This is a tale from Halora—a fictional island nation set in the Black Sea shaped by war and the slow decay of order. Once a British colony, now a land teetering between the past and the future, its streets are filled with desperate men seeking fortune, power, or just another day of survival. The government turns a blind eye to the rising influence of criminals, and the law is worth only as much as the coin that backs it. The story is set in the 1920s, just a few years after the World War I.
You are no hero. You are an outlaw, a fugitive, a survivor caught in the tide of a country that offers nothing but hard choices. Fate has led you to a gang of misfits, each running from something, each searching for something else. In Halora, trust is fleeting, loyalty is tested, and every move you make will carve your place in the underworld—or your grave.
As you navigate this world, your choices define you. Will you lead with honor, or will you take what you need at any cost? Will you stand by those who fight beside you, or will you leave them behind when the time comes? Morality is a weapon, but so is ruthlessness, and in Halora, only the cunning survive.
Mavriarchos is a story of crime, survival, and consequence. Allies will remember your actions, enemies will never forget, and the city will shape itself around the choices you make. Every decision carries weight. Every betrayal leaves a scar.
The road is yours to take—but once you start walking it, there’s no turning back.
Note: I haven’t prepared the whole lore yet. And I haven’t mentioned the towns and cities as well, so it might confuse the readers a little in the story.
A Small Lore on Halora
Halora is an island nation in the Black Sea, south of Crimea. Its history is shaped by conquest, rebellion, and survival.
Ancient & Pre-Colonial Era
Halora was home to small, independent kingdoms with cultural ties to ancient Greece. These kingdoms thrived on maritime trade, worshipping Greek deities and practicing distinct island traditions.
British Colonization (Late 1700s - 1900s)
The British Empire seized control, unifying Halora under colonial rule. They exploited its natural resources, using it as a key naval and trading hub. Multiple failed uprisings occurred, with Halorians resisting foreign rule.
The Halorian Revolution (1900s - 1914)
After decades of unrest, a full-scale revolution erupted. Rebels, initially using outdated weapons, gained strength through smuggling and guerrilla warfare. The British, facing global conflicts, made a deal: If Halora aided them in World War I, they would grant them independence.
Post-Independence & The 1920s
Halora gained freedom in 1918 but emerged divided—ruled by a conservative government favoring the elite. Crime syndicates, including remnants of revolutionary groups, filled the power vacuum. Industrialization began, but inequality and corruption fueled unrest.
Culture & Society
Halorians have a cynical, survivalist mindset after years of oppression and war. Though colonization weakened traditional beliefs, many still carry Greek surnames as a mark of heritage. The nation is a mix of British and Greek influences, seen in its architecture, fashion, and speech.
Halora is a land of opportunity, danger, and shifting loyalties—a place where survival depends on the choices one makes.
Important Characters
Anton “Old Man” Petrakis (The Veteran, 53) has a lean, wiry frame with graying, unkempt hair and tired but sharp dark brown eyes. His arms bear the scars of old battles, a testament to years spent in war. Talkative and eccentric, he often gets lost in memories of the Revolution and WWI, sometimes offering brilliant insights, other times nonsensical ramblings. Despite his age, his military strategy, survival instincts, and sharpshooting skills remain impressive.
“Back in the war, we didn’t have time to complain. You ran, you shot, you lived or died. You know what ain’t changed? Everything.”
Tomas Drakos (The Hardened Soldier, 37) is tall and broad with short black hair, gray eyes, and a permanent scowl. He is missing two fingers on his left hand, a silent reminder of past battles. Harsh and ruthless, he values discipline above all else, respecting only results and dismissing emotions as a weakness. Despite his cold demeanor, he still fights for his comrades, even if he refuses to admit it. His skills in brutal hand-to-hand combat, intimidation, and expert marksmanship make him one of the deadliest in the group.
“If you aren’t prepared to kill the one in front of you, be prepared to let the one beside you die.”
Elias Morellis (The Calm Soldier, 38) is a slim, well-groomed man with short-cropped brown hair and hazel eyes. He still wears a wedding ring, despite his wife being long gone. Rational and level-headed, he serves as the group’s negotiator and moral compass, keeping tempers from flaring too high. A natural tactician, experienced marksman, and capable leader, he is the quiet force that keeps the group from falling apart.
“I don’t fight for revenge. I fight to make sure we have a tomorrow.”
Jace “Lucky” Xanthos (The Charming Black Man, 29) is dark-skinned and fit but not bulky, with short curly black hair and an ever-present smirk. Always well-dressed despite being broke, he carries himself with an easygoing charm. Playful and smooth-talking, he uses humor to lighten tense moments, but beneath the surface, he is cunning and quick-witted. A skilled pickpocket, master of deception, and expert in stealth and information-gathering, he makes sure the gang always has an advantage.
“They call me ‘Lucky’ ‘cause I ain’t dead yet. But trust me, that ain’t luck. That’s skill.”
Adeline Markou (The Pregnant Widow, 26) is short and thin, her pale complexion made starker by her long dark hair, which is always tied back. She often holds her stomach protectively, a quiet reminder of the life she is fighting for. Though fearful, she is determined and deeply protective of her unborn child, serving as the moral heart of the group. Her resourcefulness, ability to read people, and knowledge of first aid make her invaluable.
“I just want my child to live. For that, I will walk down this path if I have to.”
Daniel “Red” Varlas (The Hot-Headed Outlaw, 22) has messy red hair, sharp green eyes, and a large scar running down his forearm. Though often quiet, he is brimming with barely contained rage, obsessed with avenging his fallen comrades. His thirst for revenge puts him at odds with Tomas, creating tension over leadership. Fast on the draw with a revolver, skilled in stealth, and deadly in close combat knife-fighting, Red is a dangerous force of nature.
“They took everything from me. Now I’m taking everything from them.”
Victor “The Fox” Karahalios (???, 45) is a slim man with sharp features, a graying beard, and piercing blue eyes that seem to see more than he lets on. Often found smoking a cigar, he speaks in riddles and keeps his past shrouded in secrecy. Patient, clever, and manipulative, he always seems to be one step ahead, his mind working through possibilities before others have even considered them. A master strategist, persuasive speaker, and expert in survival, he is both an asset and an enigma.
“You don’t survive in the world without learning a few tricks. And I got plenty to share—if you’re smart enough to listen.”
For now, the ROs are: Lucky, Red & Adeline. Will update this later as the story progresses.
Feedback will be appreciated!
and I had a good time reading 