Varu - The Island Nation
Varu is a vibrant, independent maritime state thriving amidst the vast expanse of the Morimyr Ocean. A center for trade, piracy, and cultural exchange, Varu embodies the dichotomy of wealth and chaos, its waters teeming with opportunity and peril alike. Governed by the enigmatic Omored Court (see Factions & Societies ), Varu is a place where the law bends but never truly breaks, making it a magnet for merchants, mercenaries, and adventurers. Varu thrives on its contradictions, a haven for both trade and piracy, order and chaos, independence and opportunism. It stands as a shining, tumultuous beacon in the middle of the endless blue.
Geography
An empire built on a collection of islands in the middle of the Morimyr sea, as far away from any landmass as one can get. Varu consists of 6 large islands, created by underwater volcanoes long ago. There is still an active volcano in the southeast, on the ever-expanding island of Treitha. Varu also has over 550 medium to small to minuscule islands scattered throughout. 200 of them are clustered to the south of Inner Varu in the Darkmerrow Archipelago.
It has a population of 13,608 people, with 2,543 living in Inner Vary itself. It is 54% human, 17% elf, 4% half-orc, and 25% other races.
Inner Varu
Inner Varu is anchored by six sprawling islands called discs, each contributing to the vibrant character and survival of the islands. Together, they form the beating heart of Varu, each island distinct and unique in its own way.
The Reitha Disc, in the southeast is a place of raw power and constant transformation. Home to active geysers, this area is a study in contrasts, its black sands and rugged cliffs meeting lush, tropical forests thriving in the fertile volcanic soil where massive wind shields have been built to protect them. Reitha’s people are renowned for their craft, creating exquisite volcanic glassworks and fine smithing that are coveted across the world as luxury goods.
To the north lies the Elaren Disc, the political and cultural nexus of Varu. It buzzes with life, a neighborhood defined by its bustling docks, intricate canals, and the imposing Omored Spire, where the Omored Court holds sway. Elaren is a hive of trade, governance, and the vibrant energy of a maritime empire. It is also here one can find the Varu Portal which connects to the rest of the ancient network, though its use is strictly limited.
The Vaylen Disc, with its iridescent pearl farms and thriving deep-sea fishing industry, exudes an air of bounty and color. Its vibrant markets are filled with treasures drawn from the ocean depths, while the waters around the island are home to large communities of merfolk. These enigmatic neighbors often trade with Vaylen’s residents or demand tolls from passing ships, adding a layer of complexity to the island's economy.
Further west, on the cusp of the Outer Islands, Morath stands as an untamed mystery. This disc is covered in dense, ancient forests which can grow nowhere else. The island’s rare hardwoods are prized for shipbuilding and craftsmanship, while its overgrown ruins spark endless speculation. Legends of hidden treasures and fearsome predators weave a shroud of intrigue around Morath, attracting adventurers and daring souls.
The militarized Karith Disc is a stark contrast to its neighbors. Heavily fortified, it serves as the military backbone of Varu, housing a formidable naval yard. Despite its official role, Karith’s streets teem with privateers and opportunists, blurring the line between patriotism and piracy in a dance of shifting loyalties.
Finally, the Lissan Disc, with its gentle landscapes, offers a respite from the restless energy of the other islands. Rolling fields and orchards dominate this serene, farmer's island. Known as the breadbasket of Varu, Lissan supplies much of the nation’s food and produces fine spirits that are celebrated throughout the ocean.
Elmira accidentally ends up on Inner Varu when her portal journey home goes awry, causing destruction to a market that was held in front of the Portal that day. She meets Tam Winmore, a charismatic pirate and smuggler who agrees to take her through the Erid Straits in order to reach the mouth of the river that eventually runs through Agartha Nova.
Outer Varu
The smaller islands of Outer Varu are scattered like jewels across the Morimyr Ocean, storm-torn, wind-swept, and filled with stones unturned and mysteries untold. To the south lies a cluster of over 200 islands called the Darkmerrow Archipelago. Home to numerous merfolk enclaves and the eerie underwater ruins of an unknown origin among many other things. The waters here are perilous, with frequent sightings of merrows and sea serpents. Within Darkmerrow one can find a great many interesting spots.
For example, Scourer's Cove is a hidden haven for smugglers and pirates, known for its treacherous reefs and labyrinth channels. The Driftwood Isles are small, low-lying islands with little vegetations, often used as staging grounds for trade or piracy or both. The islands flood during high tide or when a storm is brewing. Known for shimmering lagoons and lucrative pearl diving, the Pearlspire Atolls are frequently the cause of conflict between rival factions. Currently, the Omored Court has claimed them for the Omored King - whoever that may be.
Culture
Varu's culture is one of contrasts, shaped by its dual identity as both a bustling trade hub and a haven for free-spirited seafarers. Law enforcement is maintained by the Wardens, officers who answer directly to the Omored Court. Though pirates, smugglers, and other unseemly folk roam freely across the islands, strict rules govern their conduct. Key among these are prohibitions against bounty collection and double-crossing within the bounds of the isles, infractions that are swiftly and severely punished to maintain the tenuous order.
