Vallerian Empire

Overview

Dominating the western shores of Kleriel and stretching eastward to the legendary peaks of the Messial Mountains, the Vallerian Empire stands as a beacon of Elven majesty. From the lush forests and fertile fields of Sylvalis and Auridel in the north, to the sun-scorched plains and rugged canyons of Valcora in the south, this empire of the Sun Elves stands as a testament to enduring power and ancient pride.
With a legacy that reaches back millennia, even before the world-shattering Cataclysm, the High Elves of Valleria have endured, now embracing a new identity as the Sun Elves. They see themselves as destined to claim their rightful place in the sun, a birthright forged in the fires of their storied past. Legendary emperors and generals have steered this empire through the storms of history, holding the realm together against all odds. Time and again, Valleria has been pushed to the brink, yet it has always risen anew, symbolized by the golden Phoenix emblazoned on their proud crimson banners.

Valleria pulses with magic and supernatural wonders, its people drawing strength from both the Arcane and the sacred light of Sol. Here, the Arcane is woven into the very fabric of daily life, as natural as breathing to the Sun Elves. Yet, they tread carefully, for history has taught them that over-reliance on magic can lead to catastrophe - a lesson painfully learned during their previous downfall.
To outsiders, the Sun Elves may seem haughty and aloof, their sense of superiority almost palpable. But their pride is not born of disdain for others, it is rooted in a deep love for their homeland and a fierce determination to protect it. They guard their empire's splendor not out of a belief that others are unworthy, but out of fear - fear of the growing threats that encroach upon them, both from beyond their borders and from within.

Government

The Empire

Valleria is an empire of immense scope, and at its helm sits the Emperor, revered as the first to stand in the light of the sun, casting his gaze upon his people. The Emperor's word is law, yet even he does not rule such a vast realm alone. To extend his authority across the empire's far-reaching provinces, he appoints governors known as Praethel. These Praethel are entrusted with overseeing their regions, which are often granted a high degree of autonomy, allowing them to govern themselves in accordance with their unique customs and traditions.
The diverse provinces of Valleria each reflect the distinct ideals of their inhabitants, resulting in a tapestry of local governments ranging from noble councils and peasant unions to holy tribunals, druidic circles, military marshals, and trade leagues. The Empire, and by extension the Emperor, tolerates these varied forms of governance as long as they fulfill their obligations - paying taxes and serving the interests of the imperial crown. In this way, the Praethel act more as overseers, interpreters, and enforcers of imperial law and decree, ensuring that each province adheres to the will of the Emperor.
However, the true strength of the Empire lies not only in its governance but in the might of its venerable and legendary Legions, the iron fist that upholds the Emperor’s dominion.

The Senate

Within the grand halls of the Sunray Palace, beneath the gilded domes and towering spires of the Imperial Capital, the Vallerian Senate convenes. It is an institution steeped in tradition and history, a symbol of this Elven Empire's enduring legacy. Yet, like the empire it serves, the Senate has evolved over the centuries, its role shifting with the tides of power and the whims of the Emperor.
Once the heart of political discourse and decision-making, the Senate of Valleria currently serves primarily as an advisory council to the Emperor, who rules with the authority of the sun itself. The Senathars, drawn from the ranks of the most esteemed Elven families from across the provinces, gather in these sacred chambers not to govern, but to provide counsel and legitimacy to the Emperor's rule. Their voices, though respected, are but echoes of the will of the Sun Elf who sits upon the golden throne.
The Senate's deliberations are carefully guided, the agenda often set by the Emperor or his closest advisors. While the Senathars may propose laws and debate matters of state, it is understood that the final word rests with the Emperor. The Senathar Consilion, once the instruments of power, now serve to formalize and ratify the decrees of the imperial crown.
Despite this, the Senate retains its prestige and influence, a reflection of the ancient families that comprise it. These Senathars, adorned in robes of white, crimson, and gold, represent the old nobility, their wealth and status evident in the finery of their attire and the grandeur of their villas. Though their political power is dwarfed by the Emperor, their opinions still carry weight in the corridors of the Sunray Palace, where diplomacy and discretion are as vital as the sharpest blade.
In times of transition, the Senate's importance surges. When an Emperor passes, it is the Senate that formally recognizes his successor, lending their collective voice to the continuity of the imperial line. This act, more ceremonial than decisive, is a reminder of the Senate’s ancient duty: to safeguard the stability and unity of the Vallerian Empire.
Yet, beneath the surface of ritual and pageantry, the Senate is a place of intrigue and ambition. Factions vie for favor, alliances are forged and broken, and the whispers of power echo through its marble halls. The Senathars may not hold the reins of power, but they are far from powerless, their influence woven into the very fabric of Valleria's society.

