Domains

Vie for Power as you Rule a Kingdom, Duchy, or County

At the largest scale Elyria is broken up into continents which, in turn, are further broken down into independent, player-run Kingdoms. Each Kingdom is further broken down into Duchies, Counties, and individual Settlements which are player-run and managed. They may be called by different names by different tribes, but the hierarchy is the same. Settlements exist within the boundaries of Counties. Dozens of counties will make up each Duchy; a variable number per server. Around a dozen Duchies will make up each Kingdom, and the starting continent will be broken up into approximately six Kingdoms.

Like real-world nations, these governments make and enforce laws, claim land and resources, engage in diplomatic and military conflicts with rival nations, and undergo internal political strife. Initially the borders of these domains will be predefined on each server's world map, but conflicts, alliances, and conquests will cause these borders to shift over time. New continents may also be discovered and explored which will reveal new domains and even new civilizations!

Kingdoms

Each starting continent in Chronicles of Elyria will be broken up into several kingdoms, each led by a King or Queen. Kingdoms are large expanses of land, and will take about 10 hours to cross by foot. Within a Kingdom you'll find multiple Tribes and Biomes to create a diverse environment. Kingdoms contain around 12 individual Duchies, each owing allegiance to their King or Queen.

The leaders of Kingdoms are responsible for setting the success or victory conditions for the kingdom. This includes deciding whether the Kingdom will focus on research & technology, business and commerce, or military endeavors. Through their Kingdom Management UI, they can drive the direction of the Kingdom. This uses NPCs or players to communicate to the dukes and counts, so they can drive toward that goal. Contracts are also used to set Kingdom-wide laws and taxes.

Duchies

The Duchy is the next step down from the Kingdom level and is itself made up of approximately 24 Counties. Duchies are large territories bestowed upon a Duke or Duchess by their King or Queen.

Rulers of Duchies set laws and taxes for their Duchy, and are responsible for paying dues to their King or Queen. They're also responsible for law enforcement, military, and the defense of their Duchy. They manage the strongholds, castles, and outposts, assign sheriffs to each of the counties, and appoint judges to the courthouses of the cities. Dukes and Duchesses can use their map to keep track of crime rates and the sizes of their defensive structures, and in war, raise their armies and lead them into battle.

Counties

Counties are the smallest domain above Settlements, but don't let that fool you into thinking they're small. An Elyrian County contains around 2,300 parcels of land which is more than ample to build a variety of Settlements. With each parcel measuring 64m x 64m (about the size of an acre on Earth), you will have plenty of space to roam within a County.

Those who manage Counties in Elyria are responsible for resource management, building up settlements within their Counties, establishing wealth and power for the Kingdom, and encouraging research. The Count's UI is about creating trade routes, identifying where resources are being gathered, and funneling the money to and from the settlements.