Trident Realms of Neritica

The underwater nations of Kings of War, the Trident Realms of Neritica are composed of Naiads, crab people, deep ones, krakens, and various other stereotypical fantasy sea creatures. They were one of the nations added in Uncharted Empires in second edition, although they do share Naiads with the forces allied with the Sylvan Kindred, just their Naiads live in the seas while those serving the Green Lady live in the deep pools of the forests.

Background

Kyron was a Celestian known as a friend to nature. When the Fenulian Mirror was shattered, Kyron split in two like the other Celestians. His Wicked One and Shining One sides both retained the name Kyron, both seeking to continue to watch over the creatures of nature. The wicked half was known to be cunning and cruel, while the shining half was known for his kindness and bravery. It is said the two halves, instead of engaging in physical combat, argued incessantly with one another about the proper way to guide the natural world.

Eventually they decided to settle their differences by reforging the beasts of the world into new creations to vie with one another. Dark Kyron, as the Wicked One was designated, worked with Garkhan the Black to create the orcs. When Brave Kyron, as the Shining One was designated, saw this new horror, he gathered the souls of those sacrificed in their research and reshaped them into the beastmen of the Herd.

Enraged, Dark Kyron sowed mistrust of the Herd among the human nations, seeking to destroy them. Many of these reborn souls fled to the sea, transforming into forms suited to hide among the waves. They hid under the seas for centuries, only venturing back to the surface after the defeat of Oskan. Once they reached the surface they discovered that the two Kyrons no longer walked among mortals, but were said by their surface-dwelling cousins to now endlessly chase one another through the skies as part of the Great Hunt.

Like the Herd, the denizens of the Trident Realms feel the call to defend the natural world from the encroachment of the Abyss. This has led them to at times ally with the nations of the surface. The most common citizens of the Trident Realms to appear on the surface are the Naiads, with the more monstrous creatures of the deep only surfacing when called to large battles. Often they are seen fighting alongside their cousins of the Herd. Their most hated enemies still remain the orcs, the cursed sons of Garkhan the Black and Dark Kyron.

Notable Denizens of the Trident Realms

Siren

The Siren was once a Naiad stalker. One day she came upon a half-elf sailor who had been shipwrecked on the Forsaken Isles. Taking pity on him, she nursed him back to health. The two fell in love, but their relationship was cut short when he was murdered by Twilight Kin raiders. In her grief her voice become a powerful weapon, enabling her to sing a forlorn song that lures unfortunate souls to her, often leading to their death by drowning in the sea.

Trident Kings

The three Trident Kings are veiled in secrecy. They rule over the Trident Realms, but do so in secret. They are known to be members of the three major noble families of Neritica, but beyond that their identities are a closely guarded state secret. In battle they wear the fabled masks of Medusa, hiding their identities, and ride into battle on large clam chariots pulled by sea wyrms.

On the Tabletop

Tactics can be found here: Kings of War/Tactics/Trident Realms of Neritica

As the army special rule indicates, the Trident Realms are something of a bait and switch army. Many units are designed to move through terrain without issue and bog enemy units down in combat and block their movement with your own unit placement. Coming up behind these units will be your heavy hitters; the Trident Realms have the second biggest large infantry and monster selection in the game behind ogres. They also have one of the best heroes in the game with the Siren who can disorder a unit through your opponent's next turn with her unique spell.