Vaelyn is a city of circles—both in design and in destiny. Perched on the shores of Loch Alun, its concentric rings mirror the ripples of the lake itself, as though the city’s architects sought to reflect nature’s rhythms in stone and mortar. At its heart lies Sanctum, the smallest and most guarded of the five wards, where governance and faith entwine beneath the watchful gaze of the Exaltun. Beyond this inner sanctum, four larger wards radiate outward, forming the city’s bustling core: Verdant, Hearth, Muse, and Quint. Each ward has its role and its temperament, creating a society that hums with purpose—a delicate equilibrium forged in the aftermath of calamity.
Vaelyn was born from necessity. In the closing years of the Maelstrom, as the world succumbed to chaos and ruin, the Exaltun led a desperate migration across shattered lands and treacherous seas. Their destination was Eldria, a land shrouded in an impenetrable mist that devoured any who dared enter. When the Exaltun and their followers arrived, the mist parted—a miracle? Or perhaps, simply, a grim acknowledgment of their desperation. On the banks of Loch Alun, they laid the foundations for what would become their last refuge. It took three decades to construct Vaelyn, yet the city stood as a symbol not only of endurance but also of hope's stubborn refusal to be extinguished.
The city’s design is both practical and symbolic. The outer two rings—referred to simply as the Inner and Outer—are divided into four equal sections, each ward serving a distinct purpose. Verdant is a haven of green spaces, its parks and gardens providing both sustenance and serenity to the populace. Hearth buzzes with life and laughter, its streets alive with taverns, theaters, and the hum of conversation. Muse is the city’s artistic soul, where craftsmen and creators mold raw material into objects of beauty and utility. Quint, meanwhile, is the mercantile engine, its markets and docks drawing traders from across Eldria and beyond. These wards encircle Sanctum, the city’s core, where the Exaltun’s cathedral, the Allspire, rises in defiance of the mist and the memory of the Old World.
For those who call Vaelyn home, life is startlingly free of hardship. Hunger is a relic of the past; poverty, an unfamiliar word. The city’s governance ensures that all have a role, a purpose, and a place. This harmony is not happenstance. It is the lingering shadow of Valgus, the Old World’s capital, whose ideals of abundance and order have been transcribed into Vaelyn’s very stones. Yet, even in this well-ordered existence, there lingers a tension—an unspoken fear that the storms outside the barrier are patient, and that one day, even the Exaltunate’s vigilance may falter.
Vaelyn’s defenses are as much a marvel of faith as they are of arcane ingenuity. Chief among them is The Firmament, a shimmering shield that cloaks the city in an impenetrable veil of energy. This barrier is not the product of conventional sorcery but rather a direct channeling of power from the ancient ruins upon which Vaelyn was built. At the forefront of this mechanism stands the Empyrean, an unmovable statue whose veins of stone pulse with raw energy drawn from the earth below. Through the Exaltun’s own will, this power is amplified, forming the unseen barrier that shields Vaelyn from the encroaching chaos.
Vaelyn was born from necessity. In the closing years of the Maelstrom, as the world succumbed to chaos and ruin, the Exaltun led a desperate migration across shattered lands and treacherous seas. Their destination was Eldria, a land shrouded in an impenetrable mist that devoured any who dared enter. When the Exaltun and their followers arrived, the mist parted—a miracle? Or perhaps, simply, a grim acknowledgment of their desperation. On the banks of Loch Alun, they laid the foundations for what would become their last refuge. It took three decades to construct Vaelyn, yet the city stood as a symbol not only of endurance but also of hope's stubborn refusal to be extinguished.
The city’s design is both practical and symbolic. The outer two rings—referred to simply as the Inner and Outer—are divided into four equal sections, each ward serving a distinct purpose. Verdant is a haven of green spaces, its parks and gardens providing both sustenance and serenity to the populace. Hearth buzzes with life and laughter, its streets alive with taverns, theaters, and the hum of conversation. Muse is the city’s artistic soul, where craftsmen and creators mold raw material into objects of beauty and utility. Quint, meanwhile, is the mercantile engine, its markets and docks drawing traders from across Eldria and beyond. These wards encircle Sanctum, the city’s core, where the Exaltun’s cathedral, the Allspire, rises in defiance of the mist and the memory of the Old World.
