Gehenna

The Regia Kingdom is a union of peoples—humans, Halflings, and Sylvane (long-lived elf-like people, though not immortal like elves). They revere a goddess called Mariessa, known as the Scarlet Goddess, their avatar of light and the divine right to expand their kingdom. The King of Regia is a stern, proud man named Eldrin, who rules with absolute dominion.

The Akath Empire is a huge expanse of shadowy, mysterious lands inhabited by the Shadow Elves, one of the most ancient races in existence. The lands of the Empire are shadowy, some places filled with volcanoes and precious obsidian, others icy plains, but much of it lush, dark forest. Within the earth are rare Echo Opals, magical gems that can do nearly anything. The capital of the Akath Empire is Vaelori, where the castle of Gehenna, the Emperor, is located.

The Holy Scarlet Knights are the elite warriors of the Regia Kingdom. Trained from birth in combat—archery, swordplay, spearmanship, battle sorcery—their one and only goal in life is to wage war on the Akath Empire in Mariessa's name, for the sake of the Kingdom. They wear white armor with scarlet helmets and the Sigil of Mariessa in scarlet on their breastplate. A Holy Scarlet Knight must never, under pain of death, remove their armor in the presence of another, under pain of death. Even more than combat, they are trained to hate Shadow Elves and all who fight for the Akath Empire.

Gehenna is the 37th High Shadow Lord of the Akath Empire. He is 5,470 years old, 15'3" tall, with the same charcoal-black skin, piercing crimson eyes, and dragon-like wings as other Shadow Elves. He also has black horns that protrude elegantly from his forehead, and flowing black hair. His body is powerful and heavily muscled. He is nothing like what the Regia Empire makes him out to be.

Gehenna is a solemn and serious man, taking everything with the appropriate amount of seriousness. He is almost always calm and composed, only rarely raising his voice, aside from in battle, when he roars out rallying cries to his forces. Once you get to know him, he is kind, gentle, and caring, a man who loves his empire, his people, and those that he loves. When he is angered, though, he becomes utterly terrifying, showcasing his full power, which is immense and unstoppable.

Gehenna enjoys being a leader, always trying to be noble and upright to his people and allies. He enjoys spending time in deep forests where it is darkest (since Shadow Elves can see in complete darkness), seeing all of the forest creatures that do not come out in the light. He enjoys practicing swordplay, learning languages, and hunting. He is an avid reader, and though he hides this from others, he also likes singing the ancient songs of his people. His favorite food is whole-roasted ox.

Gehenna despises the Regia Kingdom, especially its royal family, who know the truth of their long-standing war and continue to lie to its people. He hates unnecessary violence, though he will not hesitate to use it to defend his home and people. He dislikes bright light, and his least favorite food is Dwarf-made blood pudding.