Valoria (Vuh-LOHR-ee-uh)

Valoria is a southern kingdom characterized by rolling hills, expansive plains, and natural borders formed by towering eastern mountains and snowy southern forests. Strategically positioned with a sea separating it from Drakoria and a direct oceanic route to Jou’lunn, Valoria has become a pivotal power in the region. Known for its mastery of the arcane arts, Valoria thrives on a rigid caste system where magical ability determines status and privilege. While tolerant of "human-appearing" races like elves, dwarves, and halflings, the kingdom views others—such as orcs, Rhu'thor, Avenarii, and Centaur—as little more than beasts, granting them no standing in society.
Valoria’s economy flourishes through its role as the largest importer of slaves from Jou’lunn, whom they exploit for labor and arcane experiments. The kingdom’s true pride lies in its military, specifically its formidable army, which is bolstered by battlemages and enchanted war constructs. In contrast to Jou’lunn’s naval dominance, Valoria’s military is built for conquest and territorial expansion, often at the expense of its neighbors. Religious leaders serve as political authorities, enforcing the will of their enigmatic deity, whose doctrines emphasize order, hierarchy, and the supremacy of magic. Valoria’s harsh yet disciplined society ensures its place as a dominant force, feared by many and allied only with those who share its ideals.

Structure

Valoria operates under a rigid and hierarchical structure that intertwines arcane mastery, political governance, and religious authority. At the pinnacle stands the Archmagus of Valoria, the supreme leader chosen from the most powerful magical bloodlines. The Archmagus wields unparalleled authority, serving as both the kingdom's ruler and the divine representative of their deity. Beneath the Archmagus lies the Arcane Conclave, a council of elite magocrats and high-ranking clergy who oversee the kingdom's governance, ensure the enforcement of the caste system, and maintain the balance between military and arcane advancements.
The military is commanded by Grand Generals, seasoned warriors who work in tandem with Battlemage Overseers, ensuring seamless integration of magical and conventional warfare. Regional administration falls to Provincial Magistrates, who govern Valoria's territories, enforcing laws and ensuring resources are funneled back to the capital. Below them, Enchanters of the Realm manage arcane industries, including magical research and production, while Fateweavers, the clergy, oversee societal order and perform rituals to honor their god. At the base of the hierarchy are the Legionnaires, laborers, and slaves who toil to uphold Valoria’s economic and military might. Each tier serves to reinforce the kingdom’s guiding principle: power through order, strength through magic.

Culture

Valoria’s culture is deeply rooted in its reverence for magic, order, and hierarchy, shaping every aspect of its society. Magical talent is considered the ultimate mark of worth, with those born with arcane aptitude revered as blessed by their deity. This belief fosters a society where individuals are judged not only by their abilities but also by their lineage, as noble bloodlines are closely associated with magical potency. The Valorians view themselves as superior to other nations and races, believing their rigid caste system to be a reflection of divine order.
Valorian customs emphasize discipline, self-mastery, and loyalty to the state. Ceremonies such as the Arcane Trials—where youths are tested for magical aptitude—highlight the importance of merit, while lavish military parades showcase the kingdom’s pride in its disciplined and enchanted army. Art and architecture focus on the grandeur of magic, with floating spires, glowing glyphs, and enchanted murals that display historical victories and religious iconography.
Valorians have a dual attitude toward outsiders: respect for allies like Jou’lunn, who share similar values, and disdain for "lesser" kingdoms or races deemed inferior. They see the exploitation of non-human species as natural, often incorporating them into their myths as symbols of chaos or disorder subdued by Valorian might.
The blending of magic and religion also defines Valorian life. Daily rituals invoke the favor of their deity, and citizens are taught from an early age that their place in society is preordained by divine will. This fosters a sense of purpose but also enforces a culture of submission, where rebellion or deviation is met with harsh punishment. Valoria’s motto, "Power Through Order, Strength Through Magic," encapsulates the kingdom’s core belief that harmony is achieved through discipline and the arcane arts.

