Valatveria (Vuh-lat-vair-ee-uh)
"When one encounters the enemies they've slain rising up to take up arms once again, they can't help but feel despair. That is what it is to be an enemy of the North" -Emil Lorenz historian on ancient nations
Valatveria is an independant nation formed relatively recently, in the year 896, situated to the North of the continent of Munhart's mainland. Created from the remains of what was once a massive empire, it is now a significantly smaller oligarchy.
Goes Bump in the Night. Within the past decade, Ancient Vampires led by the Van Nocht Clan have risen in power. Consider these nightwalkers and your relationship to them. Are you a follower of one of these clans, and revel in their success? Have you found yourself wronged by these Vampiric forces in some way?
Military Service. Valatverians have a strong tradition of military service, with the past century being embroiled in wars both domestically and abroad. Criminals and charlatans have a difficult time evading the harsh laws of Valatveria.
When making a Valatverian Character, consider the following
The Dead. The undead have been a part of Valatverian culture for centuries. How do you feel about the undead? Are you a follower of the Wolf and one considers the undead to be a practical tool? Do you have a relative or friend currently living as a Nún-Ad? Or are you a part of the growing minority that dislike the use of necromancy?Goes Bump in the Night. Within the past decade, Ancient Vampires led by the Van Nocht Clan have risen in power. Consider these nightwalkers and your relationship to them. Are you a follower of one of these clans, and revel in their success? Have you found yourself wronged by these Vampiric forces in some way?
Military Service. Valatverians have a strong tradition of military service, with the past century being embroiled in wars both domestically and abroad. Criminals and charlatans have a difficult time evading the harsh laws of Valatveria.
Structure
Valatveria is run largely by an oligarchy of rulers known as the Triumvir. Beneath them are the overseers of specific regions, known as Voivodes.
Lawful Evil Pureblood Vampire
Yesebel is the head of the Van Nocht Clan. She was. the third person to receive vampirism from Valas himself. Becauase of this, she, alongside Vladislov Nosferatu, are two of the oldest "living: figures in Valatverian history.
Voivode Vasile "The Conciliator" Soldan:
Lawful Neutral Pureblood Vampire
Valsile Soldan is the Voivode of Insomnia and the head of the Soldan Clan. He is the son of Volgor Soldan, one of the first three pureblood vampires. A charismatic individual, Vasile has served as the chief diplomat in Valatveria's relationships with the outside world. Vasile is also a calculating opportunist, always seeking new ways to further Valatveria's standing with the outside world, making him chief ambassador to the outside nations. Vasile has earned the scorn of other purebloods for marrying a non vampiric woman, but that only seems to have made him more popular with the common folk.
"Suneater" Rosu
Rosu is the head of the Immortal Legion, the military of Valatveria. A gifted warrior, Rosu rose through the ranks during the final Dead War and was promoted to general by its end. She found herself disillusioned by the Phantom Consulate's disregard for the lives of its citizens and joined the Van Nocht Clan's faction during the Long Night. Recently becoming promoted to Nemuritor because of her strong sense of honor and duty. She is the strongest warrior that Valatveria has to offer, and one of its only paladins.
Vladislav Noseferatu
Chaotic Evil Pureblood Vampire
Vladislav Noseferatu was the first being to receive vampirism from Valas. Unlike his compatriots, however, who have continued their lives with grace and dignity, Vladislav has chosen to indulge in every craving vampirism has to offer.
| Title | Description | Members |
|---|---|---|
| Triumvir | The ruling body of Valatveria. |
|
| Voivode | Overseer of local government of a given region. Forms legislative body and gives council to Triumvirate when summoned. In the event of a Triumvirate member passing, the rest will vote one member of the Voivodes into office. |
|
| Dracul | Head of the Noculi/Spymaster |
|
| Nemuritor | Head of the military forces, equivalent to a general |
|
| Bel-Hael | Head of Arcane practices. Oversees the Eless-Ar and one of the few remnants of the Old Empire |
|
Important NPCs
Yesebel Van Nocht:Lawful Evil Pureblood Vampire
Yesebel is the head of the Van Nocht Clan. She was. the third person to receive vampirism from Valas himself. Becauase of this, she, alongside Vladislov Nosferatu, are two of the oldest "living: figures in Valatverian history.
