The house of Dvalin

Article cover image art by Even Amundsen from artstation.com

Dvalin is a constellation in the northern skies of Atiz. It is one of the astrological houses, and it is named for one of the ancient heroes, of Valsgardi mythilogy. Dvalin was a smith, who fashioned the greatest armors in the entire world, and his skills were highly sought after. The clans fought over which one had the right to claim Dvalin for their own. This led to many skirmishes between the clans, and eventually the Great King Balt, of Skandia demanded that Dvalin arrive at court and display his skills for the inspection of the royal smiths. When he arrived, the entire kingdom eagerly awaited the inspection. Dvalin humbly submitted to the king, and told him that his weapons are no better than any smiths weapons, but he makes the finest armors in the land. The king was displeased by Dvalin's claim, because it implied that the king himself was wearing inferior armor. The kings master armorer lit the forges and the king requested a breast plate and helm that befits a king. Dvalin toiled in the heat of the forge for 2 days and 2 nights, without rest. When he was done, he laid on his hands and knees before the king and the newly crafted armor was brought to the king. The king lifted the armor with dismay. The breast plate was made of thin metal scales interwoven with silver mail. The helm was simple and plain wrought in fine silver with a mask that lowered to cover his face. Confused the king put on his new armor, that he agreed was very comfortable and very light, but he doubted that it would keep him safe from even the dullest blades. The king laughed at Dvalin, and the rest of the court joined in the laughter. Dvalin jumped to his feet, and charged the King, his own razor sharp axe in hand, and fury in his eyes. The court was stunned, and it took a moment for any of the kingsguard to react, but it was too late. Dvalin roared as he leapt at the King, the court fell as quiet as the grave. Dvalin swung his axe with a mighty rage, and when it came into contact with the King's helmet, a bright green flash erupted from the space between the two. The explosion sent Dvalin flying across the throne room falling into a crumpled ruined mess on the floor, bleeding from his wounds. The king staggered back a few steps, but he remained unhurt. The kingsguard ran to take Dvalin in custody, only to find him laughing as his heart pumped out the last of his lifesblood. "I give the King the greatest armor I will ever make. I weaved the magic of my ancestors into the silver, and, so long as the king wears this armor, he can never be hurt." Dvalin spoke for the last time. After regaining his composure and realizing what happened, the king declared Dvalin to be the greatest armorer the kingdoms had ever seen, and added his name into the stories of Gods who walked the lands of man. From that day forward, Dvalin has been seen as the ultimate protector, and when the world moves into the astrological house of Dvalin, it is known it will be a time of peace and prosperity.

Geography

The constellation of Dvalin is a cluster of 15 stars roughly forming the shape of a smith beating his anvil. At the tip of the anvil is a giant green star, simulating the protective explosion of Dvalin's axe against the King's breatsplate.

History

The astrological constellations are the method by which the Valsgardi mark the passage of time. The current year is the 19th year of the Dvalin's thirteenth Age. The belief is that the King(Emperor) is well protected during the age of Dvalin. This is the main motivating factor of the God's Emperor Olaf's plans of radical expansion of the Valsgardi Empire.

The constellation of Dvalin line drawing.