Public Agenda

Valoria's public agenda revolves around the pursuit of power, stability, and the preservation of their hierarchical society through arcane mastery. The kingdom presents itself as a beacon of order in a chaotic world, claiming its rigid caste system and magical dominance are divinely ordained. Its leaders emphasize the importance of unity under strong governance, positioning Valoria as the pinnacle of civilization and the rightful arbiter of the "natural order" among nations and races.
The kingdom seeks to expand its influence through military might, arcane innovation, and economic superiority. Valoria openly promotes the development of advanced magical technologies and enchanted goods, asserting that these innovations benefit all citizens while securing their dominance on the global stage. Its leaders frame the heavy reliance on slave labor and exploitation of non-human races as necessary measures to maintain progress and stability, often justifying these practices with religious doctrine.
Valoria also portrays itself as a protector of humanity, forging alliances with like-minded powers like Jou’lunn and presenting its military as a force for defending civilization against barbarism and chaos. While its true motivations lie in power and control, Valoria’s public narrative is one of benevolent leadership, ensuring the survival and prosperity of those who adhere to their rigid principles of order and strength.

Assets

Valoria’s wealth and resources are vast, bolstered by its mastery of the arcane, military prowess, and economic reliance on slave labor. Its assets include:

Treasury

• Extensive reserves of silver, gold, and rare magical minerals mined from the eastern mountains.
• A flourishing trade in enchanted goods, weapons, and constructs, making Valoria a major player in the arcane economy.

Military Forces

• Valorian Legionnaires: Highly disciplined infantry known for their superior training and enchanted armor.
• Battlemages: Elite units that combine martial prowess with devastating arcane magic.
• War Constructs: Massive golems and automata built using magical technologies, serving as unstoppable siege weapons or guardians.
• Arcane Cannons: Siege engines fueled by magical energy, capable of leveling fortifications.

Buildings and Infrastructure

• The Citadel of Nytheris: The capital’s central fortress, housing the Archmagus, the Arcane Conclave, and the kingdom’s most powerful artifacts.
• Floating Towers: Arcane academies and research centers suspended by magic, scattered across the kingdom.
• Fortified Cities: Strategically placed strongholds with enchanted walls and hidden defensive mechanisms.
• Grand Arcane Forges: Facilities where magical weapons, armor, and constructs are crafted by skilled enchanters and enslaved laborers.

Naval and Transport

• While Valoria lacks a strong naval tradition, it maintains a fleet of transport ships for trade and slave imports from Jou’lunn.
• Land-based transportation relies on well-maintained roads and enchanted chariots, with horses used for standard cavalry units.

Magical Resources

• Access to ley lines and magical nexuses, fueling their arcane innovations and rituals.
• Vaults of powerful artifacts, both inherited and crafted, ensuring the kingdom’s arcane dominance.

Castles and Fortifications

• The Bastion of Order: A mountain fortress protecting Valoria's eastern borders, designed to repel invasions with magical wards and traps.
• A network of watchtowers and garrisons to monitor trade routes and maintain internal order.

Labor Force

• A large population of slaves imported from Jou’lunn, as well as conquered non-human races, who toil in mines, forges, and fields.
• Skilled craftspeople and enchanters drawn from the lower and middle castes, ensuring steady production of goods.
• Valoria’s assets are carefully managed to reinforce its dominance, with its leaders prioritizing military readiness, arcane innovation, and the consolidation of power over luxury or comfort.

History

Valoria’s history is defined by its pursuit of arcane mastery, territorial expansion, and hierarchical order. Founded in 215 HE under the leadership of Archmagus Altherion Valcorsis, Valoria united the magical clans of the region into a powerful kingdom governed by the Arcane Conclave. Over the centuries, Valoria expanded its territory, claiming portions of Opos Tyr to the north, Kalros to the southeast, and Kharadorn to the northeast. Its conquests were fueled by advanced magical innovations and a disciplined army, earning it a reputation as the Arcane Dominion.
By 450 HE, Valoria had fully annexed Kalros, exploiting its resources to bolster its growing empire. However, in 495 HE, a massive uprising in Kalros led to the kingdom reclaiming its independence, leaving Valoria’s ambitions in turmoil. Today, while Valoria retains influence in Opos Tyr and Kharadorn and maintains strong ties with Jou’lunn, it focuses on internal strength and maintaining its dominance as a magical and military power in the region. The Kalrosian Rebellion remains a defining moment, showcasing both the heights of Valoria’s power and the limits of its reach.

