Valtheris Norrikai
The Grand Arbiter
Though few are aware of it, the Valtheris's influence, as Grand Arbiter, stretches far beyond the school itself. His quiet, enduring guidance has shaped the political landscape of The Republic of Kataria, and indeed much of Alathor, for centuries. His subtle hand helped stabilize Kataria in the aftermath of the Nakhasi Empire's fall, guiding it to become a beacon of learning and diplomacy.
Key Areas of Influence:
- The Founding of Kataria: After the Nakhasi Empire’s collapse, chaos reigned, but Valtheris, establishing his school and role as The Grand Arbiter, played a key role in founding the Republic of Kataria, establishing a system of governance rooted in diplomacy, fairness, and order. His deep understanding of both mortal and supernatural disputes allowed him to create a republic that others would look to for guidance and stability.
- Advising Leaders in Secret: Over the centuries, Valtheris, as the Grand Arbiter, has secretly advised kings, queens, and even warlords in matters of diplomacy and conflict resolution. His presence is often felt behind the scenes, though none realize his longevity or his true identity as a Thalorim.
- Control over the Arbiter Network: Given that arbiters trained in Kataria serve across Alathor, the Grand Arbiter has indirect influence over disputes in nearly every kingdom. His reach is immense, and his word can subtly sway outcomes in ways that benefit both peace and his own longevity.
- Manipulating the Flow of Information: Through the Journeymen Arbiters that return from various lands with news, Valtheris, in his role as the Grand Arbiter, maintains a vast network of intelligence, allowing him to subtly guide or even preempt political moves that could threaten Kataria or destabilize the region.
His Disinterest in Personal Glory:
Valtheris has lived for so long that he has grown indifferent to the vanities of power—titles, wealth, and influence hold little appeal to him in the traditional sense. His only goal is stability and the continued survival of Kataria and the system he has created. His influence is quiet, purposeful, and focused on maintaining balance rather than aggrandizing his own position.Valtheris’s Survival:
The Thalorim’s curse of immortality is a double-edged sword, and the Valtheris has mastered the careful balance of feeding just enough to remain alive but without the indulgence that many of his kin once embraced.The Circle of the Willing:
- His Inner Circle: Valtheris’s secret survival hinges on a small, loyal group of individuals who are aware of his true nature. These individuals offer up portions of their life essence willingly, in exchange for his continued guidance and protection of Kataria.
- Ceremonial Offerings: This group performs a ritual every few months, a deeply intimate and solemn process where the Valtheris draws a small amount of life essence from each member. It is done carefully, ensuring no one is harmed or significantly weakened. The members consider it an honor, viewing Valtheris's continued role as the Grand Arbiter as a necessary force for the stability of Kataria and the rest of the world.
- An Ethical Dilemma: Valtheris strictly limits how much essence he takes—enough to maintain his health and functionality, but not to restore his youth or beauty. Unlike some Thalorim who consumed life force greedily to maintain eternal youth, Valtheris has accepted the inevitable decay of his body and allows himself to age, though slowly. This choice makes him a paradox among the Thalorim, one who is feared for his nature but also respected for his restraint.
Maintaining Secrecy:
- Limited Public Appearances: The Grand Arbiter appears in public only when absolutely necessary, and usually using a proxy to act in his place. Most of the day-to-day operations of the School of Arbiters are handled by the Master Arbiters, which allows the Grand Arbiter to remain hidden.
- A Web of Illusion and Deception: To the world, it seems as though a succession of Grand Arbiters have led the school over the years, with elaborate records documenting their "deaths" and appointments. In reality, these are fabrications carefully managed by the Grand Arbiter’s inner circle so that none might realize the truth of his identity.
- The Cloak of Time: Valtheris’s advanced age has allowed him to blend into history. His survival is protected by the fact that few even consider that a Thalorim might still be alive in such a high position of power, let alone for centuries.
Relationship with Other Thalorim:
- Estranged Kin: Valtheris is one of the few remaining Thalorim, and his relationship with his kin is strained, if they exist at all. Most of the Thalorim were either hunted down for their excesses or went into hiding. His reluctance to indulge in their darker tendencies might make him both a curiosity and a figure of disdain among other Thalorim, should they learn of his existence.
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