Ruling Dynasty

The current ruler of Valleria is Emperor Kallion Aurelius, a venerable leader aged 311 years. Once a mighty general renowned for his strategic brilliance, Kallion rose to power under tumultuous circumstances following the assassination of his heirless brother, Cassian. Cassian’s death sent shockwaves through the empire, plunging it into instability. Kallion was immediately the prime suspect, given his proximity to power, but his reputation as a loyal soldier and the deep bond he shared with his brother made many skeptical of his involvement.

Despite a thorough investigation, no conclusive evidence was found, and the case was left unresolved. This lack of closure fueled suspicion and anger among those opposed to Kallion's rule, sparking a rebellion. The empire was thrust into a civil war, but Kallion, demonstrating the same military prowess that had defined his youth, swiftly quashed the uprising and solidified his claim to the throne. His victory not only reunited the fractured empire but also established his reign with an ironclad authority.
Kallion is married to Empress Elana, aged 292, a union initially formed out of political necessity to strengthen ties with a powerful noble house. Over time, however, Elana came to love Kallion, their bond deepening as they navigated the complexities of ruling an empire together. The couple has two children: their eldest son and heir, Ellion, aged 107, and their younger daughter, Lyrien, aged 22.
Ellion is known for his adventurous spirit, often much to his father's frustration. A young idealist, Ellion believes in decisive action and is notorious for disappearing from court for years at a time, pursuing grand adventures that capture his imagination. In contrast, Lyrien is gentle and reserved, her youth marked by a quiet passion for the arts and music. Shy but talented, she often stays in the shadow of her father, whom she adores, and her beauty is celebrated throughout the empire.

Geography

Valleria is a vast and diverse empire, its lands stretching across a multitude of rich and varied terrains. To the north lies the sun-blessed rolling hills of Auridel, a region where golden fields shimmer under the light of the Sun. Beyond this, the dense and mystical Feywood of Sylvalis stands as a verdant haven of ancient trees and enchanted glades. Contessia’s sprawling plains, fertile and teeming with life, give way to the breathtaking valley of Vallanor, a land cradled by pristine lakes and lush forests that echo with the empire's storied past. Along the western coast, the idyllic shores of Navarion and Luminor offer serene vistas, where the sea kisses the land under a gentle sun, while further south, the rugged grasslands and jagged canyons of Valcoria paint a picture of a harsher, yet awe-inspiring beauty.

The western coastline of Valleria meets the expansive Sea of Loria, whose azure waters stretch to the horizon. The sea’s southern arm forms the majestic Helion’s Gulf, a radiant body of water bathed in the warm embrace of the sun. To the north, The Silver Gate, a strait of shimmering waters, leads into the tranquil Gulf of Dacia and further into the Vallerian Straits, which in turn connect to the untamed Jagged Sea beyond.
The empire's eastern frontier is defined by the towering peaks of the Messial Mountains, a natural barrier that has long protected Valleria’s heartland. These mountains, majestic and imposing, run down the continent’s spine, separating the empire from the lands beyond. To the north, the formidable Valpine Mountains stand as sentinels, having historically curbed Valleria's expansion into Arboria. To the south, the empire’s borders smoothly transition into the culturally rich Illyos on the Illyrian Peninsula to the southwest, while the arid badlands and shifting sands of Kemehara stretch out from Valcoria’s southeastern edge, marking the frontier with the desert realms.

People & Culture

The Vallarei, or Sun Elves, are the proud and ancient people who form the backbone of the Vallerian Empire. United by a deep reverence for the sun goddess Sol and a commitment to honor, beauty, and Arcane mastery, the Vallarei are a diverse yet cohesive culture. From the serene valleys of the Lacovians to the bustling coastal cities of the Solari, the chivalric Valtharic strongholds, the elegant Elancir, and the resilient Cyrathi, each sub-culture boasts its own unique customs, yet all are bound by a shared sense of purpose and pride in their empire. Known for their sophistication and loyalty, the Vallarei see themselves as the guardians of an enduring legacy, destined to lead their world into an era of enlightenment and prosperity.

