The Principality of Varyon
Rulership & Lineage
The Principality of Varyon is ruled by Princess Elyssara Varyon, a competent and ruthless tactician who inherited the throne from her late father in 465 AEL, nine years ago. She is widely respected for her sharp intellect, decisive leadership, and unyielding dedication to the stability and power of her domain.
Elyssara’s younger siblings, Emarosa Varyon and Elren Varyon, also play significant roles within the Principality:
Emarosa Varyon (19 years old) – In training to become the Knight Commander of the Principality, leading its elite military forces.
Elren Varyon (13 years old) – The youngest of the siblings, still under Elyssara’s guardianship, receiving education in governance, diplomacy, and military strategy.
All three siblings share golden-blond hair, striking orange eyes, and fair skin, making them instantly recognizable as members of House Varyon.
The Varyon family has ruled the Principality since its establishment 648 years ago (1326 AOR) as a Nidiran colony. Though originally founded by the Valestri (High Elves) and their human and Velgarin consorts, the Principality adapted to self-rule after the exile of the Valestri beyond the Fey Gates.
Historical Role in the Contingent
Varyon holds the greatest power and influence within the Al-Muru Daxin Contingent, as it was the primary instigator of the rebellion against the Vorr’khal Sultanate nearly 280 years ago. With the most territory, wealth, and infrastructure, the Principality is often seen as the leading faction of the Contingent, though it must carefully balance relationships with its fellow members.
Structure
The Principality of Varyon operates under a centralized aristocracy where governance is split between the ruling princess and various high-ranking officials overseeing critical aspects of administration and military power.
Key Figures of Authority:
Princess Elyssara Varyon – Absolute ruler, supreme commander of the military.
Lord Regent Callian Duthar – Chief advisor to the princess, oversees state affairs and diplomacy.
Knight Commander Aldric Vaelor – Supreme leader of the Principality’s military, responsible for ensuring its tactical readiness.
Emarosa Varyon – Second-in-command to Aldric Vaelor, designated to become the next Knight Commander.
High Magistrate Sienna Valdreth – Head of the judiciary, enforces laws and adjudicates major disputes.
Master of Coin Rhovan Estelle – Manages trade, taxation, and financial stability.
Archmage Sylessa Evren – Oversees arcane research and magical defenses. Head of the Luminarum Collegium.
Culture
The Principality of Varyon is a blend of noble hierarchy, martial discipline, and arcane scholarship, shaped by its origins as a Nidiran colony. It maintains a deep-rooted emphasis on honor, duty, and tactical superiority, ensuring that knowledge and strength remain pillars of society.
Noble Houses hold considerable influence, though ultimate authority rests with the ruling princess.
Military service is highly respected, with mandatory enlistment for all nobles not in direct line for succession.
Education & Arcane Study are fundamental, particularly among the aristocracy, with magical prowess seen as an extension of one’s strategic intellect.
Water as a Symbol of Status – Given the Principality’s control over vital freshwater sources, elaborate fountains, reflecting pools, and aqueducts are prominent displays of wealth and influence.
Rigid Social Order – While commoners have opportunities to rise through military or scholarly excellence, nobility retains the highest echelons of power.
Public Agenda
Maintaining Sovereignty – As the most powerful entity within the Contingent, the Principality seeks to solidify its dominance and ensure its independence.
Guardians of Knowledge – The Sunken Keep’s archives house centuries of Nidiran history and magical study, protected against outside influences.
Military Readiness – They maintain a formidable standing army, ensuring they can counter any potential aggression from the Sultanate or other factions.
Control of Trade & Water – With the largest freshwater reserves in the Contingent, they regulate water distribution, reinforcing their political leverage.
Expansion of Influence – While subtle, diplomatic maneuvering ensures the Principality remains at the forefront of decision-making within the Contingent.
History
1326 AOR (Age of Ruin): Established as a Nidiran colony by the Valestri (High Elves) and their human and Velgarin consorts.
End of the Age of Ruin: The Valestri Exile left the colony stranded in Granheim, forcing them to self-govern.
