Varinar
Structure
Varinar is organized under the First Sword of Varinar. This title goes to whomever kills the previous holder of the title in officially sanctioned single combat. Should the First Sword fall in battle or die of natural cuases (rare), The assembled lords, or Jarls, of Varinar select a new leader through a tournament of any who desire the title.
Laws are made by decree of the First Sword and subject to change without notice. In general, laws do not often change due to the strong reverence for tradition and honor common in the culture of the men of Varinar.
In the Society of the men of The Verinen Archipelago, all legal matters are adjudicated by members the Nobility. The jurisdictional lord or 'Jarl' has absolute authority to rule on matters within his lands, he is answerable only to the First Sword.
Public Agenda
Varinar is an archipelago that has fertile lands to farm, but it is limited with respect to many other vital natural resources. Metals, for example, cannot be found on the islands (possession of a sword forged from quality metal is a major status symbol). One unique resource they do possess is the @Eldivor Tree. The wood of this species is second to none for the construction of lightweight, but hardy ships. Additionally, the culture of Varinar encourages the prospering of the strong at the expense of the weak. They do not believe in trade with other cultures or nations but rather in taking what they need or want by force.
Collectively, these factors have lead to Varinar becoming a nation of raiders. Their raids have generally been targeted at the orc tribes of Veru, but collisions with Kordaldrum and Sunhold have occurred throughout history. After the City-states of Sunhold united their navy was strengthened greatly and raiders from varinar became quite rare.
Territories
The men of Varinar have the only claim to the lands of the Varinar Archipelago.
Military
The military might of Varinar is known as the 'Aegir Herlov' or the Sea Army. This force is usually regarded as a pirate flotilla by the other Areldian powers, but is, in fact, a highly organized amphibious force designed for speed and shock when they attack a vessel on the water or a coastal settlement.
The design of their ships is such that they have a minimal draft. This allows their ships to sail right up to the beach to land their men on the shore directly from their ships rather than needing smaller craft to approach. This greatly increases the speed with which they can muster an invasion force, and allows them to do so much closer to their target location.
Religion
The religion of Varinar revolves around their one god, Kjell. This is a monotheistic religion that praises the strength of arms, honor, and power above all. This religion is enforced fanatically on the isles of Varinar. A strong and skilled warrior is said to have Kjell's attention, but until that warrior has proven themselves over foes on the battlefield, they cannot gain Kjell's favor. This religion is the official state religion of Varinar, and any who do not uphold its tenents are put to death. These tenents are listed below.
Honor is gained through living life forthrightly - being hardworking, honest and honing oneself into the best fighter possible. Status is granted in proportion to the quality of foes one has defeated. This status is only granted for victory in a fair fight. To kill unarmed foes or bystanders is among the lowest deeds one can commit. The weak, untrained or otherwise unworthy are commonly taken as slaves.
Kjell is strength, strength is Kjell. Might is holy.
Might makes divine right
Deceit is the opposite of strength.
Trial by combat is a sacred rite and right.
To the victor go the spoils.
To be weak is to be worthless, unworthy, a waste of life and potential.
Death in honorable combat is the key to Taivas (heaven)
In Orrosta Enda (The End-War) the way to Taivas will open and Kjell's enemies will fall.
The tenents of Kjellism
All thing are laid bare through the might of Kjell
Type
Geopolitical, Theocracy
Capital
Demonym
Valinarian
Leader
Government System
Monarchy, Theocratic
Power Structure
Feudal state
Official State Religion
Location
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
Related Ethnicities
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