Berana

Berana is a kingdom along the eastern coast of Red. Its founder and long-reigning ruler, King Olanson, spent nearly 50 years expanding its territory and built the strongest navy in the Mainland zones. Although too old to fight personally, he continued to general his kingdom's battles, supported by a large clan of children — approximately thirty in number.

Notable facts about Berana include:

• Its succession was always considered precarious, as it was unclear how well the kingdom would hold together after Olanson's death.
• King Olanson was killed by a Slith assassin, sparking an immediate succession crisis.
• Olanson had previously named Prince Morgan as heir, then removed him after a significant military loss.
• Olanson's Red mages are notable enough that even a Shark lord was interested in their ability to enhance sharks.

Following Olanson's assassination, several contenders claimed the throne:

• Prince Varen: Oldest child but illegitimate; supported by the Rushites.
• Princesse Anne: Oldest legitimate child.
• Prince Quentin: The only surviving descendant of the lord of the northern half of Berana.
• Prince Morgan: Previously named heir; his legitimacy was disputed.
• Princess Wendy: Not of age, but backed by her mother, Queen Mary.

The succession crisis was resolved when Violet, High Priest of Navere in Berana, declared that if a ruler dies without an heir while married, their spouse may name the heir. Queen Mary and Princess Wendy were thus established as the ruling line, with Wendy to be crowned with a regent. Loyalty issues within the Guard to the remaining contenders were identified as a long-term concern.

Berana was also involved in diplomatic maneuvering during the Middlesea crisis. It sent Lady Frigga to the Conclave at Middlesea. Prince Sven served as Berana's public envoy in Darstan, where Berana and King Richard's Lands were suspected of intrigue, including a possible castle intrusion. Letting Sven obtain a stolen ducal seal was judged likely to start a war with Darstan, albeit more slowly than if King Richard's spy obtained it.

After Olanson's death, Berana sought alliances with Melmane and the Mer against the Slith threat. The group worked to facilitate these alliances, noting that Olanson's assassination by Slith made Berana's anti-Slith stance far more credible than before. Coordinating Berana's Red mages with Melmane's forces against Slith anti-magic fields was identified as a key strategic opportunity.

(summarized with Claude)