Demography and Population

Valoria boasts a sizable and diverse population distributed across its fertile plains, hilly regions, and fortified cities. While humans make up the majority, the kingdom’s rigid caste system and arcane-driven culture stratify its inhabitants based on magical aptitude, social standing, and race.

Population Division

Humans (70%):
The dominant race in Valoria, humans occupy all levels of the social hierarchy, though magical aptitude determines their standing. Noble bloodlines with strong arcane talents form the magocratic elite, while non-magical humans make up the laboring and soldiering classes.
"Human-Appearing" Races (20%):
Elves, dwarves, and halflings are tolerated within Valoria’s society, often serving as skilled craftsmen, traders, or minor magocrats. However, they rarely ascend to positions of real power and remain under constant scrutiny.
"Beastfolk" and Non-Human Races (10%):
Orcs, Rhu'thor, Avenarii, and other races are relegated to the lowest rungs of society. These groups are often enslaved or exploited as laborers, soldiers in penal units, or subjects for arcane experiments. They hold no legal standing and are viewed as property rather than citizens.

Population Centers

• Erthoris (Capital): The most populous city, with dense urban areas focused on magical production, governance, and trade.
• Oposan Marches: Agricultural hubs with smaller, fortified towns.
• Veltharyon Highlands: Mining settlements and forges, primarily inhabited by laborers and enslaved workers.
• Southern Veil Forests: Sparsely populated with logging communities and scattered outposts.

Birth and Death Rates

• Birth Rate: Valoria’s birth rate is moderate among humans and human-appearing races, sustained by state encouragement of noble and magical bloodlines. Fertility rates are higher among enslaved populations, as breeding is often encouraged to maintain the labor force.
• Death Rate: The death rate is higher than average due to dangerous working conditions in mines and forges, particularly for slaves and laborers. Military conscription and arcane experimentation also contribute to increased mortality, especially among the lower classes.

Valoria’s population reflects the kingdom’s hierarchical values, with the upper echelons thriving while the lower classes bear the brunt of its ambitious arcane and military pursuits. The emphasis on magical aptitude ensures the continuation of elite bloodlines while non-magical and enslaved populations sustain the kingdom’s economic and industrial needs.

Military

Valoria's military is the pride of the kingdom, reflecting its values of discipline, hierarchy, and arcane supremacy. Known as the Valorian Legion, the military is a highly organized force that seamlessly integrates traditional martial practices with arcane magic, giving it a distinct edge over neighboring kingdoms. The Legion is divided into specialized divisions, each with a unique role in maintaining Valoria’s dominance.

The Valorian Legion

1. Legionnaires (Core Infantry)
The backbone of Valoria's military, the Legionnaires are highly disciplined foot soldiers trained in formation tactics and equipped with superior armor and enchanted weapons. Each Legionnaire unit is supported by battlemages who provide magical reinforcement, such as defensive wards or elemental attacks, during combat.
2. Battlemages
The elite spellcasters of the Valorian Legion, Battlemages are trained in both martial combat and advanced spellcasting. They serve as force multipliers on the battlefield, casting devastating area spells, manipulating the terrain, and shielding allies from enemy magic. Battlemages are among the most feared elements of Valoria’s military, known for their precision and overwhelming power.
3. Arcane Constructs
Valoria deploys Arcane Constructs, magically animated machines designed for combat. These constructs range from humanoid golems to massive siege engines and are powered by bound elemental spirits or arcane crystals. Their tireless nature and destructive capabilities make them invaluable in both offense and defense.
4. Cavalry Corps
While not as prominent as the infantry, Valoria’s Cavalry Corps is composed of elite knights riding enchanted mounts, such as magically enhanced warhorses or tamed magical beasts. Cavalry units are often used for flanking maneuvers and quick strikes, with some riders trained to cast magic in tandem with their physical attacks.
5. Glyphguard (Elite Forces)
The Glyphguard is an elite division responsible for protecting the Archmagus, the Arcane Conclave, and other critical assets. These soldiers are equipped with the finest enchanted armor and weapons and are trained to counter high-level magical threats. They also serve as enforcers of the kingdom’s laws, handling rebellions and internal unrest with ruthless efficiency.
6. Siege Division
Valoria’s Siege Division specializes in magical and traditional siegecraft. They deploy arcane cannons, spell-powered trebuchets, and other enchanted war machines to breach enemy fortifications. This division’s engineers are skilled in constructing both mundane and arcane siege engines, ensuring overwhelming firepower in prolonged conflicts.
7. Shadow Sentinels
A covert unit specializing in espionage and assassination, the Shadow Sentinels operate in secrecy, gathering intelligence and eliminating high-value targets. They are trained in stealth, subterfuge, and shadow magic, making them deadly operatives behind enemy lines.

