Valonysa (/vəˈloʊnɪsə/)

Valonysa is a coastal remnant-state of the once-mighty Sarentek Confederation, located in the eastern part of the continent of Aevolacor, in the region of Sarentekia. With a diverse population of around 600,000, its society is characterized by communal living, technological pursuit, and a shared cultural heritage. The government is led by a Councilman, whose position is heavily influenced by the Fyrelorn, a paramilitary organization opposed to magic.
The nation’s economy thrives on trade, buoyed by its maritime industry and agricultural sector, with Khasemari salts being a notable export. Valonysa faces internal strife due to the Ember's Rebellion and occasional monster raids from the northwestern kingdoms. Its capital, Vindora, is celebrated for its Sarenteki-style vertical architecture and maritime academy, despite much of the city's historical structures lying in disrepair.

Capital City: Vindora

Vindora, the capital city of Valonysa, stands as an enduring testament to the ingenuity and ambitions of the Sarentek Confederation. Nestled along the shores of Khasemar, its landscape is an amalgamation of ancient structures, towering spires, and labyrinthine elevated walkways, all constructed from brass, iron, and dark woods. The city pulsates with an industrial rhythm, as gears, pulleys, and clockwork mechanisms are entwined in its architecture. The mingling scents of sea salt, oil, and metal underscore the blend of maritime activity with the city’s mechanical heritage.
Dominating the city’s skyline is the War-Mountain, a colossal eight-legged fortress that was intended as a mobile command center during the War of the Mirror. Though it never partook in battle, this imposing structure, which was left unfinished, now serves a new purpose as the seat of governance. The War-Mountain has been repurposed as the palace where the Councilman and the elite of Vindora govern and reside. Its somber, towering presence is both a reminder of former aspirations and a symbol of adaptation and continuity.
Amidst the stacked structures that make up Vindora, the intricate transport network of crium-powered elevators and rail cars speaks of a time when movement throughout the vertical city was effortless. However, as crium has become scarce and knowledge of the mechanisms dwindles, citizens have adapted by converting the old rail tracks into footpaths and employing ropes and pulleys to navigate the heights of the city.
The beating heart of Vindora is its bustling harbor, which extends into Khasemar, guided by protective stone walls. Here, ships from near and far deliver their goods, and the sounds of waves and seagulls harmonize with the energetic bustle of sailors and traders. The harbor is not just an economic lifeline; it is where the spirit of Vindora, both industrious and adventurous, is most palpable.
Not far from the harbor, the Valonysan Admiralty asserts its own dignified presence. With its grandiose architecture, featuring ornate maritime motifs and masts resembling ships, the Admiralty is a hub for naval training and operations. As the birthplace of some of the finest sea captains and strategists, the Admiralty is a source of pride for the Valonysans and is central to their prowess in naval warfare.

History

In the aftermath of the Sarentek Confederation's collapse in 56 CE, Valonysa found itself adrift in a sea of uncertainty. The sense of unity that had once prevailed was shattered, and the region descended into a period of disorder. Amid the chaos, the War Council of Valonysa, which was initially an emergency military authority, arose as a beacon of stability. Through determination and strength, the Council managed to reestablish order by 62 CE and took upon themselves the colossal task of rebuilding a fractured land.
A significant change came in 117 CE when the nation transitioned from the War Council's leadership to a governance system led by a single Councilman chosen by the elites. Though this system was born out of the need for efficient governance, it became a double-edged sword as the Fyrelorn soon co-opted it, subtly guiding the selection of Councilmen who would be favorable to their anti-magic stance.
The mid-150s CE evoked a sense of nostalgia as the War-Mountain in Vindora became the hub for those with dreams of reviving the glory of the Sarenteki era. The scholars and engineers, with their blueprints and historical texts, congregated and formed the Crium Studies Society. Their enthusiasm was palpable, but the scarcity of crium and resources cast a shadow over their ambitions.
Recent years have seen Valonysa embroiled in escalating tensions. The appointment of Loras Vinderhall as Councilman in the early 320s CE, seen as a puppet of the Fyrelorn, sparked renewed fervor within the Ember's Rebellion. His stringent laws have only fueled the flames.