For those who call Vaelyn home, life is startlingly free of hardship. Hunger is a relic of the past; poverty, an unfamiliar word. The city’s governance ensures that all have a role, a purpose, and a place. This harmony is not happenstance. It is the lingering shadow of Valgus, the Old World’s capital, whose ideals of abundance and order have been transcribed into Vaelyn’s very stones. Yet, even in this well-ordered existence, there lingers a tension—an unspoken fear that the storms outside the barrier are patient, and that one day, even the Exaltunate’s vigilance may falter.
Vaelyn’s defenses are as much a marvel of faith as they are of arcane ingenuity. Chief among them is The Firmament, a shimmering shield that cloaks the city in an impenetrable veil of energy. This barrier is not the product of conventional sorcery but rather a direct channeling of power from the ancient ruins upon which Vaelyn was built. At the forefront of this mechanism stands the Empyrean, an unmovable statue whose veins of stone pulse with raw energy drawn from the earth below. Through the Exaltun’s own will, this power is amplified, forming the unseen barrier that shields Vaelyn from the encroaching chaos.
Age of Dominarus
The Age of Dominarus exists almost entirely in the realm of conjecture and legend, its truths buried beneath eons of silence and shadow. It was a time before time, when an ancient race—known to history only as the Precursors—reigned over the world. The Seekers of the Wheel, scholars devoted to unearthing the mysteries of the past, claim these beings possessed unparalleled mastery over the Wheel, bending its forces to shape reality itself. Their cities, they say, defied imagination: towers that reached beyond the clouds, conduits of energy coursing through their walls, and mechanisms of power that rendered their civilization godlike.Yet all that remains of this enigmatic epoch is the Empyrean, the colossal statue that now guards the front gate of Vaelyn. Carved from white stone unlike any found in Eldria, the statue is impervious to all attempts at alteration or destruction, a silent sentinel of a forgotten age. The Seekers propose that the power infused within the Empyrean serves as a conduit to the Wheel itself, though such claims remain unproven. Beyond the statue, the world bears only faint scars of the Precursors’ grandeur—crumbling ruins swallowed by time and obscured by myth. What drove their dominion to an end, no one knows. Perhaps they reached too far, or perhaps the Wheel turned against them. Their silence leaves only questions.
Age of Silence
If the Age of Dominarus was a time of boundless creation, the Age of Silence was its antithesis: a period marked by the unraveling of all that had come before. The Wheel, once a harmonious engine of balance and power, was shattered—by what or whom, history does not say. Its breaking plunged the world into disarray, severing the delicate equilibrium between creation, destruction, and consciousness. Sorcery became unpredictable, often catastrophic, and the civilizations that had flourished in the shadow of the Precursors collapsed under the weight of their own hubris and the chaos that followed.Eldria itself was swallowed by the Mist, a phenomenon as unyielding as it was inexplicable. The land became an enigma, a place lost to time and memory, sealed away as if by the will of the world itself. The Six Primal Kin, the races that emerged after the fall of these precursors, scattered to the winds, each carving out their own survival amidst the ruins. Records from this era are virtually nonexistent, either destroyed in the ensuing chaos or lost to the inexorable passage of time. What remains are fragments—tales of ruin, whispered warnings, and faint echoes of a world that once was.
In the absence of knowledge, speculation fills the void. Some believe the Mist’s arrival was a protective measure, shielding Eldria from further devastation. Others see it as a punishment, a divine reckoning for the arrogance of the past. Whatever its origin, the Mist became both a barrier and a shroud, leaving Eldria to linger in isolation while the rest of the world moved on, unaware of the secrets hidden within. The Age of Silence did not end with a triumph or revelation; it faded into obscurity, its mysteries sealed as tightly as the land it left behind.