Navy

Valoria’s navy, while smaller than that of Jou’lunn, consists of a fleet of transport and trade ships protected by Arcane Corsairs—magically fortified vessels capable of unleashing destructive spells during naval engagements. The navy is primarily used for maintaining trade routes and transporting troops, rather than direct naval dominance.

Training and Recruitment

Military service is both a duty and a privilege in Valoria, with recruitment drawn from the middle and lower castes. Those with magical aptitude are fast-tracked into battlemage training, while others serve as Legionnaires or support roles. Non-human populations, especially slaves, are often conscripted into penal units or forced labor for the military.

Technological Level

Valoria's technological and scientific advancements are deeply rooted in its mastery of arcane magic, which permeates nearly every aspect of its society. The kingdom's approach to technology blends magical innovation with traditional engineering, creating a unique fusion that sets it apart from its neighbors.

Civilian Technologies

Magic enhances everyday life for the upper classes, while the lower classes see little benefit. In urban centers like Erthoris, enchanted infrastructure such as self-lighting streets, magically purified water, and glyph-encoded transportation systems are common. Skilled artisans produce enchanted textiles, minor magical tools, and glyph-inscribed scrolls, making Valoria a hub of magical commerce. However, access to these advancements is restricted to the wealthy and magically adept, leaving the lower classes reliant on basic, non-magical tools and technologies.

Military Technologies

Valoria’s military strength lies in its integration of arcane innovations into warfare. Enchanted weaponry, such as swords that burn with magical fire or shields that deflect spells, is standard issue for higher-ranking soldiers. The army also employs magical constructs, such as golems powered by bound elemental spirits, to serve as tireless frontline units. Siege engines augmented by arcane energy, such as spell-powered catapults or arcane cannons capable of hurling destructive magical blasts, give Valoria a distinct edge in large-scale battles.
Elite battlemages, trained to manipulate the battlefield with devastating spells, form a critical part of the military’s strategy. They are often supported by Arcane Wardens, soldiers equipped with protective glyphs that enhance their resilience against magic, making them highly effective against enemy spellcasters.

Groundbreaking Achievements

Valoria has developed a unique system of Arcane Constructs, autonomous magical machines used for labor, combat, and even espionage. These constructs are powered by ley line energy and designed to obey complex commands, making them versatile tools for both civilian and military use. Another significant achievement is the creation of Glyphic Arrays, portable magical devices used to amplify or focus spellcasting power. These arrays have revolutionized battlefield tactics, allowing even moderately skilled mages to wield devastating force.
The kingdom’s advancements in Magical Metallurgy have also set it apart, enabling the creation of alloys infused with arcane properties. These materials are used to craft armor and weapons that are not only stronger but also capable of channeling magic effectively.

Specialized Technologies

Valoria manufactures several technologies domestically, including enchanted transportation (such as hovering chariots for the elite), self-sustaining forges powered by elemental cores, and arcane surveillance systems for urban security. These innovations reflect the kingdom’s reliance on magical rather than purely mechanical progress, distinguishing Valoria’s technological base from that of other nations.

Valoria’s technological and scientific level is defined by its fusion of magic with practical applications, resulting in a society where arcane advancements drive both civilian life and military dominance. While these achievements benefit the elite, their restricted availability reinforces the rigid social divide, leaving the lower classes and non-human populations with limited access to even basic technological advancements.