Voivode Vasile "The Conciliator" Soldan:
Lawful Neutral Pureblood Vampire
Valsile Soldan is the Voivode of Insomnia and the head of the Soldan Clan. He is the son of Volgor Soldan, one of the first three pureblood vampires. A charismatic individual, Vasile has served as the chief diplomat in Valatveria's relationships with the outside world. Vasile is also a calculating opportunist, always seeking new ways to further Valatveria's standing with the outside world, making him chief ambassador to the outside nations. Vasile has earned the scorn of other purebloods for marrying a non vampiric woman, but that only seems to have made him more popular with the common folk.
"Suneater" Rosu
Lawful Good Half-Elf Goliath and Nún-Ad
Rosu is the head of the Immortal Legion, the military of Valatveria. A gifted warrior, Rosu rose through the ranks during the final Dead War and was promoted to general by its end. She found herself disillusioned by the Phantom Consulate's disregard for the lives of its citizens and joined the Van Nocht Clan's faction during the Long Night. Recently becoming promoted to Nemuritor because of her strong sense of honor and duty. She is the strongest warrior that Valatveria has to offer, and one of its only paladins.
Vladislav Noseferatu
Chaotic Evil Pureblood Vampire
Vladislav Noseferatu was the first being to receive vampirism from Valas. Unlike his compatriots, however, who have continued their lives with grace and dignity, Vladislav has chosen to indulge in every craving vampirism has to offer.
Culture
A large part of Valatverian culture is their practices regarding the dead. Unlike other nations who view the practice of Necromancy as taboo, Valatveria fully embraces this magic practice, viewing those who have been brought back with reverence.
While the Eless-Ar is the predominant practice for Valatverians, there are many groups who reject this practice all together. The Council of Conmutatus and the Pureblooded Vampires are the most notable examples.
When one passes in the nation of Valatveria, their body undergoes a ritual known as "Eless-Ar". Once performed the being is restored to life. This process however, does not lead to a true resurrection. Rather those who are able to will themselves back find themselves in a state between living and dead, and are known as Nún-Ad (akin to the Reborn/Hollow Ones in 5e). If the ritual is performed incorrectly, or a person does not have the will power, they are unable to return to consciousness and instead become roaming undead known as Nov (husk zombies). The ritual can be conducted as many times as they continue to die, but it is rare for an individual to be revived more than once.
Many who undergo this ritual report a loss of memory and there are even those who come back as seemingly different individuals, with both of these becoming more common the more times an individual has been revived. Because of this there are many high level enchanters who make their career "restoring" these memories for nobles who can afford it.
Because of the risk of losing their previous identity, those whose knowledge is believed important and preserved would take part in a different ritual known as Dre-Mán. This ritual results in the creation of spirits that will not be at risk of departing to the outer planes. After this dissolution of the Phantom Consulate, the ritual to create Dre-Mán has been illegalized, but the remnants of this archaic practice still roam the cities.
Many who undergo this ritual report a loss of memory and there are even those who come back as seemingly different individuals, with both of these becoming more common the more times an individual has been revived. Because of this there are many high level enchanters who make their career "restoring" these memories for nobles who can afford it.
Because of the risk of losing their previous identity, those whose knowledge is believed important and preserved would take part in a different ritual known as Dre-Mán. This ritual results in the creation of spirits that will not be at risk of departing to the outer planes. After this dissolution of the Phantom Consulate, the ritual to create Dre-Mán has been illegalized, but the remnants of this archaic practice still roam the cities.
While the Eless-Ar is the predominant practice for Valatverians, there are many groups who reject this practice all together. The Council of Conmutatus and the Pureblooded Vampires are the most notable examples.
History
Valatveria was officially founded at the end of the Dead Wars. Dissatisfied with the rule of the Phantom Consulate after they lost the final war, a group of Valasians under the leadership of the Van Nocht Clan of vampires decided to rebel against them in a two year long coup known as The Long Night (896 PoT). Looking for additional forces, the cunning Vasile Soldan, a Vampire from the Soldan Clan, brokered a deal with the Council of Conmutatus, an isolationist cult located in Northeast Valatveria to bolster their troupes. This new influx of troops, fresh off of not fighting in the previous war, proved to be a decisive factor in their ability to oust the Consulate from Tartus.
Eventually able to expel the Council, the Van Nocht clan led by Matriarch Yesebel Van Nocht established the Triumvarate of Fang And Bone, also known as the Triumvir. While she herself is not a member, her influence over its affairs is palpable.
