Nation: Clans of Vahalzaar

Aesor    Races & Nations      Nation: Clans of Vahalzaar

Nestled within the desolated South-Eastern expanse of Aesor, the integral faction of the Volkran’dir; the Clans of Vahalzaar, hold dominion over the rugged and unforgiving terrain of the Vahalzaar Badlands.
At the heart of the Clans of Vahalzaar's identity lies the practice of Volkraft. This discipline encompasses the ingenuity to transform discarded and forgotten remnants into functional marvels. The clansmen and women of this nation embody the roles of junkyard engineers, architects, and blacksmiths, and their collective skill set is directed towards the reimagining of junk into useful and vital components. Discarded weapons and armor find new life in their hands, forged into tools for survival and prosperity.

The Vahalzaar Badlands, while inherently harsh and challenging, serve as both a proving ground and an inspiration for the Clans. Their resourcefulness and determination are the foundations upon which they've built a society that thrives in the face of adversity. The barren landscapes of the Badlands resonate with their spirit, reflecting their ability to extract value and functionality even from the most unforgiving circumstances.

Inhabiting a region where others might see only desolation, the Clans of Vahalzaar stand as a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Volkran'dir people. Through their dedication to the art of Volkraft and their unique perspective on repurposing, they have transformed a once desolate land into a thriving nation, fueled by innovation and a shared commitment to progress.

Government & Capital

At the heart of the Clans of Vahalzaar's organizational structure stands the figure of the Krafter Chief, a pivotal leadership role that unites the Clans. Unlike their Volkran'dur counterparts who adhere to a single supreme leadership, the Volkran'dir clans operate with a unique system that embraces collective governance while acknowledging a central authority.

The Krafter Chief, a position of immense significance, shoulders the responsibility of harmonizing the diverse city-states that constitute the Clans of Vahalzaar into a cohesive entity. Chosen for life by the council of clan leaders, the Krafter Chief embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship and intelligence, traits highly revered among the Volkran'dir. This position is open exclusively to those who have displayed unparalleled skill and creativity in their craft, ensuring that the Chief is a master not only of leadership but also of their chosen field.

Zog’zaal, the current Krafter Chief, personifies the essence of this role. Despite his aged appearance and diminutive stature, he is the embodiment of wisdom and cunning. With a distinctive mane of muddy, grey hair characterized by uneven coverage, Zog’zaal's appearance mirrors the unconventional spirit of Torqhold, the Clans’ capital he calls home.

Torqhold, the thriving heart of the Clans of Vahalzaar, stands proudly on the western bank of the Vahalzaar Badlands. This bustling city is a testament to Volkraft, as every inch of its structure is a canvas for the ingenuity of its inhabitants. It serves as a vibrant hub for the Volkraft traditions and profession, as well as a venue for critical gatherings between the clans and the esteemed Krafter Chief. Beyond its utilitarian role, Torqhold encapsulates the essence of Volkran'dir resourcefulness in its very core.

Society

The Clans of Vahalzaar nowadays are more seen as the refined and friendly Volkran people, with a focus on trade, diplomatic engagements, and easing tensions with their Volkran'dur counterparts, the Volkran'dir exhibit a level of sophistication that sets them apart.

Thriving in their role as intermediaries, the Clans engage in robust trade relations with other factions and nations across Aesor, especially thanks to their good friends the Alarians. They possess a unique ability to rework acquired weapons and materials from various races to suit their own requirements. The mastery of Volkraft enables them to assemble a wide range of items, from houses and walls to weapons and armor, utilizing diverse materials to achieve remarkable results. Their strength primarily stems from their resourcefulness, and their ability to adapt and thrive amidst challenges.

The Volkran'dir of the Clans retain the fierce instincts that characterize their Volkran lineage, occasionally sparking conflicts with other factions. Nonetheless, their overarching goal is the establishment of a flourishing nation tailored to their own values and vision. Their efforts are underpinned by a complex system of trade and payment methods.

To acquire weapons and materials from external sources, the Clans employ various strategies. They often dispatch their physically robust male civilians into foreign service, temporarily offering their strength for tasks ranging from months to years. This practice is due to their renowned physical prowess, rendering them sought-after laborers across Aesor. Another method involves granting mining permissions within the Vahalzaar Badlands to non-Volkran guilds and nations in exchange for payment. These mining operations, safeguarded by the formidable Vahalgard - Volkran'dir warriors, can sometimes incite tensions even more with their Volkran'dur kin.

The Clans' involvement in mining partnerships, while lucrative, has occasionally led to tensions with their neighbour kin, the Realm of Zhor who view such actions as an affront to their homeland's sanctity. These differences have even culminated in clashes between the two Volkran nations. However, the Clans of Vahalzaar stand unwavering, ensuring the protection of the foreign workers who contribute significantly to their economy.

The Clans of Vahalzaar personify both diplomacy and adaptability, offering a glimpse into a faction that navigates a delicate balance between their heritage and their aspirations for a thriving society.

History

The Volkrans, emerged as the fourth race to grace the world of Aesor. According to historical accounts, in the Year 170 of the First Age during the Dawn of Creation, the fertile highlands of Vahalzaar were lush with forests and verdant beauty. This period witnessed the rise of the Volkran race, a creation often attributed to the Óhin. Forged with the Elemental Host of Fire from the Aeos Parure, the Volkran's origins were intrinsically tied to the land of Vahalzaar, eventually giving birth to the Vahalzaar Badlands.