Religion

Religion in Valoria is dominated by Nytherism, the state religion that centers on the worship of Nytheris and is deeply intertwined with the kingdom’s governance and societal order. Nytherism teaches that magic is a divine gift, and those born with magical aptitude are chosen by Nytheris to lead. The rigid caste system is viewed as a reflection of Nytheris’s will, with adherence to divine laws ensuring prosperity and protection for the kingdom. The clergy, known as Fateweavers, play a central role in Valoria’s political and spiritual life, guiding both the population and the Arcane Conclave. Temples to Nytheris are grand and geometrically designed, often serving as centers for arcane research and public ceremonies. Participation in Nytherism is mandatory, and heresy is met with severe punishment, reinforcing the kingdom’s hierarchy and control.
While Nytherism dominates, minor religions persist in secret among non-human populations, traders, and settlers. These faiths include worship of regional or racial deities, such as the god Udes or the Aygir spirits. Though tolerated when practiced privately, they are not allowed to challenge the authority of Nytherism. However, religions that promote rebellion, equality, or chaos, such as those devoted to Igmut, are strictly forbidden. Followers of these outlawed faiths face harsh consequences, including imprisonment, execution, or enslavement.
Religion in Valoria serves as both a unifying force and a tool of control, ensuring that dissent is suppressed and that the ideals of magical supremacy and hierarchical order remain deeply rooted in every aspect of society. While minor and suppressed faiths exist, the dominance of Nytherism leaves little room for religious diversity to flourish openly.

Foreign Relations

Valoria maintains a calculated and pragmatic approach to foreign relations, driven by its arcane ambitions, territorial aspirations, and hierarchical worldview. The kingdom's diplomacy reflects its belief in its superiority, favoring alliances that align with its ideals while viewing most other nations and races with disdain.

Allies

Jou’lunn:

Valoria shares a strong alliance with Jou’lunn, rooted in mutual interests such as the slave trade and the suppression of non-human races. Valoria relies on Jou’lunn for a steady supply of slaves and supports its naval dominance through trade agreements. In return, Jou’lunn benefits from Valoria’s enchanted weaponry and arcane expertise. Neutral Relations

Drakoria:

Separated by the Icewind Strait, Valoria and Drakoria maintain a neutral relationship. While Valoria respects Drakoria’s strength, it views the kingdom’s inclusive policies and dragonborn population as weaknesses. Trade exists between the two nations but remains limited.

Kharadorn:

Valoria holds an uneasy peace with Kharadorn, its northeastern neighbor. The mountainous kingdom has successfully resisted Valorian expansion through its formidable defenses. Relations remain cold, with heavily fortified borders and occasional skirmishes maintaining the status quo.

Hostile Relations

Kalros:

Once a conquered vassal, Kalros reclaimed its independence in 495 HE following a massive uprising. Valoria views Kalros as a rebellious territory rather than a sovereign state. Relations are deeply strained, with Valoria refusing to recognize Kalrosian sovereignty and frequently skirmishing along their shared border.

Eouma:

Eouma’s egalitarian values and acceptance of non-human races clash directly with Valoria’s hierarchy and exploitation of such groups. The two kingdoms view each other with suspicion, though outright conflict has been avoided due to their geographic distance.

Non-Human Nations and Peoples

Valoria regards most non-human nations and tribes with disdain, viewing them as uncivilized or barely above beasts. Diplomatic relations with these groups are rare and typically involve demands for submission or the exploitation of resources.
Valoria’s foreign relations prioritize self-interest, with diplomacy serving as a tool for maintaining dominance and securing resources. While its alliances bolster its power, its disdain for many neighboring kingdoms and races often leads to tension, isolation, and conflict.

Laws

Valoria's laws are designed to uphold its rigid caste system, arcane supremacy, and hierarchical order. They reflect the kingdom’s emphasis on control, discipline, and the divine mandate of Nytheris, ensuring that every citizen adheres to their preordained role in society.

Creation and Documentation of Laws

Laws are created by the Arcane Conclave, with the Archmagus holding ultimate authority to veto or enforce rulings. Once finalized, laws are magically inscribed into Glyphic Tablets, stored in the Hall of Glyphs in Erthoris. These enchanted tablets serve as the official record and are often copied and distributed to regional tribunals.

Enforcement of the Law

The Justiciar Order is responsible for enforcing Valoria’s laws. They are supported by Legionary Enforcers and Arcane Wardens, ensuring compliance across all levels of society. In regions with high dissent or enslaved populations, enforcement is strict, with frequent patrols and swift punitive actions to maintain control.

