The Varyon Royal Family
Overview
The Varyon Royal Family is the ruling lineage of the Principality of Varyon, a sovereign state within the Al-Muru Daxin Contingent. The Varyons have presided over the Sunken Keep and its surrounding territories for centuries, tracing their rule back to Prince Alivan Varyon I, who founded the Principality at the end of the Age of Ruin when the Nidiran colony in Granheim became stranded after the exile of the Valestri. Since then, the Varyons have maintained an iron grip on their throne, navigating political intrigue, foreign tensions, and internal strife to remain the most powerful force within the Contingent.
The family is known for its ruthless pragmatism, unshakable resilience, and unmatched strategic acumen, traits that have allowed them to maintain power despite the shifting political landscape. Though they claim to rule with honor and duty, the Varyons' legacy is one of calculated control, ensuring that no internal or external force can challenge their dominion.
Family Members
Current Ruling Monarch
Princess Elyssara Varyon (31) – The current ruler of the Principality, known for her ruthless political acumen and brilliant military strategies. She ascended the throne nine years ago after the death of her father, Prince Alivan Varyon II.
Immediate Family
Emarosa Varyon (19) – Younger sister of Elyssara, forced into military service at 15 to remove her from the line of succession. Now a rising figure in the Principality’s military and soon-to-be Knight Commander.
Elren Varyon (13) – The youngest sibling, still under Elyssara’s care. It is widely assumed that once he comes of age, Elyssara will also force him into military service, ensuring he poses no threat to her rule.
Extended Family & Political Rivals
Lord Nathaniel Varyon (54) – Uncle to Elyssara, a seasoned noble with quiet ambitions toward the throne. Though outwardly loyal, his network of allies within the nobility suggests he is waiting for an opportunity to challenge his niece.
Rizen Varyon (28) – Nathaniel’s son and potential claimant to the throne. While he lacks Elyssara’s military brilliance, he is a charismatic figure, well-liked by the nobility, and a favorite among merchants and diplomats. He has yet to openly oppose Elyssara but is rumored to be gathering influence behind the scenes.
The History of the Varyon Family
Origins and the Founding of the Principality (1326 AOR – 1 AEL)
The origins of the Varyon family trace back to 1326 AOR (Age of Ruin), when the Nidiran Colony of Varyon was established on the southern coast of Granheim by a contingent of Valestri High Elves, their human consorts, and Velgarin retainers. This colony, intended to be a strategic and economic foothold for Nidira, was largely self-sufficient but still maintained strong ties to the Val’thanis Empire.
However, at the end of the Age of Ruin, the exile of the Valestri beyond the Fey Gates severed these ties. The colony was left leaderless, unable to return to Nidira without the arcane gateways that had once connected them. In the wake of this crisis, the human and Velgarin members of the colony elected a new ruler, Morrigan Varyon, a former Nidiran noble of mixed ancestry who claimed both human and Valestri heritage.
With the Valestri's rule ended, Morrigan established the Principality of Varyon, consolidating the remaining colony under his banner. He built his capital, The Sunken Keep, a fortress-city designed to withstand both war and time, securing his family's legacy. The Principality flourished, embracing a new identity independent of the Val’thanis Empire.
Early Dynastic Struggles and the Strengthening of the Varyon Line (1 AEL – 200 AEL)
The first centuries of Varyon rule were marked by both internal strife and external threats. Without the protection of the Nidiran Empire, the early rulers of Varyon had to contend with raiders, desert nomads, and the political ambitions of neighboring city-states.
72 AEL – The War of the Silver Coast: The Principality repelled an attempted invasion from a coalition of southern desert tribes. The victory cemented the Varyon family's military prowess and led to the founding of Valen and Dansker, two key port towns that would later serve as trade hubs.
126 AEL – The Varyon Succession Crisis: A dispute over the throne between two rival heirs nearly led to civil war. It was resolved only after a decisive duel, establishing a precedent of military excellence as a requirement for rulership.
188 AEL – The Treaty of Varyon: Seeking stability, the ruling Varyon prince entered into a diplomatic alliance with various mercantile and warrior factions, strengthening the Principality’s influence in regional politics.
By 200 AEL, the Varyon name had become synonymous with leadership, martial strength, and unwavering control. The family’s legacy was no longer in question.
The Sultanate Conflict and the Formation of the Al-Muru Daxin Contingent (194 AEL – 280 AEL)
For decades, the Vorr’khal Sultanate expanded its reach across Granheim, seeking to bring the Principality under its control. Tensions between the Sultanate and the Varyon rulers escalated, leading to a prolonged period of border skirmishes, trade blockades, and espionage.
