Valaris
Valaris was once a very wild region.
Many different groups and races arrived in the Eastern region, attracted to the beautiful and bountiful lands. From the rolling hills, exotic foods, glimmering lakes, and even griffins, the eastern realms are considered the most beautiful and rich across all of Xanthiri.
Of course such resources and beauty lead to much fighting over the eastern realms for control. Not once has a single power controlled all of Valaris. The early settlers of the eastern realms eventually created their own city-states, drawing lines in the sand so to speak.
They founded their own cities independent from each other, but often trading among themselves. The threat of a past invasion urged them to ally together, and eventually came together as the nation of Valaris. Many have tried to take the beauty of the east from them, but the united effort of the Merchant Kings has made Valaris untouchable.
Treachery now looms within the circle of the Merchant Kings, a traitor among them, rebellions damaging their relations. The beauty and lavishness of Valaris seems to be nothing more than a mask, and it is beginning to slip.
Government
Valaris is a confederacy comprised of several city-states that inhabit the eastern realms. Each one differs slightly in government, population, and religion, but they are all united under the banner of Valaris. There is no formal overarching government, but the leaders of the city-states are known as the Merchant Kings. The Merchant Kings are comprised of the leaders of the city-states and anyone else elected to serve. They come together in Dafine City to decide on things such as foreign policies, preferring not to be told how to run their individual cities by anyone. They are notoriously proud and have some difficulties working together, typically only really coming together to join forces in times of war. There is, however, a special sort of position that one is elected to fill. The King of Kings is a position that can only be held by a person for two years before being passed to someone else, and serves the purpose of breaking ties and serving as a sort of judge. The current King of Kings, Anthizo, hails from the city-state of Manaan.Military
Valaris can assemble a joint military between the cities that should not be underestimated, as it is an impressive collection of military tactics and fighters, headed by the esteemed generals from the cities.
Religion
There is a wide variety of religious practices in Valaris. It mostly depends on the city-state's population and location. City-states ruled by dwarven have a prominent display of ancestor worship, cities ruled by elves put their worship of the Elvhen gods on display. This can cause some tension between states, especially when the Merchant Kings have to meet, but their signed treaties keep anything from happening.
Valaris is also the only nation in Emryne with a significant agnostic population. While humans of the east may borrow some traditions and unknowingly hold Martalian or Tasakm values, they don't actively follow either religion or participate in worship.
Agriculture & Industry
Valaris is a green and abundant land, though most farm lands are towards the south, away from the thick forests. Their main agricultural products include silk, fruits, goats and sheep. Vineyards in Valaris also help to create the largest wine industry in Emryne, and is popular all across the realms.
Education
Education and schooling is typically for the wealthy of Valaris, but because their culture values philosophy and intelligence, going to a school is not the end-all be-all. There are many libraries and philosophers who interact with general people, in an attempt to foster a love of wisdom. Many teachers even volunteer their time to educate poorer communities, resulting in a surprisingly well-read youth. Truly, anyone with the skill can become successful. Or at the very least, they can become merchants, who are also valued.
The culture of Valaris schools is much different. It is mostly for rich kids to get together, make connections, and have fun overall. Because they are exposed to learning and books regardless of school, universities and academies are seen as snobbish. Students are known to get into trouble, and then they get away with it. That is not to say they learn nothing, as most of them go on to become teachers or doctors.
Type
Geopolitical, Country
Capital
Demonym
Valaran
Leader
Government System
Plutocracy
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Mixed economy
Official Languages
Controlled Territories
Related Ethnicities
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