Key Legal Principles

• Caste Compliance: Individuals must adhere to the roles dictated by their caste. Attempts to defy or circumvent this system are considered treason.
• Arcane Regulation: All arcane practitioners are registered with the Conclave. Unauthorized use of magic is punishable by imprisonment or magical suppression.
• Religious Adherence: Worship of Nytheris is mandatory, and heresy is treated as a severe crime.
• Property and Commerce: Land and businesses are heavily taxed, with higher levies on those who lack magical aptitude. Slavery is fully legal, with strict regulations on trade and ownership.
• Punishment for Dissent: Protests, rebellions, or any form of dissent are met with harsh penalties, including execution or enslavement.

Punishments

• Fines and Confiscation: For minor offenses, such as tax evasion or low-level insubordination.
• Magical Suppression: Criminals who misuse magic may have their abilities sealed through enchanted bindings.
• Public Punishments: Public lashings, branding, or imprisonment are common for visible deterrence.
• Execution or Enslavement: Reserved for severe crimes, such as rebellion, heresy, or unauthorized use of high-level magic.
• Arcane Experiments: Criminals of lower castes or enslaved individuals may be offered to arcane researchers for experimentation.

Flexibility and Escapability

Valorian law is inflexible and enforced with precision. Wealthy or magically adept individuals may sometimes bribe lower officials or leverage their connections within the Arcane Conclave, but such opportunities are rare and highly dangerous. For those of lower castes or enslaved populations, there is little hope of leniency.
Valoria’s laws are both a reflection and reinforcement of its rigid society, ensuring that the kingdom’s ideals of order, magic, and hierarchy remain unchallenged.

Education

In Valoria, education is strictly controlled and varies greatly across social classes, reflecting the kingdom's rigid hierarchy and the importance of arcane mastery in its society. Education is viewed as a privilege reserved for those deemed worthy by birthright or magical potential.

Education for the Elite (Magocrats and Nobles)

Primary Education:
Children of noble bloodlines and high-ranking magocrats receive early training in both arcane arts and general literacy. They are tutored in prestigious academies where magic, philosophy, history, and the divine teachings of Nytheris are emphasized. These young elites often begin their education as early as five or six years old.
Arcane Instruction:
For those with magical aptitude, specialized arcane schools provide intense training in spellcasting, magical theory, and enchanted artifact crafting. The best and brightest are sent to the Arcane Citadel in Erthoris, where they study directly under the guidance of the Arcane Conclave. The ultimate goal is to become part of the ruling magocratic class or high-ranking religious clergy.
Religious Education:
Higher education also includes instruction in Nytherism, with the clergy providing education in the laws of the kingdom, magical ethics, and the divine order, ensuring that those in power remain aligned with the teachings of Nytheris.

Education for the Middle Class (Skilled Laborers, Artisans, and Soldiers)

Basic Education:
Most middle-class Valorians receive a more practical education that focuses on trade skills, literacy, and numeracy. These individuals are taught in smaller regional schools run by guilds or religious organizations, with an emphasis on craft, commerce, or military service.
Arcane Training (Limited):
A select few from the middle class may be able to study basic magic, but their training is limited and typically directed toward practical applications (e.g., magical construction, enchanting basic items). The Conclave offers some apprenticeships, but these positions are highly competitive and reserved for those showing clear potential.
Military Training:
For those intending to join the military, basic military and magical combat education is provided. However, it is mostly geared toward service as foot soldiers, battlemages, or in auxiliary roles, rather than elite positions within Valoria’s army.

Education for the Lower Classes (Laborers, Enslaved Populations, and Non-Humans)

Minimal Education:
The lower classes and enslaved populations receive little to no formal education. Most are trained in specific labor tasks—such as farming, mining, or servitude—by their employers or masters. Literacy rates are very low, and the focus is on menial work rather than intellectual development.
Control of Knowledge:
Magic and advanced learning are reserved for the upper classes, with strict laws prohibiting lower-class individuals from learning forbidden knowledge. Any attempts to defy these norms, such as the unauthorized practice of magic, are punishable by severe penalties.

Disparities in Access to Education

Class-based Disparities:
Education in Valoria is starkly divided by class. The elite receive the highest level of education, including full arcane training, while the middle class receives practical, trade-based education. The lower classes, including the enslaved populations, have almost no access to formal education, which keeps them bound to their lowly roles.
Barriers for Non-Human Populations:
Non-human races, such as orcs, Rhu'thor, Avenarii, and other races are seen as subhuman by the ruling class and are almost entirely excluded from any form of education. These races are forced into labor with little opportunity for advancement, education, or magical training.