194 AEL – The Varyon-Sultanate Conflict Begins: The Sultanate attempts to install a puppet ruler in Varyon, leading to a decade of unrest.
233 AEL – The Siege of the Sunken Keep: A failed Sultanate invasion solidifies Varyon’s reputation as unconquerable.
280 AEL – The Al-Muru Daxin Contingent is Formed: Recognizing the need for a unified resistance, the Varyon rulers orchestrate a rebellion against the Sultanate, bringing together several other factions to form an independent coalition. This rebellion was ultimately successful, leading to the formal creation of the Al-Muru Daxin Contingent.
The Varyon rulers played a pivotal role in this rebellion, ensuring that their Principality emerged as the dominant faction within the newly formed Contingent.
The Golden Age of Varyon and Political Maneuvering (280 AEL – 465 AEL)
With their independence secured, the Principality of Varyon entered a period of unprecedented expansion and political dominance. The Varyon rulers solidified their military strength, established lucrative trade routes, and positioned themselves as the leaders of the Contingent.
312 AEL – The Varyon Fleet Expansion: The ruling prince commissions an expansion of the navy, securing trade along Granheim’s southern coast.
391 AEL – The Diplomatic Pact of Tzarog: Strengthening ties with the Mercantile Lords of Tzarog, ensuring economic cooperation.
469 AEL – Reaper’s Port Joins the Contingent: The inclusion of the Black Council introduces a new dynamic to the political landscape, forcing the Varyons to navigate uneasy alliances with the pirate factions.
However, internal tensions within the Varyon family grew during this time, as succession disputes and rival ambitions began to surface.
The Modern Era – Elyssara’s Rule and the Future of the Varyons (465 AEL – Present)
In 465 AEL, the death of Prince Alivan II ushered in a new era of Varyon rule. His eldest daughter, Elyssara Varyon, ascended the throne, inheriting a powerful but politically volatile realm.
465 AEL – The Forced Military Enrollment of Emarosa Varyon: To eliminate any threats to her rule, Elyssara forcibly enlists her younger sister into military service, securing her claim.
469 AEL – The Inclusion of Reaper’s Port: Elyssara navigates a delicate political balance, ensuring the Principality remains dominant within the Contingent.
474 AEL – Present Day: As tensions rise both within and outside the Contingent, the Varyon dynasty faces new challenges—from ambitious rivals within their own family, to external threats from the Sultanate and beyond.
The question remains: will the Varyon family maintain their iron grip on the Principality, or will internal fractures and external pressures bring their rule to an end?
Culture
The Varyons have long cultivated a culture of discipline, duty, and sacrifice. Unlike other noble houses that indulge in lavish displays of wealth and grandeur, the Varyons project a more austere, militaristic presence, emphasizing competency over vanity.
Key aspects of Varyon family culture include:
Bloodline Purity: The Varyons trace their lineage back to both human and Valestri nobility, making them one of the few ruling families outside of Nidira with a direct, albeit diluted, connection to the High Elves. While they do not enforce strict marriage customs, they prefer noble unions that ensure strength and strategic advantage.
Martial Excellence: Every member of the Varyon family is expected to train in swordsmanship, warfare, and tactics from a young age. Even those not intended for battle must understand the art of war, for leadership in the Principality is synonymous with military command.
Absolute Loyalty to the Throne: Varyon family members are expected to put duty before personal ambition or emotion. Those who defy this expectation are either exiled, politically neutered, or placed in positions where they can no longer challenge the reigning monarch (as seen with Emarosa Varyon, who was forced into military service to remove her from the line of succession).
Symbolism of the Sun: The Varyons have long associated themselves with the Sun, both as a representation of guidance and dominion. Their banners bear the golden sunburst sigil, and their rulers are often given titles associated with light and order.
Assets
The Varyon family commands significant wealth and military strength, making them the dominant power within the Al-Muru Daxin Contingent. Their assets include:
The Sunken Keep – The seat of power for the Varyon lineage, an immense fortress-city carved into the desert rock, famous for its vast subterranean reservoirs, unbreakable walls, and strategic position.
The Varyon Fleet – While not as numerous as the Sultanate’s navy, the Principality’s well-trained naval forces patrol its coastal cities and rivers, ensuring control over key trade routes.
The Varyon Legions – A highly disciplined military force, known for its elite cavalry, heavily armored infantry, and skilled tacticians.
Economic Dominance – The Principality holds key trade cities such as Dansker and Valen, controlling the flow of goods between inland territories and the sea.
Knightly Orders – The Knights of Varyon serve as the Principality’s elite warriors, trained in mounted combat, strategy, and high-level warfare.
"A Crown Forged in Trial, A Kingdom Held in Steel."
Type
Political, Family
Family Leader