Lacovian

The Lacovians are the heart and soul of the Vallerian Empire, descendants of the ancient Elves who first settled Vallanor, the fertile ''Valley of the Lakes''. This culture embodies Vallerian ideals of beauty, order, and excellence. Lacovians are known for their sophisticated society, deeply entrenched in the arts, philosophy, and mastery of the Arcane. Their architecture is grand and harmonious, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of their homeland. The Lacovian people are deeply spiritual, venerating Sol, the goddess of the sun, and living under a code of honor and duty that reflects their ancient heritage. As the ruling class of the empire, they are seen as the bearers of tradition and guardians of Valleria's enduring legacy.

Solari

The Solari dwell along the western coastline of the Vallerian Empire, where the warm sea breezes and vibrant coastal cities reflect their vibrant energy, passion for life, and a strong sense of community. The Solari are master traders and sailors, navigating the Sea of Loria and its many ports with unmatched skill. Their society is a blend of mercantile ambition and deep spiritual devotion, with grand festivals, lively markets, and religious celebrations that honor Sol, the sun goddess. The architecture of the Solari cities is a testament to their love of beauty and light, with bright colors, intricate mosaics, and open courtyards that reflect the warmth of their homeland.

Elancir

The Elancir inhabit the northernmost regions of the Vallerian Empire, where vibrant forests and rolling hills create an enchanting landscape. These Elves are known for their elegance, refinement, and a strong connection to the natural world. Elancir society is steeped in tradition, with a deep appreciation for art, music, and poetry. Their culture emphasizes chivalry, honor, and the protection of nature, with many of their noble families tracing their lineage back to ancient warrior-poets and forest guardians. The Elancir are also renowned for their Arcane knowledge, particularly in the realms of illusion and enchantment, which they use to enhance the beauty of their surroundings and protect their lands from outside threats.

Valtharic

The Valtharic culture flourishes in the eastern plains of the Vallerian Empire, where the open fields and proximity to the formidable Messial Mountains have shaped a society steeped in chivalry and martial prowess. The Valtharic Elves are known for their strong sense of duty, loyalty, and their highly organized, feudal society. They uphold a knightly code of honor, with a deep respect for their ancestors and the land they protect. The Valtharic people are warriors and guardians of the eastern borders, their cities and castles reflecting the strength and resilience of their culture. Despite their martial focus, the Valtharic also value wisdom and the Arcane arts, particularly in the realms of wards and shielding, ensuring that their lands remain a bastion of strength and security within the empire.

Feynarin

The Feynarin, or Wood Elves, are a resilient and nature-bound people who found refuge in the Feywood of Sylvalis after fleeing the brutal onslaught of the Slaya during the Great Migrations over a thousand years ago. Welcomed by the Vallerian Empire, the Feynarin have since established a harmonious existence within the dense, mystical forests of their new homeland. They are deeply connected to the natural world, growing their buildings and crafting their lives with druidic magic, allowing them to live in perfect symbiosis with the forest. Governed by a druidic circle that guides their spiritual and communal life, the Feynarin are guardians of the Feywood, preserving its ancient secrets and protecting its vibrant life from any who would seek to exploit it. Their culture, though shaped by loss and exile, is rich in tradition and reverence for the natural world, making them both stewards of the forest and a vital part of the Vallerian tapestry.

Cyrathi

The Cyrathi, descendants of the ancient realm of Cyrinthia, are a proud and resilient people who inhabit the southernmost reaches of the Vallerian Empire. This culture has adapted to the harsh conditions of the dry grasslands and rugged canyons, not just surviving but thriving in the harsh environment. The Cyrathi are known for their strategic minds and their ability to endure, drawing strength from their history of independence and survival. Their society is built on a foundation of honor, loyalty, and a fierce sense of identity, with a strong warrior tradition and a deep connection to their ancestral lands, now divided between Valleria and Kemehara.

Religion

The Vallarei, known as the Sun Elves, anchor their spiritual beliefs in the New Pantheon, or simply The Nine, a collection of deities that embody the ideals and virtues of their society. At the heart of this pantheon is Sol, the ancient goddess of warmth and light, revered as the guiding force in Vallarei life. The other eight gods, including Dominus, the god of order and control, and Elysia, the goddess of healing and compassion, each govern vital aspects of the world, ensuring the balance and prosperity of Valleria. Worship of these deities is woven into the fabric of daily life, with temples and shrines dedicated to them throughout the empire.

