Grey

The Greys occupy a unique and often misunderstood position within the cultures of Varanthia and Eryndor, existing as individuals unclaimed by lineage but undeniably present in society. In both kingdoms, the surname “Grey” is a marker of bastardy or lineage lost, a label given to those born outside the rigid family structures that define power and identity. While they share a commonality in their lack of formal familial ties, the way Greys are treated and how they navigate their worlds differ vastly between the authoritarian Varanthia and the progressive Eryndor. Despite these differences, their shared experiences have fostered a cultural identity that emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and self-determination.
In Varanthia, where bloodlines and legacy are paramount, the Greys serve as tools of utility rather than celebrated individuals. Lacking a family to protect or elevate them, Greys are often conscripted into dangerous or undesirable roles, such as soldiers, spies, and laborers. The state views their expendability as an asset, using them in positions that require unwavering obedience and minimal political risk. The oppressive structure of Varanthian society leaves little room for social mobility, but some Greys rise to prominence through exceptional skill or cunning, becoming feared and respected figures in the shadows of court intrigue or the military hierarchy. However, their success is rarely acknowledged as a triumph of individuality; instead, it is seen as a rare exception that underscores the kingdom’s meritocratic yet unforgiving nature.
In contrast, Eryndor offers Greys a chance to forge a life defined by their own contributions rather than the circumstances of their birth. Eryndorian society values cooperation and balance, and while Greys are still marked as outsiders, they are not treated with the same disdain as in Varanthia. Instead, they are seen as individuals free from the constraints of noble expectation, capable of charting their own paths. Many Greys thrive as artisans, scholars, or adventurers, finding roles where skill and ingenuity are prized over pedigree. This cultural environment allows for more equitable opportunities, and in some cases, Greys integrate into Eryndor’s guilds or even rise to positions of influence, shaping their communities through their unique perspectives.
The origins of the Greys are rooted in the starkly different societal structures of the two kingdoms. In Varanthia, the label is a deliberate mark of exclusion, a tool used to maintain rigid hierarchies and ensure that bastards cannot claim inheritance or disrupt the established order. In Eryndor, the designation evolved more organically, born from a need to acknowledge those outside traditional lineages while still offering them a place in society. This divergence reflects the broader philosophies of each kingdom—Varanthia’s obsession with control and legacy versus Eryndor’s commitment to balance and inclusion. Over time, the shared surname became a unifying identifier for those who navigated life on the margins of both cultures.
Despite their differences, Greys in both kingdoms share a certain camaraderie, born of their shared status as outsiders. Whether through informal networks or communal gatherings, they often find ways to support one another, exchanging knowledge and resources across borders. This informal solidarity has given rise to a loose, transnational identity among the Greys, one that transcends the hostility or rivalry between Varanthia and Eryndor. Some Greys even serve as intermediaries, using their dual presence in both kingdoms to facilitate trade, negotiate peace, or gather intelligence. In these roles, their lack of allegiance to a single lineage or ideology becomes a strength, enabling them to navigate the complexities of both cultures with a unique perspective.
Ultimately, the existence of the Greys speaks to the underlying flaws and virtues of both societies. In Varanthia, they are a reminder of the costs of a system that prizes legacy over humanity, where individuals are reduced to tools of power. In Eryndor, they highlight the kingdom’s attempt to reconcile tradition with progress, offering a model of how inclusion can foster resilience and creativity. For the Greys themselves, their shared identity is a testament to the power of adaptation and self-determination, as they continue to carve out lives of meaning and purpose in two vastly different worlds. Through their struggles and triumphs, the Greys have become more than the sum of their parts, a living symbol of what it means to exist outside the bounds of expectation and forge one’s own path.

Culture

The Greys' culture is one of resilience and self-reliance, shaped by their shared experiences of existing outside traditional family structures. Greys place a high value on adaptability and independence, often prizing personal achievement over inherited status. Despite their lack of recognized lineage, they have developed informal traditions such as mutual aid networks and communal gatherings, which foster solidarity and a sense of belonging. Their identity revolves around forging one's destiny, and they often hold a skeptical view of rigid hierarchies, favoring merit and practical skills over birthright.

History

The history of the Greys is one of quiet endurance and adaptation to societal margins. Their origins are tied to the social systems of Varanthia and Eryndor, where bastards and those without lineage were given the surname "Grey" to signify their lack of a recognized family. Over centuries, Greys have carved out their own niche, with some rising to prominence despite systemic barriers. Key events include the creation of the Freeblade Order in Varanthia, which provided opportunities for Greys to excel as mercenaries, and the establishment of Grey enclaves in Eryndor, where they formed cooperative communities to thrive beyond societal expectations.

Foreign Relations

The Greys, as a loosely defined collective, do not engage in formal diplomacy but are indirectly affected by the relations between Varanthia and Eryndor. In Varanthia, Greys are often utilized as tools of the state, with their fates tied to the kingdom’s expansionist policies. In Eryndor, they benefit from more inclusive systems that value cooperation, fostering goodwill among their communities. Greys often serve as informal intermediaries between the two kingdoms, leveraging their dual presence to navigate trade, espionage, or diplomacy on an individual level, though their broader identity remains politically neutral.