Vipers
Teutonia is the largest single country in the Heartlands, stretching from the cold and wild Grey Sea in the north of Germania, to the warm and sunny climes of Italia in the South with the wide open spaces of Wallachia nestled in between. As befitting such a large country, everything imaginable can be found within its borders; the magical Great Forest that would cover all the land unless prevented, the Blood Marshes where unliving roam without end, the Reis Astrobleme with its impenetrable mists; orcs, goblins, stone-ogres, trolls, elves and even humans. The country is diverse, with every race and culture to be found somewhere, but all come together with the same goal, to make Teutonia strong for Crown Prince Willhelm, the heir to King Gustav von Darkblade.
Some see the Vipers as evil, for they do whatever they need to, in the name and cause of Teutonia. Some see the Vipers as heroes, for they have always led the fight against those who threaten the Heartlands, whoever the foe. Some are in awe of their magical prowess, for none are as successful in ritual circles as the Vipers and none have used their magical abilities to save the world more often. But if truth be told, should the Heartlands be destroyed or overrun, what would be left for the Vipers to dominate?
Since King Gustav departed Teutonia for the Planes of Unlife, the country has been ruled by a series of Lords Regent, responsible for keeping Teutonia safe until young Prince Wilhelm is old enough to claim it for his own. Lady Aleena Tepes is the current Lord Regent; she is supported in this by Seneschal Elthorn and Viceroy Stavros.
Over the last few years Teutonia has been beset by a number of enemies and the country has been split. From outside were the forces of the Akari. When their first attack, on the great port of Rimini in Italia, was repulsed it was the first time that the Akari had been defeated in the Heartlands. Since then the Akari tried many different tactics and approaches; the country was ravished, but the Akari were eventually defeated. From within the borders of Teutonia came Usnacht, a former king who returned as an unliving monstrosity, bent on regaining his country. Although the country was split he was eventually defeated and returned to his rest. The land is now quiet, but there are still rumours of trouble; rumours of goblins, rumours of daemons, rumours of murderers…
Lord Regent - Lady Aleena Tepes
Aleena was born the youngest of three sisters into a tradition of smithing and strength. Her family were always loyal to House Tepes, one of the Royal Houses of Teutonia, even during times when the house had been exiled from the land. Under the guidance of Vlad Tepes III, whose will it was to reunite Teutonia’s Royal Houses, she became his voice in the negotiations with King Gustav in Berlyn during an attack from Marr the Faceless. The negotiations proved successful and after the abdication of King Gustav she was made aide to the new Lord Regent Caine. She was promoted by Caine to Lord Marshall when he stepped down, and continued in her role through the next two Lord Regents, Valris Ordos and Stesha of Mortis. Finally, Stesha of Mortis stepped back to spend more time tutoring Prince Wilhelm and Aleena took the role of Lord Regent.
In proper Tepes tradition, Aleena is a follower of the Voiuvre (the Maiden). She is an advocate of purity and tradition and is sometime misunderstood in her interpretation of the faith.
Lord Seneschal – Elthorn Aldread
At the request of Prince Wilhelm, Elthorn Aldread of House Von Kaiserstien was asked to step up into the position of Lord Seneschal of the Viper Nation. Tasked with the stewardship of Teutonia alongside Aleena Tepes and Stavros Eranti, Elthorn ensures the smooth running of day to day life in Teutonia utilising any means at his disposal. A Dragonkin of Nature, his judgement is guided by the Green Aspect of the Dragon - those who are strong will flourish whilst those who are weak will fall. In Teutonia, few survive without being strong of mind or body. Teaching his skills with stealth, blades and an understanding of the higher mysteries of magic he ensures that Teutonia’s heroes remain strong whilst subjecting them to the trials of the mountains and forest of his woodland home, Sira Cai.
Elthorn served first as the Viper’s Liaison to the Scout’s guild supported by his kin in the Stone Ogre Tribe, he progressed through the ways of the shadows until he was promoted to the position of Viper High Scout, a position which he held for several years and resulting in the nickname “Mr Spooky” being given to him by the Heroes of Teutonia. Be it acting as a Guild liaison, Captain of the Healers Guild Defenders or leader of the Viper Skirmishers, he has proven that he will stand by what he believes in, be it his loyalty to King Gustav, Prince Wilhelm, Teutonia, House Von Kaiserstein or his cousin, Ex-Lifemaster Elani of the Healers Guild.