Varkain

Varkain is a term of address for the reigning nobility of the Varkanate Of Eldoria. It's literal translation is Eternally Noble.

Origins of Rule

The first Varkain of Eldoria, Arion of Myr was a humble farmer in a land beset by demonic forces. When these forces approached his fields, he was forced to flee. As he ran, the ground itself spoke to him, bidding him to enter into the Eldor Forest miles away. Unable to do much else, he followed the whispers of the earth deep into the center of the forest. It was there that he met the ancient spirit Eirlysia who told him of the Heartstone of Eldor - a stone imbued with divine power that would lead to the harmony and peace in the lands. It could only be grasped by those with purity of heart, and she chose Arion to claim it.
After many trails he was able to obtain the Heartstone from its resting place, and it transformed him - granting him strength beyond measure, and wisdom far above his upbringing. His eyes filled with the light of stars, and his presence took on a preturnatural grace. With his new power, he gathered warriors and villagers from across the lands surrounding Eldor forest, and brought peace back to the lands. He proclaimed the lands around the forest as Eldoria and was appointed by those he had gathered as Varkain as with the Heartstone he was believed to be an eternal presence blessed by the spirits. He took the name of this new land as his own for all the people were his family.
While Arion's reign was long - 300 years, far longer than a human's lifespan should have allowed - eventually he set aside the Heartstone, now the crown jewels of Eldoria, never intending to place it upon his head again. As he did, his body turned to ash and the people had to ask what came next. What would they do without their seemingly eternal leader? It was decided among those present that as the Heartstone had judged Arion worthy, so it must be for all who come after.

Assuming the Mantle

Though the first assumption of a successor to Arion was carried out among those in his home at the time, it was determined that a better way must be established. Upon assuming the throne, the Varkain begins to collect suitable young proteges. These proteges, often numbering 3-5 of various sexes, may be strong, smart, or willful- but the key attribute in mind for them is purity of heart. Courage, compassion, and a sense of justice are highly valued, reflecting the values that originally led Arion to be chosen by Eirlysia.

These proteges, along with any children of the Varkain, are known collectively as the Lorynae. During their training, the Lorynae develop bonds and rivalries, creating a complex web of relationships that impact their journey to the throne. The camaraderie and tensions among them often leads to unexpected results when the time for selection comes around.
Once the current Varkain is slain in battle or dies, the inter-regnum begins, and the Elyndor takes the stage, essentially freezing the current state of governance until a new Varkain is crowned. The Elyndor, a servant of the Order of Eirlysia, plays a crucial role in guiding the Lorynae. They provide spiritual and moral guidance, preparing the proteges for the weighty decision they must face. This will be the first time the protege and the Lorynae meet to ensure they are neutral and can use their wisdom to guide the Lorynae to fully understand the gravity of their potential ascension to the throne.
The judgement ceremony is steeped in ancient rituals. As twilight falls, the Lorynae gather in the sacred hall of the Heartstone, the atmosphere thick with anticipation and reverence. The chamber is adorned with glowing crystals, and the air filled with the scent of sacred herbs. The Elyndor leads the Lorynae through a series of rites, invoking the blessings of Eirlysia and the other spirits of Eldoria.
At this poinjt, the Lorynae are finally formally informed of the Varkain's death. Once this has occured, the Elyndor will tell them of the ceremony: to become the Varkain, one must be accepted by the Heartstone in the crown, and those that are not shall cease to be. It is at this point that the Lorynae are offered the opportunity to step away from the ceremony, and often more than half of them do so. The consequences of failure are dire - those who are not accepted by the Heartstone will be enveloped by it, their essence absorbed back into the stone, a fate akin to death.
Those that remain draw lots to see who will get to face the Heartstones judgement first. This will continue until either one suceeds or all have failed. If all those who chose to partipate fail, the remaining Lorynae are informed and offered another chance to submit themselves to the Heartstone's judgement. Most maintain their stance of unworthiness and continue to abstain. Once all Lorynae have either submitted to judgement with no successes or abstained, the Aethrans who serve under the Varkain will be called and asked to submit to judgement. They are not allowed to abstain, but this has happened only once in Eldorian history when controversially no Lorynae succeeded in the Heartstone's Judgement. After one of the Lorynae or the Aethrans has been accepted by the Heartstone, the Elyndor assists them for a year in understanding their new role, providing counsel and support in their early decisions.

Symbols of Power

Heartstone Crown: The Heartstone Crown is the most significant symbol of the Varkain's authority. Crafted from the Heartstone itself, it glows with divine power. It is intricately designed with ancient runes and symbols, representing the bond between the Varkain and the spirits of Eldoria.
Royal Scepter: The scepter is the other symbol of the Varkain's rule, crafted from the ancient wood of the Eldor Forest. It is said to be imbued with the essence of Eirlysia providing guidance and wisdom to the Varkain, ever trying to lead the kingdom to prosperity.

Role and Responsibilities

Legislative

The Varkain has the authority to assent or dissent to the passage of laws. They ceremonially preside over the Council of Nobles, where legislative matters are debated and discussed. They also have the power to unilaterally issue royal decrees carrying the force of law, which are often used for urgent matters, though have occassionally been used to sidestep council opposition to significant shifts in policy.

Judicial

The Varkain is the supreme law of the land. While judges and magistrates exist, the Varkain has the final say in all manner of legal disputes and appeals. They need not personally attend to any matter in particular, however their involvement in a matter takes it out of the hands of anyone else. They can pardon or commute sentences, bringing their compassion or wisdom to the application of justice.

Executive

The Varkain oversees the administration of the kingdom as a whole, ensuring that laws are implemented and government functions. They have the ability to appoint persons to positions of nobility, as military commanders, or high government officials. They also maintain near total control of the military strength of the Varkanate. They can mobilize militias, declare war, and negotiate peace or other treaties without oversight.

Spiritual

As a ruler chosen by the divine power of the Heartstone, the Varkain embodies the spiritual and moral values of Eldoria. They also perform important rituals and blessings during festivals throughout the year, invoking the protection and favor of Eirlysia as well as other spirits of Eldoria.

Connection to the Heartstone

The Heartstone is the cornerstone of the power of the throne. It imbues the one it views worthy with enhanced insight and wisdom, allowing them to have a far deeper understanding of the needs and wellbeing of the people. It also grants it's blessing in the form of increased strength and vitality, enabling the bearer to live a prolonged life. This blessing continues until either their unnatural death by violent means or disease, or until they set down the crown with no intention of taking it back up. At this point their years catch up to them, and if past the normal lifespan of their race, they will die.

Type

Royalty, Non-hereditary

Form of Address

His/Her Luminous Grace

Alternative Naming

King/Queen