Age of Exaltation
For thousands of years, the world lingered in a strange equilibrium. The Wheel was broken, its once-seamless cycle of creation and destruction left in ruins, and the natural order began a slow descent into stasis. Death became an unyielding endpoint. Barren lands, robbed of renewal, stood untouched for millennia, their emptiness a quiet accusation against a world that had forgotten how to turn. And yet, the world endured. The sun still rose, rivers still flowed, and life clung stubbornly to what scraps of vitality remained. It was a liminal age, defined less by what was achieved and more by what was avoided. No cataclysm came to finish the job the Wheel had started.In this stagnant landscape, hope flickered, embodied by a singular figure who would later be known as the Exaltun. Appearing without fanfare, the Exaltun traversed the broken nations, uniting peoples who had long since resigned themselves to decline. Their words kindled belief, their actions inspired unity, and their vision wove prosperity from the ashes of despair. Nations flourished under the Exaltun's guidance, defying the limitations imposed by the fractured Wheel. Crops grew, cities thrived, and trade routes stretched across lands that had nearly forgotten the meaning of commerce. Yet, even as the world at large began to heal, one land waited—Eldria, cloaked in its shroud of mist, untouched by the Exaltun's hand, as though it bided its time for something more profound.
Age of Ruination
The fall of Valgus marked the end of an era and the beginning of a harrowing journey. Once the jewel of the Old World, Valgus stood as a symbol of the ingenuity and resilience of its people. Its luminous towers pierced the heavens, and its streets pulsed with the lifeblood of a thriving civilization. But when the Maelstrom descended, it was not to be spared. Raging storms tore through its heart, seas rose to consume its outskirts, and the Black Sea—an inky void born of chaos—swallowed all that could not flee. Valgus crumbled, leaving behind only fractured memories and a scattering of desperate survivors.The Maelstrom was not a singular event but a prolonged agony, stretching across decades. Its chaos was relentless, an unyielding force that consumed lands, reshaped borders, and drove countless civilizations to the brink of extinction. In this crucible of destruction, the Exaltun once again rose to prominence. Declaring Vaelyn as the new refuge, they called upon the remnants of the Eon Circle, a venerable order of scholars and mystics, to aid in a monumental task: the salvation of as many lives as possible. Ships were dispatched to every known corner of the world, braving treacherous waters and tempestuous skies to carry the lost and the desperate to Eldria’s shores. And then, the Mist, which had cloaked Eldria for untold centuries, began to part.
The opening of the Mist was as much a mystery as it was a miracle. Where once it had swallowed explorers and would-be conquerors alike, the shroud now lifted, revealing Eldria as if the land itself had chosen this moment to reemerge. Some claimed the Exaltun’s arrival triggered the phenomenon, while others whispered of ancient forces stirring beneath Loch Alun. Whatever the cause, the path to salvation was unveiled, and on the banks of the great lake, Vaelyn began to take shape.
The ruins of an ancient civilization provided the foundation for a city that would defy the Maelstrom's wrath. The Exaltun, drawing upon the latent power within Eldria's stones, channeled the power of The Empyrean and forged the Firmament to shield the city from encroaching destruction. As years passed, Vaelyn grew from a fledgling settlement into a bastion of hope, its five wards ringing the lake like protective arms. Here, mortalkind—and all the disparate races of the world—found shelter. Though the Maelstrom raged on, it could not penetrate the barrier, and Vaelyn endured.
Loch Alun
Loch Alun dominates the surrounding geography of Vaelyn, encircling the city with its fathomless depths and an enigmatic allure that borders on the supernatural. It is no ordinary lake—a mirror that stretches for miles, its waters are deceptively still on the surface but teeming with a life found nowhere else in the known world. Strange bioluminescent fish weave through sunken ruins, their eerie glow illuminating shipwrecks scattered across the lakebed like forgotten artifacts of an age no one remembers. Local superstition runs deep; some claim the lake is alive, a sentient being that guards Vaelyn as much as it tempts its destruction. To stand at its edge is to feel the weight of a thousand eyes staring back, just beneath the surface. The waters are treacherous, swallowing sailors and ships whole, yet they remain a vital lifeline—a source of sustenance, mystery, and the occasional misplaced bravado. Even its shores are marked by a sense of uneasy reverence. The ruins of docks and piers cling precariously to the edge of the city, reminders of ventures both prosperous and ill-fated. Fishermen speak of phantom vessels that drift silently in the mist, their crews long since claimed by the depths. Legends of the "Lakeborn," ghostly figures said to rise from the water on moonlit nights, fuel tales of both dread and fascination.Eldranor
