Shadows over Alonia

he Confederation of Alonia was a kingdom, ruled by King Theandollis. King Theandollis ruled over five dukes. It was one of these dukes, Duke Xethos of Gredas, who hatched a plot against King Theandollis which killed Theandollis and his family. Xethos had hoped to overthrow the king and assume his mantle; however, a civil war erupted, resulting in the Duke and his lineage dying, and his lands becoming a part of the Duchies of Belar and Vichi.   The whisperings of a forbidden god had emboldened Duke Xethos and encouraged him to act. Over a century, the Dukes of Gredas had worshipped, in secret, the sinister deity. Hidden shrines were built, and a temple consecrated in the castle. Upon the defeat of the Duke, all the followers of the diety were killed or driven underground. Xethos never stood trial for his treason- he was killed in battle. His family and close aids were all executed.   Even with the King and Xethos dead, the civil war lasted for 30 years. It ended in an uneasy truce, which ended the question of succession. No Duke would assume the mantle of King. Instead, they would rule with absolute authority in their Dukedom. The Duchy of Gredas was dismantled, with its lands going to the Duke of Belar and the Duke of Vichi. In addition to this, the Duchy of Allonia was established, incorporating the old royal capital and the surrounding lands.