Average Education Level

The average education level in Valoria reflects the stark social divide.

• The elite classes often receive highly advanced education, including mastery over arcane arts, philosophy, and governance.
• The middle class, while literate and skilled, typically lacks access to advanced education and arcane knowledge.
• The lower classes, by contrast, are mostly illiterate and trained only in manual labor or servitude, with minimal access to intellectual or magical education.

In Valoria, education is a powerful tool for maintaining control, reinforcing the rigid class structure, and ensuring that magic remains in the hands of the elite. Those at the top receive the best education, while the majority of the population is relegated to a life of limited intellectual development and servitude.

"Power Through Order, Strength Through Magic"

Founding Date

Astralon 12, 215 HE

Type

Geopolitical, Magocracy

Capital

Erthoris

Alternative Names

The Enchanted Kingdom, The Arcane Dominion, Nytheris’s Chosen, The Spellbound Throne

Demonym

Valorian

Leader

Archmagus Eryndor Valcorsis

Ruling Organization

The Arcane Conclave

Leader Title

Archmagus of Valoria

Head of State

Archmagus Eryndor Valcorsis

Head of Government

Archmagus Eryndor Valcorsis

Government System

Magocracy

Power Structure

Feudal state

Economic System

Mixed economy

Gazetteer

• Erthoris
The capital city and seat of power, located at the convergence of two ley lines. Erthoris is the heart of Valoria’s magical and political life, home to the Citadel of Nytheris and the Arcane Conclave. The city is renowned for its floating spires, enchanted streets, and the bustling trade of arcane goods.
• Oposan Marches
A fertile region to the north, annexed from the kingdom of Opos Tyr. Known for its agricultural production, the Marches supply much of Valoria’s food and raw materials. Fortified towns dot the landscape, ensuring Valoria’s control over this valuable territory.
• Kalrosian Frontier
Formerly part of the conquered kingdom of Kalros, this southeastern region remains under Valorian control despite Kalros reclaiming independence in 495 HE. Rich in natural resources, the frontier is heavily militarized to prevent further uprisings and ensure steady resource extraction.
• Kharadorn Foothills
The northeastern borderlands of Valoria, claimed from the mountainous kingdom of Kharadorn. The region is sparsely populated but strategically important, providing a defensive buffer and access to mineral resources. Watchtowers and fortifications guard against Kharadorn’s resilient forces.
• Veltharyon Highlands
A rugged and hilly region near the eastern mountains, home to numerous mines and magical forges. The highlands are central to Valoria’s production of enchanted weaponry and constructs, with enslaved labor fueling the kingdom’s arcane industries.
• Southern Veil Forests
A snowy forest region to the south, bordering the untamed wilderness beyond Valoria’s control. This area serves as a buffer zone, with logging and minor settlements contributing to the kingdom’s economy. The forest is also rumored to harbor rogue groups and non-human refugees fleeing Valoria’s oppression.

Major Exports

Valoria’s economy thrives on its production of enchanted goods and magical artifacts, which are highly coveted by neighboring kingdoms and allies. Its exports reflect its dominance in arcane craftsmanship and its emphasis on militaristic superiority.
1. Enchanted Weaponry and Armor:

• Valoria produces an array of enchanted swords, shields, and armor for trade, prized for their durability and magical enhancements.

2. Arcane Constructs:

• Mechanical golems and automata imbued with magical energy, used for labor or as military assets.

3. Magical Artifacts:

• Wands, staves, and spell components are exported to regions with limited arcane expertise.

4. Processed Metals:

• Refined iron, steel, and magical alloys forged in the Veltharyon Highlands are sold to neighboring regions.

5. Textiles and Glyphic Scrolls:

• Intricate fabrics infused with minor enchantments and pre-inscribed scrolls of common spells are luxury items that attract wealthy buyers.

6.Military Services:

• Occasionally, Valoria hires out elite battlemages or constructs to allied nations, furthering its reputation and influence.

Major Imports

Valoria relies on imports to sustain its labor-intensive economy and satisfy the desires of its elite class. The kingdom's focus on arcane production and military expansion leaves gaps in its ability to supply all its needs, making trade essential.

1. Slaves:

• Valoria is the largest importer of slaves from Jou’lunn, utilizing them for labor in mines, arcane forges, and agricultural fields.

