The Vanieric Dynasty

Valgeer has always been a land of many hardships, from the searing earth's-blood that pours forth from the ground to the smoke that threatens to choke the very stars. But do we cower before the ground and sky? Do we cower before the elements that threaten us? No! We persist. We bind. We break. Whatever comes before us, we will break it and have it bow before us. That is what it means to be of the Dusk, to be of the Dark. We are the Chasers of the Sun itself and soon, we will be the Conquerors of Death.

— A Dar-Vaneer, a Priest of the Dusk

It was once said that Valgeer was unconquerable. Magma bleeds upon its surface, roaring volcanoes dot the face of the continent and smoke clouds much of the sky. And yet, the Vanieric Dynasty has risen, unifying many of the scattered tribes of Valgeer into a single, unified conglomerate lead by the Emperor beneath the Shadows.

The Rise of the Sha'Del

The Sha'Del, or Way-Shadow, is the religion preached by the Dar-Vaneer, or Dusk-Bringers, and the official religion of the Vanieric Dynasty. It preaches of Dusk's supremacy over all things, even death itself. Though it started as a fringe cult, its following has grown in size and fervor, particularly after the rebirth of the first Sha'Domi, or Shadow Warrior. This reincarnation converted many and supplied the followers with powerful warriors to defeat any opposition to their cause.
The tenets of the Sha'Del are simple:

• Follow the Dusk's Chosen, the Emperor beneath the Shadows. He is the first of the Sha'Domi and the greatest. He is the first shadow creeping into view as the sun falls beneath the horizon. Follow him as all shadows do.
  
• Respect the Dar-Vaneer and their works. They reject the Sun and make this sacrifice until all else are ready. They work in the Shadows and work dangerous ways. To insult a Dar-Vaneer is to invite death in the dark.
  
• Await the Great Duskfall, the final death of the Dawn. On that fateful night, followers are commanded to rise with the dusk, scythes in hand, and carve away at all that oppose the Vanieric Dynasty in its final, divine pursuit.

Structure

As a theocratic society, the Dynasty is ruled over by a single holy individual known as the Emperor beneath the Shadows. His word, though seldom given, is law and it is never to be opposed.
Beneath him are the Dar-Vaneer. There are roles within the Dar-Vaneer priesthood, but none but the priests themselves are aware of it. Some whisper of one known as Kre-Vole, Dawn-Saint, who is said to be an agent of the Dawn and its only tolerated worshiper. Why the Dynasty, let alone the fanatical Dar-Vaneer, would tolerate an opposing advocate, only they could say.
Finally, the Sha'Domi are given special reverence within the Dynasty. Though they do not have the political clout of a Dar-Vaneer, their wishes and commands are often respected. Many Sha'Domi hold public office or seek to make a name for themselves within the priesthood.

Public Agenda

The Dynasty seeks to uphold the teachings of the Sha'Del and ready themselves for the Great Duskfall, an apocalyptic event that the Dar-Vaneer believes will occur in a time not far. Until that time comes to pass, they must keep Valgeer stable, both the hearts of its people and the land itself.

Founding Date

1450 ED

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Leader

The Emperor beneath the Shadows