However, like the inception of most races, the precise details of their creation remain shrouded in mystery, and scholarly debates continue to question the extent of the Óhin's involvement.


It is told that an unknown "benefactor" swayed the young Volkran tribes after only 16 years of peaceful coexistence to wage a war against the Alarians. The pretext was a claim that the Alarians would inevitably attempt to seize Morgus Cay, an island teeming with valuable resources. This manipulation led to the ill-fated War of the Dead Cay (Year 167 - 489), a conflict that would scar both the Alarian and the Volkran people for generations.

Yet, the War of the Dead Cay was not their sole brush with conflict. The Struggle for the Sea (Year 203 - 489) erupted in the Year 203 of the First Age, engulfing Aesor in a global conflagration. For more than three centuries, the Volkran people, now united as the Clans of Vahalzaar were embroiled in ceaseless warfare against not only the Alarians but also various other factions on Aesor.

After enduring over 300 years of relentless conflict, the Clans of Vahalzaar like the other races and nations, eventually withdrew from the war-weary stage. It marked a turning point, a transition into a period of reconstruction and recovery leaving the scars of the Wars of the Old-World behind themselves.

However another three centuries later, the Volkran society grappled with internal divisions and weakened unity. The Clans of Vahalzaar found themselves embroiled in continual disagreements, tribes isolated, and the nation's strength waned. A pervasive sense of disillusionment gripped the populace, compounding the nation's troubles.

Then came the cataclysmic event that reshaped the course of history — the Sundering (Year 820). Vahalzaar, already in a state of disarray, bore the brunt of this calamity. The very fabric of their existence was torn apart, leading to a new era marked by upheaval and uncertainty.

The Sundering

The weakened state of the Clans of Vahalzaar, a result of the lingering scars from the Wars of the Old-World and a fractured economy, served as the backdrop to a momentous fracture within the Volkran people. Amidst this turmoil, the more primal and tribal factions of the Clans rallied under the banner of a controversial figure, Aradosh. With persuasive words, Aradosh cast doubt upon the Clan leadership, claiming that the fire in their hearts had dwindled, and that a chance for true freedom awaited them through the power of their Elemental Host. Aradosh advocated harnessing the recently discovered Essence of Fire residing within the formidable Zhor Mountain, an active volcano.

Venturing into the heart of the Zhor Mountain, Aradosh and his fervent followers believed they uncovered a divine force, the fiery essence that later fueled their traditions, religion and mutations the Way of the Blazing Hand. With attunement to this newfound power, they awakened the slumbering mountain, triggering a cataclysmic eruption. Yet, debates raged among the Volkran populace regarding the true source of the Zhor Mountain's awakening, as some questioned whether a non-living entity could awaken on its own. Whispers of forgotten truths linked to the Sundering circulated, lost within the depths of history.

The awakened Zhor Mountain, ablaze and wrathful, laid waste to Vahalzaar, leaving ashes in its fiery wake. This catastrophic event led to divergent interpretations among the Volkran. One perspective asserted that the Volkran people were punished due to their lack of faith in the fire of Zhor, spawning the Volkran'dur subrace. On the opposite end of the spectrum, those who disavowed any connection to the Zhor Mountain believed those who stirred up the Essence of Fire and wielded the power of the Blazing Hand bore responsibility for the catastrophe, becoming the Volkran'dir.

As both sides pointed fingers, the Volkran population became further divided, ultimately splitting into the Volkran'dur as the Realm of Zhor and Volkran'dir remaining as the Clans of Vahalzaar.

Following the scorching devastation, the Zhor Mountain descended into eternal slumber, and the Volkran'dur claimed the marcritically (magically) animated Blazing Hand as their throne. Meanwhile, the Clans utilized the Volkraft to rebuild their homes, distancing themselves from the Zhor Mountain's tragic legacy. Thus, the Volkran saga continued, marked by division, tragedy, and the indomitable spirit that has defined their race throughout Aesor's history.

Geography

• Rozok
• Snurgir’s Fort
• Wargun
• Ohmoog
• Uluthrum
• Drokkir
• Forges of Mystil
• Kraftyard Seaport
• Torqhold
• Rorik
• Thalmur
• Krafter’s Keep
• Tor’dirig
• Lugruv
• The Gate of Fire
• Birg
• Vahlan Ormus
• Dorukh

Minor Factions

• The Gnaravark’s Hope
• Chambermen
• The Hrag Ar’dur
• The Wayfarers of Vahalzaar
• The Clans of the Broken Bank
• The Krafter Priesthood
• The Chosen of the Dragon in Flames

Religions

• The House of the Dragon in Flames (The Abbey of the Óhin)
• The Volkraft

General Information

Capital - Torqhold
Homeland - Vahalzaar Badlands (Southern Vahalzaar Badlands)
Citizen Population - approx. 540.000
Religion(s) - House of the Dragon in Flames, Volkraft
Leader(s) - Zog'zaal, the Krafter Chief
Ruler Type - Chieftain
Government Type - Chiefdom
Founded - approx. between Year 170-180

Rivalries & Alliances

Positive Relations - Kingdom of Alar, Lethassan Commonwealth
Neutral Relations - Council of Ephyr
Negative Relations - Gruul Empire, Magistrate of Aztheon, Realm of Zhor