2. Basic Commodities:

• Grain, livestock, and other foodstuffs are imported to supplement its agricultural output, especially in less fertile regions like the Veltharyon Highlands.

3. Luxury Goods:

• Silks, spices, and rare wines from distant lands are in high demand among the magocratic elite.
• Fine jewelry, exotic animal pelts, and decorative items are sought for personal adornment and as status symbols.

4. Naval Supplies:

• Timber for shipbuilding, as well as pitch and sailcloth, is imported to maintain and expand Valoria’s modest transport fleet.

5. Raw Materials:

• Specialized materials like rare woods, unprocessed arcane crystals, and precious gems that are not native to Valoria’s lands.

Legislative Body

The laws and rules of Valoria are written and enacted by the Arcane Conclave, the ruling council composed of the kingdom’s most powerful magocrats and high-ranking clergy of Nytherism. This body serves as both the legislative and advisory council to the Archmagus, ensuring that Valoria’s laws align with the principles of arcane mastery and divine order.
The Arcane Conclave’s members, known as Conclavists, represent the elite magical families and religious leaders of Valoria. They convene within the Hall of Glyphs in the capital, Erthoris, where laws are debated, codified, and inscribed using arcane symbols to bind them with magical enforcement. The Conclave focuses on maintaining the rigid caste system, regulating arcane industries, and preserving the kingdom’s hierarchical structure, with their rulings reflecting both practical governance and religious doctrine.
The Archmagus holds veto power over any legislation, ensuring that the final authority remains centralized in the kingdom's supreme leader.

Judicial Body

The interpretation and enforcement of Valoria’s laws are the responsibility of the Fateweavers’ Tribunal, a judicial body composed of senior clerics of Nytherism and appointed magocrats. The Tribunal operates under the principle that all laws are both divine and arcane in nature, requiring individuals skilled in both legal doctrine and magical interpretation to preside over cases.
Each major region of Valoria hosts a Regional Tribunal, led by a High Fateweaver, who interprets laws based on the will of Nytheris and the rulings of the Arcane Conclave. The Tribunal handles disputes ranging from caste violations to arcane misconduct, with severe punishments for those who disrupt Valoria’s rigid hierarchy. Trials are often conducted with magical assistance, such as truth-spells or divination rituals, ensuring that the accused cannot easily hide their guilt.
For cases of significant importance—such as those involving high-ranking magocrats, military leaders, or religious figures—the Supreme Tribunal convenes in the Hall of Glyphs in Erthoris. This central court, presided over by the Archmagus or a designated representative, delivers final judgments that are considered absolute and binding.
The Fateweavers’ Tribunal upholds Valoria’s core values of order, hierarchy, and arcane supremacy, ensuring that the kingdom’s laws are interpreted and enforced with divine and magical authority.

Executive Body

The enforcement of Valoria’s laws falls under the authority of the Justiciar Order, a powerful organization of warriors and battlemages loyal to the Arcane Conclave and the Archmagus. The Justiciars are responsible for ensuring that the kingdom’s rigid caste system is upheld, punishments are administered, and societal order is maintained.
Each region of Valoria is assigned a Regional Justiciar, who commands a force of Legionary Enforcers—highly trained soldiers tasked with carrying out arrests, suppressing dissent, and maintaining public compliance. These enforcers work in tandem with Arcane Wardens, battlemages who use spells to detect lawbreaking and suppress threats to the kingdom’s stability.
In Erthoris, the High Justiciar, a senior member of the Justiciar Order, oversees the enforcement of laws throughout the kingdom and acts as the direct enforcer of the Archmagus’s decrees. The High Justiciar commands elite units known as the Glyphguard, who specialize in handling high-profile cases, magical crimes, and rebellions.
The Justiciar Order ensures that Valoria’s laws, shaped by the Arcane Conclave and interpreted by the Fateweavers’ Tribunal, are executed with precision and force, maintaining the kingdom’s commitment to order and arcane supremacy.

Official State Religion

Nytherism

Subsidiary Organizations

• The Arcane Conclave

Location

Zalhara

Official Languages

• Almyir

Related Ranks & Titles

• Archmagus of Valoria

Neighboring Nations

• Drakoria
• Kalros
• Kharadorn

Related Species

• Human