midlands, and The Great Wood. Two thirds of the Homelands were his, and Octavian wanted to ensure it stayed that way. Every stud who aided him in his conquest was either murdered or exiled, his brother among them.

Octavian kept an iron grip on his massive Kingdom, sending loyal Overseers to watch over his territories and report back to him in the mountains. The homelands lived fearfully in his shadow up until the past year when the High King died and passed his throne on to his eldest son. The new King is an unknown, a favorite of Octavian who has never left the mountains, and this uncertainly has stirred the long silent dissenters.

Horses of the Freelands, the Offshore and Far South kingdoms, and even former Royals who the High King had spited, they all gather in Aquicul far outside the influence of the North. These equines rally for an end to the monarchy, and a face from the past has risen to the forefront- the late King's brother leads the rebellion.

War has not broken, word travels in whispers as both sides try to feel out the unknown strength of their opponent, but trouble is brewing. Storm clouds gather over opposite sides of the continent, the sounds of their crackling conflict echo deep into the night... But just when things are at their darkest, then the morning comes and when the pale light of dawn washes over a land born anew, only one side will stand victorious.