House Varalei

The House Varalei is a high elf agricultural family, best known for its activities in Pothael, such as wineries and hunting grounds. The family bought large areas of the province after the reign of Thanyal the Singer ended and he was succeeded by Bothandal the Crafter, who no longer wished to keep lands in Pothael as royal grounds. These lands now yield valuable produce and have made House Varalei one of the wealthiest of the high elf Houses.

Political influence

The Varalei keep close connections to political power, and always have. Olyxx the Uniter brought together the disparate elven lands together with Vara Varalei, a legendary hunter and bard who helped Olyxx on his adventures.
In 759 LC, one member of the House, named Illitran Varalei was chosen to be Province Keeper on behalf of the Small Provinces. This advisory role in the circle of Olyxx the Young increased the influence of House Varalei and the family expanded its holdings. In 903 LC, however, Illitran and others attempted to nudge Olyxx III towards war against the Labarean Empire, in a plot that spiralled out of control and ultimately saw Illitran lose his position -- he was discretely sent away to oversee trade affairs in the misty regions of Shyfayll. This did not only cost the House an influential family member, but also soured relations between House Varalei and the Crown.
Crucillus Varalei, a cousin of Illitran, became the Representative of the Thellur Bridge District in 903 LC, and actively argued that the war against the Labarean Empire was a bad idea, which should not involve the wood elves of Qosid.

Relations to other Houses

The House Varalei produces the greatest wines in the Kingdom of Laeryll and possibly on the Northern Arm, owing to its perfect wineyards. It also produces beer and whisky, but without much success. The small House Lendor, however, manages to produce excellent whisky and the Varalei are always scheming to obtain their recipes, brewers or even facilities. Thus far, however, the House Lendor has resisted all attempts and continues to make the finest whisky.

Notable assets

Besides their countless acres of land and many manors in Pothael, the House Varalei owns a small castle at the west coast of Lake Olt in Qosid. Aptly named Varalei Castle, this fortification was a prison in the days of Thanyal the Singer, but has since turned into a recreational building, where the House Varalei hosts lavish parties and stores casks of experimental whisky for aging.
Crucillus, meanwhile, lives in the Red Palace, a huge mansion in Thellur that has been with the family since ancient times and is located close to the Varalei crypt, where legends say the remains of Vara Varalei can be found.

Riches from the land

Type

Political, Family