Journey Unfolds - Duchy of Whiteridge
04/04/2025
The Divine War and the Birth of the Duchy
Thousands of years ago, Valka and her comrades fought a fierce battle against Cryonaia, who had seized control of Cedartown. With Dura's help, Cryonaia was ultimately sealed, while the ancestors of the Valesa and Radinov families, who fought alongside Valka, survived the brutal conflict. Among them, the Valesa family was granted the hereditary title of Archduke over the Duchy of Whiteridge and has ruled ever since. Sigmund Valesa, the current Archduke, holds the deep trust of the Lightbearer Empire and has secured lasting stability for the Duchy.
Princess Yolena's Last Wish
Princess Yolena had been Archduke Sigmund's only source of solace since the tragic loss of her mother. However, five years ago, she was diagnosed with a terminal illness, and her condition deteriorated with each passing day. Despite the Archduke's strict orders to conceal her illness, Yolena eventually discovered the truth. In the portrait and letter she left behind, she expressed her yearning to leave Cedartown and behold the vast ocean with her own eyes. She dreamed of becoming a flower after her passing so she could kiss her father each spring before drifting toward the sea, chasing the freedom she had always longed for.
Ludovic's Valesa Lineage
Ludovic, the youngest son of a former Archduke, passed away at a young age and returned as a Graveborn. Archduke Sigmund once implored Ludovic to bring Princess Yolena back to life. Sadly, both Ludovic and the princess succumbed to the same hereditary illness that runs through their family.
After Ludovic's death, his soul lingered in his body, making him an outcast and forcing him to distance his loved ones. This is why he refused to resurrect Yolena—he couldn't bear to subject her to the same loneliness he had endured.
Cryonaia's Comeback
After being rejected by Ludovic, Archduke Sigmund, in his desperation, colluded with Cyran in exchange for the princess's revival. Just like that, Cryonaia was awakened from her deep slumber.
Thousands of years ago, Cryonaia was sealed away following her invasion of Cedartown. Revived through Princess Yolena's body, Cryonaia felt an uncanny sense of familiarity when she first met Merlin. As it turned out, during the ancient war, Merlin had once guided Valka in drawing the sword that ultimately subdued Cryonaia.
After taking possession of Princess Yolena, Cryonaia developed a fondness for sapphirine blossoms and other adorable things. However, she had a capricious nature, and she was both naive and ruthlessly cruel at the same time. She reveled in tormenting her prey, even trapping Cedartown in a time loop and transforming its citizens into snowmen. Wielding the power to freeze everything, she was nearly invincible, deriving her only joy from the suffering of her enemies.
It is said that Cryonaia's tears are made of ice, though she denies this, insisting that she has never shed a tear. Her extensive collection of ice sculptures includes chilling, lifeless replicas of her fallen enemies, forever preserved in their final moments. Cryonaia considers herself the greatest ice sculptor in history, though her masterpieces are not shaped by carving.
The Arrogant Cyran
Cyran is the second son of a lord. He grew up in the shadow of his older brother, a talented knight, and received little attention during his childhood. Things took a turn for the better in his life when his extraordinary magical talent emerged, leading him to enroll at the Serene Lyceum, where he became Merlin's classmate. However, Cyran's talents fell short of Merlin's, and admiration soon gave way to envy. As graduation loomed, Cyran joined the Adamant Syndicate and turned to dark magic in a desperate bid to surpass Merlin. Now, he serves the royal court as a magic instructor.
As a noble, Cyran carries himself with grace and impeccable manners. Beneath this polished exterior, however, lies a haughty and egotistical nature, driven by an insatiable desire for superiority over others. Cyran craves power and status, always indulging in opulent attire and extravagant jewelry. He is highly particular about the quality of his lifestyle.
Valka, the Guardian of Whiteridge
Valka put up a valiant fight during the Divine War, giving her all to safeguard the Duchy of Whiteridge. In the midst of the battle, Cryonaia struck a fatal blow, piercing her heart and shattering her armor. After her death, Valka rose again as a Graveborn, deliberately leaving her heart exposed as a perpetual reminder of her grudge against Cryonaia.
To this day, Valka remains haunted by the belief that she failed to do enough in the battle to seal Cryonaia. All the Graveborns in Cedartown were once soldiers under her command, and Valka holds herself responsible for their tragic fates.
Despite everything, Valka remains a highly revered figure among the Graveborns for her sisterly compassion and composed demeanor. Valka and her comrades stand vigil at the border between Cedartown and the swamp, keeping the other Graveborns at bay.
Faramor, an Undead Hunter
Faramor once lived a peaceful, carefree life in the Wilders' land until his hometown and the Dark Forest were both attacked by the Graveborns and the Adamant Syndicate. Since then, he has embarked on a relentless quest to hunt down the Graveborns.
Faramor's investigation brought him to the Duchy of Whiteridge, where he unearthed a book near the temple that detailed information about the undead. Armed with the knowledge from the book and his keen senses, Faramor successfully defended the villagers during an undead attack. His bravery caught the eye of a local undead hunter, who convinced him to assume his role so that the hunter could concentrate on his investigation into Bantus. Ultimately, Faramor became an undead hunter, committed to protecting the people of the Duchy of Whiteridge from the undead.
Faramor's sharp sense of smell allows him to identify Graveborns by their scent, and he also possesses basic medical knowledge. Although he leads a modest life, he maintains an air of elegance, always ensuring his hair is neatly braided. To those who meet him for the first time, he may seem reliable yet somewhat distant and aloof, but this simply stems from his introverted nature. Once you get to know him, you will discover that he is a dependable and supportive friend.
Conclusion
The tale of the Duchy of Whiteridge revolves around the conflict between heroes and Hypogeans, weaving a narrative of loyalty and betrayal, love and obsession. Each character carries a story filled with both glory and regret. In the Duchy of Whiteridge Clan Reputation quest, you will investigate the lingering dark magic in Cedartown, uncovering the truths hidden beneath the ice to purge the town of evil and restore peace.
