Eldoria
The Varkanate of Eldoria is a realm rich in history, culture, and mystical traditions. It is currently ruled by Varkain Arion Eldoria III, a noble ruler dedicated to preserving both the country's legacy and securing it's future prosperity.
Geography
Eldoria is characterized by it's blessed variety of vibrant regions, each contributing to its economy and identity.
At it's northern edges lie the Ironvale Mountains, a rugged range rich in precious metals and minerals. The most exploited source of which is the Ironridge Mines, where much of the iron and coal for the countries armaments comes from. Additional mines for gold, silver, copper, and precious gemstones dot the range, providing vital resources for the economy. Graywatch Keep, a formidable fortress built into the mountains, serves as a key defensive position on the northern border. It oversees Treyvn's Pass, named after a skilled ranger who discovered the safest path through the range. The pass is crucial to trade and military movements, making Graywatch Keep an essential bastion of security. The mountains are known for their harsh beauty and challenging terrain, attracting adventurers and explorers alike.
The central portion of Eldoria is divided into three regions; the Heartlands, the Eldor Forest, and the Eldorian Plains.
The Heartlands make up much of the eastern portion of Central Eldoria. They are full of fertile plains serving as the kingdom's agricultural hub, providing a majority of the crops that sustain the population. The capital city Elaris, is located here and serves as the political and cultural hub of the country. Elaris is home to the royal palace, grand markets, and numerous monuments to the country's historical achievements. This region is also the location of the Sactuary of Eirlysia, a magnificent open air temple dedicated to the country's guardian spirit located near the neighboring Eldor Forest.
The Eldor Forest which dominates the center of the country, is its namesake. The vast and ancient woodlands are filled with a variety of mystical creatures and sees little human habitation. It is home to a variety of magical beasts and rare plants, some of which are used in powerful potions or as reagents to power spells of wide effect. Located near it's center is the Glade of Spirits, where the country's first Varkain Arion first made contact with Eirlysia. While it has been decades since anyone has last set foot in this glade, there are rumors of an order of druids that reside in its vicinity. The Sanctuary of the Ancients is said to be present somewhere deep in these woods, the location where the first Varkain obtained the Heartstone.
The Eldorian Plains lie to the west of the Eldor Forest. It is less fertile than the heartlands by far, it's climate considerably more arid. It's historically significant as the birthplace of the country, where Arion's farm once stood. Scholars believe that due to traces of corruption from the demonic hordes that ravaged the land during the founding the soil was drained of its vitality and they do not know when or if it will fully recover. Despite this, some areas still show resilience with the Myrian Estates producing some of the finest wines in all of Aurelia.
The southern reaches of Eldoria is dominated by the Silver Coast. This region is full of picturesque landscapes, and is home to several vibrant port cities. The coastline is known for many scenic beaches, grand cliffs, and deep harbors, the latter of which are essential for trade and naval operations. Silverport Harbor is the busiest port in Eldoria, serving as a hub for commerce and trade with powers both within the continent and far beyond. It is protected by the nearby naval base Havenport which is embedded into the cliffside several miles to the west, serving as the primary port of the Eldorian Naval Fleet. Coastal villages thrive on fishing industries, and some - capitalizing on their scenic seaside vistas - have become popular destinations of travel for the nobility.
All of these regions are connected by the Tuiren River and it's tributaries. This mighty waterway flows from the Ironvale Mountains, through Eldor Forest, until finally winding it's way into the Celestial Sea east of Silverport Harbor. The riverbanks of it and it's tributaries are dotted with settlements that rely on them for irrigation and transportation. The Moonshadow Span crosses this river and connects the southern regions of the Heartlands and the Eldorian Plains. It is along the banks on both side of this span lies the trade hub town of Havengate. This serves as the central distribution and collection point for resources coming into or leaving the country by sea.
Governance and Structure
The governance of Eldoria is centered around the Varkain and the High Council. The High Council, comprising of the Aethrans and Zephors along with a select few advisors from the lower nobility, assist the Varkain in legislative and administrative duties - ensuring that the various interests within the kingdom receive representation. However, the Varkain is only bound to consider their advice, not to follow it. Ultimately power for the country as a whole resides in the power of the Varkain. Regional or local issues are handled via the nobility present. This nobility has a structure tied with responsibilities and role. At the top lie the Varkain, below that lie the Aethran's - each responsible for managing one of the regions who carry great political power, and the Zyphors - those responsible for specific border areas of military significance who possess an independant power to wage war if necessary on behalf of the Varkain. Below them are the Ardyns who rule over subregions and cities, sometimes assisted by Varsyns. Varsyns will often be entrusted with specific large town by the Ardyns. Other towns will posess the lowest of the landed nobility the Thalvors.
Religion
Unlike most of the continent, the majority of the citizens of Eldoria do not worship the Aurelian Pantheon, instead practicing a form of spirit worship - derived from the founding of the country with the assistance of Eyrlysia. As such the Order of Eirlysia, a religious sect dedicated to the teaching of the ancient spirit, plays a significant role in the spiritual life of everyday Eldorians. This order however is not all powerful and the sanctioned worship of many spirits continues, which many regions, towns or villages having spirits that they appeal to above any others. The country is bound to this worship through its traditions - with even their leader being chosen by the spirits via the Heartstone.
Economy
The economy of Eldoria is diverse, derived from agriculture, mining, and access to easy methods of trading. Wine and precious stones are a large portion of the non-food exports of the country, though manufactured goods are growing in number by the year. Interestingly, unlike many of its neighbors - Eldoria does not export any weaponry. As it's internal needs are mostly met by domestic production, most imports consist of manufactured goods, tomes, and works of art. A notable exception to this is the import of vast quantities of spices and herbs that come in from other continents.
Culture
Eldoria is known for its rich cultural exports, being a haven for the arts and education, with many of the continents educational works having been generated over the years by the Eldorians. A basic level of education is expected of all citizens. The capital Elaris stands as the rock upon which a vibrant art scene has been built with painters, bards, and sculpters flocking to the city in droves. It is in storytelling that Eldoria places it's pride however with a large preference for epic ballads and mythological chronicles of legends long past. It is also known for loving its festivals with each month possessing atleast one. These festivals provide opportunities for the rich culinary traditions of the land to be explored, with rice dishes and spiced meats of various types being a common offering. The long availability of spices has led to Spiced Honey Roasted Rabbit being a favorite among both the common man and the nobility.
The Lorynae
One cannot speak of Eldoria without speaking of its future and that future is embodied in the Lorynae. These are those who may one day become Varkain. They include the Varkain's own children as well as several others adopted into his family. The current Lorynae are:
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