Eldranor sprawls to the east of Vaelyn, connected by the Loch Bridge. The land begins with Hale’s Hold, a sturdy keep that guards the entrance to the bridge and provides a sense of security for those traveling into Vaelyn. Surrounding the hold are sprawling fields, where fertile soil yields crops that sustain the city’s populace. Nearby, The Lodge—a stately manor—stands as a beacon for excellence in various crafts and professions, a gathering place for masters of their respective trades. Following the Vael Road—a winding path leading to the north of the Hold—leads then further east to Thornwood, the region’s line of defense against outside forces. Thornwood is no ordinary outpost; it is a bastion of the Exalted Legion, fortified against the chaos beyond. The keep rises amidst undulating hills, with the imposing peak of Mount Myrrin casting its shadow over the surrounding terrain. This is where the Firmament ends, where the bulwark of civilization gives way to a volatile frontier. Thornwood’s soldiers stand vigilant, their resolve unyielding as they hold the line against those who would seek to breach Vaelyn’s defenses.Eon Peninsula
To the west of Vaelyn lies the Eon Peninsula, a narrow landmass accessed by the West Bridge, a modest crossing inscribed with glyphs that shimmer faintly in the dark. Here stands the Wyrstone Keep, the monumental home of the Eon Circle and the seat of the Sixfold Council. The spire itself is a marvel of architectural ambition—a towering edifice of marble and crystal that seems to hum with latent power. It houses not only the archives and sanctums of the Circle but also serves as a fortress, defending the peninsula from incursions to the north. The Eon Circle governs all matters of magic from this vantage, their influence stretching across the Exaltunate. From the Wyrstone’s pinnacle, one can see the forests of Vitikan sprawling into the distance, a stark contrast to the austere, almost otherworldly atmosphere of the spire. Though the Eon Peninsula remains largely uninhabited save for those in service to the Circle, its strategic importance and mystical aura make it a cornerstone of Vaelyn’s stability.Vitikan
North of the Eon Peninsula lies Vitikan, a vast expanse of ancient forests and military fortifications. This region is home to the Valorwell, an arena steeped in tradition and blood. The arena is presided over by the Guardian of Elsar, a colossal winged statue wielding a sword that catches the light of dawn with an almost divine brilliance. The Grand Rites and Tournaments held here draw spectators and participants from the city, their battles a display of both martial prowess and the indomitable spirit of those who call the Exaltunate home. Vitikan is more of a stronghold for the Legion than it is a venue for spectacle. Encampments, armories, and training grounds are scattered throughout the forest, their presence a stark reminder of the constant vigilance required to defend Vaelyn from western threats. The land’s natural beauty—its towering pines, rushing streams, and hidden glades—is juxtaposed against the harsh reality of its militarization. Here, the serenity of the forest meets the grim determination of a people prepared to fight for their survival.
The Firmament
The Firmament is Vaelyn’s silent sentinel, an unseen barrier that hums with quiet power until one dares approach its threshold. To the unknowing eye, the Firmament appears as nothing more than open air, but as one draws near, it reveals itself in a delicate shimmer, like the surface of a bubble kissed by sunlight. Its protection is absolute; those who attempt to step beyond without proper escort or overwhelming numbers are seldom heard from again. Tales of those who breached the barrier tell of swift and merciless fates, as though the forces outside are impatient to reclaim any who stray. This shield was forged by the Exaltun, who channeled the limitless energy of the Empyrean through his own being to erect the Firmament. This act of monumental willpower created a sanctuary where life could endure even as the Maelstrom threatened to consume all. The Firmament is sustained by the bond between the Exaltun and the Empyrean, their combined power radiating outward to form a protective dome over Vaelyn and its surrounding lands. It is a declaration—a luminous line drawn against the chaos. The Firmament’s protective embrace is not without its rules and mysteries. Those who draw close to its boundaries describe a subtle warmth, a sensation of being observed and safeguarded. It does not discriminate; all who seek refuge within its borders are granted its protection. Yet, it is an unforgiving sentinel to those who breach its trust. Tales abound of rogue mercenaries and desperate wanderers who dared to defy the Firmament’s limits, only to vanish into the mist beyond.The Empyrean