Demography and Population

The population of Valonysa has an estimated population of 600,000. Composed of numerous races and cultures, it is a melting pot where ancient traditions coalesce with modern ambitions.
Humans form the largest segment of the populace, their indomitable spirits shaped by generations that endured and thrived through Valonysa's tumultuous history. They are often seen as the backbone of the nation, working in diverse professions ranging from fishermen to merchants, from scholars to craftsmen. Dwarves, gnomes, and halflings also constitute a significant portion of the population. The dwarves, known for their stoic demeanor and skilled hands, have found their place as engineers and metalworkers in Valonysa. Their expertise in metallurgy and mechanical constructions resonates with the Sarentek legacy of Valonysa and is highly valued. Gnomes and halflings, on the other hand, are often found in the rolling green countryside. Their communities are marked by their ingenuity, their zest for life, and a propensity for communal living which resonates with the spirit of Valonysa. The nation's cultural richness is further accentuated by the presence of tieflings, lizardfolk, goliaths, half-orcs, and kobolds. While these groups are in the minority, they contribute their blend of customs, traditions, and skills. Tieflings, often seen as enigmatic and mysterious, have made a place for themselves within the society, usually as scholars, merchants, or even members of the Ember’s Rebellion. Lizardfolk and goliaths are more commonly found near the coastlines and forests, living closer to nature. Half-orcs and kobolds, though smaller in number, have integrated themselves into various facets of Valonysan society.
Despite the diverse origins, there is a pervading sense of unity in Valonysa. This is seen in the shared celebrations, the mutual respect for ancient Sarentek traditions, and the commitment to communal living. The streets of Vindora and other cities often resonate with the mingling of different languages, the aroma of varied cuisines, and the colorful garb representing a plethora of cultures.

Religion

In Valonysa, the resonance of spiritual beliefs is as deeply rooted as the ancient trees that adorn the land. The people, bound by their shared history and aspirations, turn to the Merillian Decadivum for guidance, solace, and strength. Among the pantheon, certain deities hold special significance.
Aethys, the Flame of Creation, is cherished as a beacon that illuminates the path to progress and knowledge. Artisans, scholars, and inventors revere them, and their workshops often have a small flame continuously burning, symbolizing their eternal presence in their pursuits. Their festivals are vibrant affairs, where the flickering flames represent the fervor for creativity and innovation.
Khaladon, the Justicar, stands tall in the hearts of those who uphold justice and valor. His statues, cast in stone and iron, seem to watch over the halls of governance and the training grounds. The few but steadfast knights of Valonysa regard him as their guardian, and tales of Khaladon’s righteousness are often shared around fires in knightly gatherings.
The elite and governing classes in Valonysa quietly revere Sovereign Seraphel, the Divine Scale. Their domain over hierarchy and power resonates with those who tread the corridors of governance. Prayer gatherings in their honor are often solemn and reflective, with rituals symbolizing balance and poise.
In stark contrast, Zephyra, the Stormbringer, dances in the wild winds of change. Her domain over storms and change attracts sailors, wanderers, and those who seek the thrill of unpredictability. She is celebrated through songs and stories that narrate the tumultuous beauty of the sea and the winds.
However, there is an undertone of caution and secrecy within the religious community, particularly among clerics and paladins. The laws in Valonysa, which prohibit the use of magic, including divine magic, have forced these holy warriors and priests into a precarious existence. The severing of divine conduits is viewed as a calamity, a disconnection from their guiding force. To avoid this fate, many clerics and paladins practice in secret and create clandestine networks of worship. For these individuals, their connection with the divine becomes an intimate and deeply personal journey, one that they protect with fervor and determination.

Laws

In the politically intricate tapestry of Valonysa, governance is a delicate balance of power, wealth, and tradition. The helm of this nation is in the hands of a single Councilman, who sits atop the pyramid of authority. However, this elevated position is not attained through the popular vote of the citizens, but rather through the influence of the affluent elites. These elites, with their deep pockets and extensive networks, have a considerable sway in the appointment of the Councilman. What adds another layer to this political dynamic is the shadowy presence of the Fyrelorn Order, whose reach extends into the very chambers where decisions are made. It is a widely held belief that the Councilman, though a figure of authority in public eyes, is often reduced to a puppet, with strings pulled by the Fyrelorn.
The governance is not just characterized by this tussle of power but is also reflected in the meticulous laws that dictate the very fabric of Valonysan society. Among these laws, those regarding magic stand stark and towering. In Valonysa, magic is seen not merely as an anomaly but as a transgression. The air is thick with the prohibition of magic, be it arcane or divine. Paladins and clerics, who could otherwise serve as spiritual anchors and protectors, find their divine conduits severed by the stringent laws. They are forbidden from invoking powers from their deities. This blanket ban pushes many into shadows, where whispers of divine words and clandestine rituals breathe life into their suppressed powers.
In the midst of this suffocating atmosphere, a flame flickers defiantly — the Ember's Rebellion. This is a collective resistance that shields magic wielders and stands as a bulwark against the Fyrelorn's oppressive grasp. Valonysa's landscape, with its ruins and vast forests, provides the rebels with ample shadows to cloak their activities. The Ember's Rebellion enjoys a haven of sorts within Valonysa, weaving networks of protection and nurturing a subculture of magic. However, this resistance does not go unnoticed or unchallenged. The Fyrelorn Order, in an attempt to quell the resistance, intensifies its crackdowns. Raids become more frequent, arrests more arbitrary, and punishments more severe. The streets often echo with the clanking of the armor of Pyreseekers and the whispers of rebellion.

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Demonym

Valonysan

Government System

Oligarchy

Power Structure

Unitary state

Economic System

Market economy

Deities

• Aethys, the Flame of Creation
• Sovereign Seraphel, the Divine Scale
• Zephyra, the Stormbringer

The War-Mountain in Vindora