In contrast to the widely revered New Pantheon, the Twilight Pantheon, or the Gods of Twilight, consists of thirteen deities with more ambiguous or darker natures. These gods, such as Lunara, the goddess of the moon and night, and Draxus, the god of destruction and chaos, represent the hidden and often feared aspects of existence. Worship of the Twilight Pantheon is rare and often conducted in secrecy, as these deities are associated with forces that lie outside the moral norms upheld by the Vallarei. Despite this, the Twilight Pantheon holds a certain allure, serving as a reminder of the complex duality that defines Elven spiritual landscape.

Military

Doctrine

The Vallerian Empire, a testament to Elven might and arcane mastery, embodies a doctrine of strategic supremacy and arcane integration. Rooted in centuries of warfare and empire-building, the Vallerian military is structured around the principles of adaptability, discipline, and overwhelming force. With a deep understanding of both conventional warfare and the arcane arts, the Vallerian legions are trained to dominate any battlefield, whether through tactical brilliance or magical superiority.
At the heart of Valleria's military doctrine is the concept of combined arms, where infantry, cavalry, archers and mages operate in seamless coordination. Valleria's legions are disciplined and versatile, able to shift from offensive to defensive formations with ease. Each legion is bolstered by battalions of battle mages and arcane engineers who wield powerful arcane magic to shield their forces, barrage the enemy, and scry the battlefield. This arcane prowess is a core element of Vallerian warfare, making their forces both unpredictable and formidable.
Their strategy often employs the doctrine of attrition combined with strategic offense, wearing down enemy forces through a series of calculated engagements while keeping the enemy off-balance with precise and relentless offensives. The use of arcane scrying and intelligence gathering ensures that the Vallerian legions always have the upper hand in terms of information, allowing them to anticipate and counter enemy moves effectively.

Speciality

The true strength of the Vallerian military lies in its integrated use of arcane magic. The Sun Elves are masters of arcane warfare, using their magic to augment their already formidable military forces. Mages are a staple in their legions, casting enchantments to empower weapons and armor, create shields of arcane energy, barrage enemy troops, and summon arcane familiars to assist in combat.
Vallerian arcane artillery is renowned across the continent, with weapons like the Arcane Ballista, which fires enchanted projectiles that can pierce even the strongest defenses. The Arcane Constructs and summoned familiars also play a crucial role, serving as both offensive and defensive units that can adapt to the needs of the battlefield.
Valleria also places great emphasis on strategic fortifications. The Sun Elves construct grand citadels and fortresses, not just as defensive strongholds, but as symbols of imperial power. These fortifications are enhanced with arcane wards and protective barriers, creating nearly impenetrable bastions that deter all but the most determined invaders.
The Vallerian Legionaries are exeptionally well equipped, their weapons and armor made from Aurichalcum - a magical alloy that enhances the wearer's abilities and deflects hostile magic.
Sun-priests, while not as directly involved in combat, serve as the healers of the Vallerian forces, using their divine connection to restore the wounded and bolster the morale of the troops. They are often found at the heart of the legion, offering both spiritual guidance and practical support.

Navy

Valleria boasts the second largest fleet along the western coasts, a formidable naval presence known for both its size and its strategic prowess. Their ships are not only heavily armed with arcane ballistae and magical artillery, but they also possess a unique advantage: the ability to harness arcane winds. Skilled mages aboard these vessels can conjure powerful gusts to fill the sails, giving Vallerian ships unmatched speed and maneuverability in naval engagements. This ability to swiftly outmaneuver foes and close distances rapidly makes the Vallerian fleet a dominant force on the seas. Additionally, their ships are often equipped with enchanted hulls that can resist damage and remain resilient even in the fiercest storms.

Air

In the skies, Valleria's military prowess extends to the use of tamed and trained Great Eagles and Great Falcons. These majestic creatures, bred and raised within the empire, serve as both aerial combatants and scouts. The Vallarei have mastered the art of aerial warfare, with their Skyguard units riding these giant birds into battle, able to strike from above with deadly precision. These airborne warriors provide critical support to ground forces, diving into enemy ranks with devastating force and disrupting enemy formations. The giant eagles and falcons also offer a strategic advantage in reconnaissance, allowing Valleria to monitor and control the skies over their territory and beyond.

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Alternative Names

Valleria

Location

Empyrion

Neighboring Nations

• Dwarfholds of Ezrenhelm
• Kingdom of Ardechia

Related Species

• Elves

Related Ethnicities

• Feynarin
• Vallarei

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