Rise of Morrigan Varyon: A former Nidiran noble who declared the colony independent, leading to the foundation of the Principality of Varyon.
194 AEL: The Principality spearheaded the rebellion against the Vorr’khal Sultanate, securing independence for the Contingent.
195 AEL: The Sentinel Treaty was enacted, ensuring the formation of the Allied Sentinel State to police the Rel-Vath Barrens.
465 AEL: King Alivan Varyon II dies, and his eldest daughter, Elyssara Varyon, ascends to the throne at 22 years old.
469 AEL: Reaper’s Port joins the Contingent, despite concerns from Varyon’s leadership.
474 AEL (Present Day): The Principality stands as the most dominant power in the Contingent, though tensions remain high between it and the other factions.
Territories
The Principality of Varyon controls a significant portion of Granheim, including:
The Sunken Keep – The capital, known for its tiered architecture, fortified walls, and vast underground reservoirs.
Dansker – A key port town, serving as a hub for naval trade and shipbuilding.
Valen – A secondary coastal town, notable for its salt trade and fishing industries.
Bothdar – An island settlement within the Daxin Quay, known for its fortified naval garrison.
Various Outlying Farmlands – Providing grain, livestock, and specialized alchemical crops.
Military
The Varyon Military is among the most formidable in the Contingent, organized as follows:
The Sable Guard – Elite heavy infantry and palace guards, personally loyal to the Princess.
The Riverwardens – A powerful naval fleet, maintaining control over coastal waters.
The Varyon Knights – A prestigious order of mounted warriors, led by Aldric Vaelor.
The Arcane Bastion – A cadre of battle-mages, supporting both land and naval engagements.
The Standing Army – Composed of trained levies and professional soldiers, drawn from noble houses and commoner militias.
Laws
The Principality enforces a hierarchical legal code based on aristocratic privilege and feudal duty. Laws are structured as follows:
Royal Mandates – Direct decrees from the Princess, immediately enacted.
Noble Rights – Highborn families maintain legal privileges, including trial by peers.
Merchant Statutes – Protect trade rights, ensuring fair arbitration in commerce and maritime disputes.
Commoner Laws – Governs taxation, land use, and day-to-day civic regulations.
Arcane Regulations – Strictly monitors Aetheric experimentation and magical practices, requiring all spellcasters to register with the Archmagister’s office.
Violations are punished severely, particularly treason, piracy, and unauthorized magical use, which often result in public execution or exile.
Agriculture & Industry
Despite its military focus, the Principality boasts a flourishing economy, driven by:
Irrigated Farmlands – The fertile lands surrounding Lake Vrenna sustain large-scale crop production.
Arcane Alchemy – Specializing in the refinement of magical components, enchanted materials, and Aetheric research.
Shipbuilding – Ports like Dansker and Valen produce some of the finest warships and merchant vessels in Granheim.
Luxury Goods – High-quality silk, glassware, and fine wines are sought after across the continent.
Education
The Principality of Varyon houses one of the most prestigious centers of learning in the Contingent:
The Luminarum Collegium
Location: The Sunken Keep
Focus: Arcane research, military strategy, political sciences, and historical preservation.
Notable Fields of Study:
Aetheric Studies – Understanding and refining Aether-based magic.
Tactical Warfare – Specializing in military command, siegecraft, and logistics.
Diplomatic Theory – Training future nobles, envoys, and statesmen.
Enrollment: Limited to nobles, exceptional scholars, and wealthy merchants.
Library of the Ancients: Houses one of the largest archives of Valestri and Nidiran texts, making it a center for historical research and arcane innovation.
"Through Wisdom, Strength. Through Strength, Sovereignty."
Founding Date
Established as a Nidiran Colony in 1326 AOR, Declared sovereignty in 194 AEL
Type
Geopolitical, Principality
Capital
Alternative Names
The Sunken Principality
Demonym
Varyonite
Leader
Leader Title
Head of State
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Power Structure
Feudal state
Economic System
Mixed economy
Official State Religion
Parent Organization
Location
Official Languages
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members