Inner Varu, the heart of the state, thrives on its lucrative trade. Every vessel passing through must declare its profits and offer a tithe of 15-20% to the Omored Court in exchange for safe passage. This mandatory contribution fuels the city’s prosperity and reinforces its dominance in maritime commerce. With limited land, Inner Varu’s architecture has risen skyward. Slim, hollow towers of hard stone and gleaming metal reflect the sunlight, creating a dazzling skyline visible for miles. This distinctive style, designed to withstand the fierce weather of the open sea, gives the city a bright, shimmering quality—one that feels both awe-inspiring and slightly surreal.
The Janobin Religion
Outside of the islands, Varu is also famous for its eccentric religion revolving around birds with feathers that shine in all colors of the rainbow when light passes through them. The spiritual heart of Inner Varu, the Janobin Covenant is founded on the belief that these native birds are the descendants of the celestial being Janobi. According to legend, Janobi appeared during a time of great darkness when a plague was ravaging the islands, their radiant, rainbow-hued feathers driving away disease and corruption.
In modern days, the care of these sacred birds are the responsibility carried out by the Keepers of the Nests. These individuals are highly revered, tending to the birds, cleaning their nests, and collecting their shed feathers for religious rituals. It is considered a high honor to be the keeper of the nests and these cleaners have a high status in society. It is one, and probably only, reason that Inner Vary is so free of contagions and that the water is drinkable straight from the aqueduct drains that spill out into drinking fountains throughout the city.
Festivals like the Prism Ascension and Featherfall Day punctuate the year with vibrant celebrations. During these events, the worshippers honor the birds through parades, lantern releases, and the distribution of their shed feathers, which are fashioned into charms believed to bring protection and good fortune. These traditions foster unity and provide a shared cultural identity in the bustling, diverse community of Inner Varu.
The Janobin faith’s influence is visible in the city’s art and architecture. Mosaics, light displays, and open spaces designed for bird roosting reflect the deep reverence for these creatures. Yet, challenges remain. Poachers and smugglers often target the birds, seeking their feathers for illicit trade, while skeptics question the faith’s dominance in civic life. Despite these tensions, the Janobin religion remains a source of pride and purpose for Inner Varu, its teachings uniting the people in harmony and hope.
History
The history of Varu is as tumultuous and storied as the waters surrounding its islands. Its prime location in the Morimyr Ocean, acting as a vital waypoint between the continents of Khorun and Oliria, made it a coveted prize for empires seeking dominance over the region. For centuries, the islands were a battleground for foreign powers, their strategic and economic value far outweighing their modest size.
Early Colonial Era
In its earliest recorded history, Varu was a loosely organized network of independent island communities. These were primarily seafaring peoples, thriving through fishing, trade, and occasional piracy. However, the rising maritime ambitions of distant empires, particularly the Kingdom of Illeva and the Akati Empire, soon turned Varu into a hotspot of conflict. Illeva sought to control Varu for its potential as a trading hub and naval base, while the Akati Empire saw it as an essential stepping stone to extend its influence further into the Morimyr. The two powers alternated control of the islands over centuries, with neither able to fully subjugate the fiercely independent Varuvian people. The locals adapted to this state of flux, becoming experts at diplomacy, survival, and guerrilla warfare.
The Shadow Wars
The turning point in Varu’s history came during the Shadow Wars, a prolonged conflict involving not just Illeva and Akati but numerous other powers vying for power over the realms. The Varuvian islands, due to their central location, became the theater for some of the most decisive battles of the oceanic war. The five-year struggle known as the Varuvian Uprising marked the islands’ bid for final independence. This conflict began as a local revolt against Illeva's exploitative rule but quickly expanded as the Akati Empire attempted to reassert control. Varu’s people, long skilled in navigating the islands’ treacherous waters and surviving under foreign rule, united under the banner of the newly formed Omored Court, a coalition of local leaders, merchants, and pirate captains. Through hit-and-run naval tactics, sabotage, and the strategic use of the dangerous Darkmerrow Archipelago to outmaneuver larger fleets, the Varuvians managed to outlast their occupiers. The final blow came during the Battle of the Black Current, where Varuvian forces, aided by a freak storm, destroyed a significant Illevan fleet and forced both empires to the negotiating table. In the aftermath, Varu was recognized as an independent state, free from external domination.
Post-Independence
Following its hard-won independence, Varu set about establishing itself as a sovereign maritime power. The Omored Court worked to consolidate control over the islands, balancing the interests of its diverse population, from merchants and pirates to fisherfolk and artisans. To maintain peace and prosperity, the court instituted strict laws that allowed for the chaotic freedom Varu had always known while preventing outright anarchy. Over time, Varu transformed from a battleground into a bustling trade hub. Its unique position allowed it to flourish economically, acting as a gateway for goods, people, and ideas between Khorun and Oliria. However, its newfound wealth and strategic importance have made it a target for intrigue and espionage, as old rivals and new powers seek to undermine Varu's autonomy. Despite this, the resilient spirit of the Varuvian people continues to define the islands, ensuring they remain a force to be reckoned with in the ever-changing currents of the Morimyr Ocean.
Legacy
The memory of the Shadow Wars and the Varuvian Uprising lives on in the culture and traditions of the islands. Festivals commemorate the battles fought for freedom, and the Omored Court stands as a symbol of unity and defiance. The Wardens, Varu’s law enforcement, still patrol the waters and islands with the same tenacity as their revolutionary predecessors, ensuring that Varu remains free from external influence. Though the seas are ever dangerous and the world ever-changing, the story of Varu is one of perseverance, independence, and the indomitable will of its people.
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