At the beginning of Vaelyn, the Empyrean stands in silent majesty. Known as Tobias, this colossal statue is the sole remnant of a precursor civilization that remains untouched by the ravages of time or conflict. Its unblemished form rises from the city’s core, a beacon of hope and an enduring symbol of protection. Carved from an otherworldly stone whose surface seems to shimmer faintly under moonlight, Tobias exudes a warmth that defies explanation. Inscribed upon its base are the words: "For those whose stories could not be told, we hold their light forever." The Empyrean is the soul of Vaelyn—a guardian whose essence resonates with all who dwell within the Firmament. Legends surround the Empyrean, whispered in every corner of the Exaltunate. Some say that the Embodiment of Love, moved by the purity of an unfulfilled story, chose to reside within the statue. This union, they believe, birthed a shield that not only protects but also warms the hearts of those it shelters. The Empyrean Stones, said to be fragments of its power, are imbued with the ability to bind individuals to Waygates, offering them a chance to escape danger and find safety. These stones, priceless and revered, are a lifeline drawn from the Empyrean’s infinite reserves. To the citizens of Vaelyn, the Empyrean is more than a protector—it is sacred. To touch the statue unbidden is considered a crime of the highest order, a sacrilege against the very foundation of their safety. Even the most hardened skeptics find themselves hushed in its presence, their cynicism softened by the unshakable reverence Tobias commands. In times of strife, the people of Vaelyn gather at its base, seeking not just protection but a reminder of the light that endures even in the darkest of times. The Empyrean, in its unyielding silence, holds the weight of their hopes and dreams, an unbroken guardian of a fragile world.The Five Wards
Sanctum Ward
At the heart of Vaelyn rises the Allspire, a cathedral of impossible grandeur that pierces the heavens themselves. Standing as the pinnacle of Sanctum Ward, it is more than a structure—it is the nexus of power, faith, and governance. Home to the Exaltun and the seat of the Voicari, the Allspire houses the intricate operations that keep the Exaltunate functioning. Its spires ascend beyond the clouds, a feat of engineering so precise and ambitious that it rivals even the enigmatic creations of the Precursors. Within its vast halls are chambers for council, cloisters for reflection, and vaults where the secrets of the Exaltunate are kept under vigilant watch. Beneath this towering marvel lies the Allspire Cross, an ingenious subterranean network of pathways that converge directly beneath the cathedral. The Cross is the lifeblood of Vaelyn’s transportation, allowing swift passage between wards and providing an efficient alternative to navigating the city’s bustling streets. It is here that the heartbeat of Vaelyn can be felt most vividly, where couriers, merchants, and officials brush shoulders as they traverse the arterial paths of the Exaltunate’s core. The Allspire’s imposing silhouette and its labyrinthine depths together epitomize the duality of Vaelyn: a city grounded in purpose yet perpetually reaching for something greater.Hearth Ward
If Sanctum is the Exaltunate’s mind, Hearth Ward is its heart. This is where Vaelyn truly comes alive, where laughter echoes through the streets and the scent of spiced ale drifts from the Golden Chalice tavern. The Chalice stands at the center of the ward’s inner circle, a lively nexus of camaraderie and storytelling, where adventurers, scholars, and merchants alike trade tales over frothy mugs. Opposite it is the Scholar’s Society, an eclectic assembly of scientists and thinkers operating out of the Hearth Hospital. Here, experimentation and innovation thrive, with curious minds pushing the boundaries of what is known in pursuit of what might be possible. At the ward’s edge lies the Exalted Forum, the most frequented gathering spot in all of Vaelyn. Flanked by vibrant displays and shaded courtyards, the Forum’s open-air plaza is a stage for public discourse, impromptu performances, and the ceaseless hum of city life. Hearth Ward is Vaelyn’s pulse, where the city’s vitality finds its fullest expression and where every corner brims with a sense of shared purpose and unyielding momentum.Quint Ward
Quint Ward is Vaelyn’s mercantile engine, a district where the art of trade is elevated to a near-spiritual pursuit. Its inner streets teem with markets, each stall a microcosm of the city’s diversity. Merchants hawk their wares with practiced fervor, their voices rising in a cacophony of competing pitches. Rare silks from distant shores, delicately forged trinkets, and barrels of exotic spices create a kaleidoscope of color and scent that defines the ward’s bustling core. Closer to the water, the outer ring offers a quieter contrast. Here, dockyards hum with the steady rhythm of labor as goods are unloaded and cataloged for distribution across the city. Staircases descend to meet the lake, their stone steps worn smooth by centuries of use. Quint Ward thrives on its duality: the vibrant chaos of its markets balanced by the orderly efficiency of its docks, both integral to Vaelyn’s enduring prosperity.Muse Ward
