Valorian Kingdom
The Valorian Kingdom stands as the last bastion of the once-great elven civilization, a proud and ancient race that once stretched across Aurelia but now clings to the northernmost reaches of Valendor. A realm of beauty and sorrow, it is a land where time seems to move differently — slower, more deliberate, as though the elves themselves are still mourning the loss of their former dominance. They remain fiercely isolated from the world, avoiding interaction with outsiders and seeking to preserve their way of life, often at the cost of their relations with the other peoples of Aurelia.
The Valorian Kingdom lies nestled deep within vast, enchanted forests and frigid mountain ranges. These wild lands are harsh and unforgiving to those who are not accustomed to them. The Verdalor Forests, a sprawling ancient wood, serve as the heart of the kingdom. These enchanted woods are home to towering trees, shimmering rivers, and glistening groves where time seems to stand still. Only those who are born in the kingdom or have earned the elves' trust are permitted entry, for the Valorians protect their forests fiercely — not just from outsiders but from any force that threatens their fragile existence.
The elves of Valoria are a proud people, steeped in magical tradition and ancient knowledge. They possess unmatched mastery of the arcane and the natural world, weaving spells that entwine with the very land itself. Their magic is subtle, elegant, and powerful — deeply tied to the forces of nature and the fabric of time. In many ways, the Valorian elves seem to have transcended the material world, choosing to live in quiet contemplation rather than engage in the conflicts and affairs of others.
The Valorian Kingdom is ruled by the High Council of Elders, a group of the most powerful and respected elves, including both political leaders and master wizards. The High King, a title passed down through generations, oversees the council and serves as both a spiritual leader and figurehead, though much of the day-to-day governance is left to the council. This council holds a deep-seated belief in the importance of preserving their way of life — an ideal that has made them reclusive and even insular. Though they occasionally engage in diplomacy with distant allies, their presence in global affairs is minimal, preferring to observe and guard their borders.
The Doomfist Horde to the south has been a constant thorn in the side of the Valorian Kingdom for generations. The orcs, ogres, and goblins that populate the plains of Doomfist have long coveted the elven lands for their strategic value and vast natural resources. Although the Valorian elves are powerful, their reluctance to engage in large-scale battles means that they rarely retaliate with full force. Instead, the conflict between Doomfist and Valoria is often fought in skirmishes, border disputes, and smaller engagements, with each side vying for dominance over contested territories along the southern border.
The Valorian elves are exceptional at defending their homeland. Their forest cities are nearly impossible to breach, hidden within the dense foliage or concealed by powerful illusions. The elves are expert archers, using their keen senses and affinity for nature to set traps and ambushes. Their warriors are often trained in both the sword and the bow, and their rangers are legendary for their ability to navigate and control the wilds. When war comes to the forests, the Valorian elves fight with the grace and precision of the hunters they are, making any battle against them an overwhelming challenge for their enemies.
Still, the elves of Valoria know that their numbers have dwindled over the years, and they are deeply concerned about their future. The world outside their borders grows ever more hostile, and the once unassailable unity of their people is being tested. In these times of uncertainty, some of the more adventurous and daring elves — often young rangers or wizards seeking knowledge — have begun to venture beyond their borders in secret, gathering information on the rest of the world and keeping a watchful eye on the events unfolding in Aurelia. These few elves act as spies, messengers, or agents, tasked with monitoring the movement of other powers while keeping their people hidden from prying eyes.
The Valorian elves are deeply spiritual, holding their connection to nature and the forces of magic as sacred. Their temples, often built within the trunks of ancient trees or carved into the mountainsides, serve as places of worship and study. The elves honor the forces of the natural world, seeing the cycles of the seasons, the winds, and the stars as reflections of their own eternal nature. The Valorian Kingdom believes that their magic is tied directly to the balance of the world and that maintaining this balance is essential to preserving their way of life.
In recent years, whispers of impending doom have reached the ears of the Valorian elves. The forces of Cilese, the ambitious empire across the sea, have begun to stir, and their influence over the Continent of Solhara is growing. Though the elves remain aloof from these developments, many fear that the growing power of the empire and the unstable situation in the world will soon force them to make a choice: remain hidden in their forests, or step forward and take a more active role in the affairs of Aurelia.
In summary, the Valorian Kingdom is a land of beauty, mystery, and quiet power. The Valorian elves are one of the last remnants of a once-great race, fiercely guarding their lands and traditions while remaining isolated from the world around them. They stand in constant conflict with the Doomfist Horde to the south, and while they prefer to avoid large-scale warfare, their forests are an impenetrable fortress to those who would seek to conquer them. Yet, despite their powerful magic and fierce defenses, the Valorian elves are a people in decline, struggling to maintain their place in a rapidly changing world.