Eventually able to expel the Council, the Van Nocht clan led by Matriarch Yesebel Van Nocht established the Triumvarate of Fang And Bone, also known as the Triumvir. While she herself is not a member, her influence over its affairs is palpable.
Demography and Population
Valas Elves: 40%, Nún-Ad: 30%, Humans: 10%, Vampires: 5%, Other Races: 15%
Military
The military forces of Valatveria is predominantly composed of Nún-Ad, undead soldiers that are much more resilient than their fully living counterparts.
In addition to the Nún-Ad and their regular soldiers, there are few Frost Giants from the Frigid North they have been able to recruit into their ranks.
Nov that they are able to contain are frequently used as well as fodder. Being sent into battles in advance to weaken opposing forces before using their regular infantry to finish the job.
In addition to the Nún-Ad and their regular soldiers, there are few Frost Giants from the Frigid North they have been able to recruit into their ranks.
Nov that they are able to contain are frequently used as well as fodder. Being sent into battles in advance to weaken opposing forces before using their regular infantry to finish the job.
Religion
The Nation of Valatveria has become a largely secular nation in recent years. After The Long Night, the Triumvir removed worship of Valas as the official state religion and have instead allowed for most to practice whatever faith they choose, if any at all. Most who still practice, still find themselves revering The Wolf, and temples of him still remain within every major city of the nation.
Unlike the South, who view the worship of Nihilans as sinful, Valatveria has a relatively lax stance on their worship, with the second largest religious group in the country, an isolationist cult known as the Council of Conmutatus, being dedicated to the worship of The Red Lady.
Foreign Relations
Due to the maneuverings of Yesebel Van Nocht, Valatveria was able to establish the beginnings of a diplomatic relationship with Zentrum in spite of being in conflict relatively recently. There are certain Valatverians who resent this, the memories of the Dead Wars still fresh on their mind. But the discovery of a substance dubbed "Red Viridium" has made them a competitive force economically, now developing trade relations with the Vilkhan Empire in the Far East, as well as the Dalmer Houses.
Laws
Theft: Loss of limb or a fine equal to the worth stolen.
Ownership of another intelligent humanoid creature: 10–20 months incarceration and a fine of 1,500 gp.
Trespassing: 5 days incarceration and a fine of 120 gp.
Damage to private property: 5–20 days incarceration or a fine of twice the worth of property destroyed.
Damage to government property: 12–50 days incarceration and a fine of twice the worth of property destroyed
Kidnapping: 6 years incarceration and/or a fine of 1000 gp.
Assault with intent to injure: 12 days incarceration and a fine of 400 gp.
Assault with intent to kill: 200 days incarceration and a fine of 1,200 gp, or execution.
Murder: 5–10 years incarceration and/or a fine of 5,000 gp, or execution.
Treason: execution.
The Dusk Wardens are the official law enforcement and military of Valatveria.
Ownership of another intelligent humanoid creature: 10–20 months incarceration and a fine of 1,500 gp.
Trespassing: 5 days incarceration and a fine of 120 gp.
Damage to private property: 5–20 days incarceration or a fine of twice the worth of property destroyed.
Damage to government property: 12–50 days incarceration and a fine of twice the worth of property destroyed
Kidnapping: 6 years incarceration and/or a fine of 1000 gp.
Assault with intent to injure: 12 days incarceration and a fine of 400 gp.
Assault with intent to kill: 200 days incarceration and a fine of 1,200 gp, or execution.
Murder: 5–10 years incarceration and/or a fine of 5,000 gp, or execution.
Treason: execution.
The Dusk Wardens are the official law enforcement and military of Valatveria.
In combat, glory. In death, life.
Founding Date
896 PoT
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Predecessor Organization
Demonym
Valatverian
Leader Title
Government System
Thanatocracy / Necrocracy
Economic System
Command/Planned economy
Gazetteer
Tartus
Tartus is both the capital and the largest city within the duchy. To many foreigners, it is also known as the "City of Monsters" due to its above average population of undead and other races people would consider monstrous.Insomnia
Insomnia is known as the "City of the Endless Night". It is the original home of the Vampires but has since grown into a large and thriving city. It is currently attempting to be one of the centers for international relations, with the very first skyport in Valatveria being built.
Major Exports
The predominant export of the fledgeling Valatveria are gold and iron, with newly discovered mines resulting in many nations wanting to develop relations with them.
Official Languages
Controlled Territories
Neighboring Nations
Related Ethnicities