Muse Ward is where the soul of Vaelyn takes form, its streets a canvas painted with the vibrant hues of creativity and expression. Galleries line the cobblestone avenues, their windows showcasing masterworks that range from the classical to the avant-garde. The air is thick with the scent of freshly mixed paints and the faint strains of music drifting from open studio doors. This is a district where art is not merely appreciated; it is lived. At the heart of Muse Ward stands the Repository, Vaelyn’s sprawling public library and home to the Elenium, the adventurer’s guild. The Repository is both a sanctuary of knowledge and a nerve center for the daring souls who seek to expand the boundaries of the known world. Beneath its vaulted ceilings, adventurers and scholars share space, their pursuits of glory and understanding intersecting in a shared pursuit of the extraordinary. Muse Ward is a symbol of the boundless potential of imagination and the belief that beauty can be found even in the most tumultuous times.Verdant Ward
Verdant Ward offers a breath of tranquility within the city’s ceaseless motion. Its inner gardens are an oasis of green, where ponds glimmer beneath weeping willows and winding paths lead to quiet alcoves shaded by flowering trellises. This is where the citizens of Vaelyn come to find respite, to lose themselves in the simple beauty of nature’s embrace. The ward’s horticulturalists are artists in their own right, cultivating landscapes that inspire both reflection and renewal. The outer ring of Verdant Ward slopes gently toward the lake, where smaller docks and boathouses punctuate the shoreline. Wooden staircases descend into the water, their landings serving as quiet retreats for anglers and poets alike. Verdant Ward is a living reminder of the city’s harmony with the natural world, a district where Vaelyn’s enduring spirit finds its gentlest, most verdant expression.
House Exaltun
The House Exaltun sits at the apex of Eldria’s hierarchy, an institution so shrouded in reverence and mystery that it borders on myth. The Exaltun, its enigmatic sovereign, is not merely a ruler but a divine entity in the eyes of the faithful. No one has ever seen the Exaltun; their presence is veiled behind layers of ritual and secrecy, their word conveyed through the Undercrown. The Exaltun’s authority is absolute, their proclamations shaping the very core of life for those who serve under the Firmament. To question their will is to question existence itself.Administration
At the helm of the Exaltunate’s daily operations stands the Undercrown, a figure of immense power and unrelenting responsibility. As the Exaltun’s voice and hand, the Undercrown wields authority over all facets of governance, from military strategy to the appointment of nobility. They chair the Voicari Council, oversee the Black Order—the Exaltunate’s elite operatives—and serve as the de facto arbiter in times of crisis. In war, the Undercrown assumes the mantle of Imperial Warmaster, commanding all branches of the Exaltunate’s military with precision and resolve.The Voicari Council serves as both an advisory body and a mechanism of governance. Comprising representatives from each of the races recognized by the Exaltunate, the council addresses matters of law, infrastructure, trade, security, and magic regulation. Although their decisions require the Undercrown’s ratification, the Voicari wield considerable influence, especially in their management of the Black Hand’s operations. The council’s sessions are punctuated by moments of public engagement, where nobles and commoners alike may present grievances or petitions.
Assisting the Voicari is the Interior Ministry, a specialized body that liaises between the council and the Ward Governors. Interior Ministers, known as Consuls, are dispatched to assess and address the needs of Vaelyn’s wards, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently. These consuls act as both facilitators and enforcers, embodying the Exaltunate’s commitment to order and progress within its urban heart.
The Ward Governors, one for each of Vaelyn’s wards, are elected or appointed to serve terms. They oversee taxation, law enforcement, infrastructure, and community welfare within their respective districts. Each governor is supported by Ward Representatives, officials chosen to represent specific streets or communities. These representatives act as intermediaries, voicing the concerns of the populace and aiding in the administration of their wards. Guilds with six or more members are required to elect a representative to ensure their interests are also considered.
Nobility
The nobility of Eldria is a complex and stratified hierarchy, with each rank not only embodying privilege but also bearing specific duties that serve the realm. At the apex is the Exaltun, a figure of divine authority whose word transcends mortal governance. Beneath the Exaltun lies the Divine Nobility, which includes the Undercrown and the royal family, collectively styled as Princes or Princesses of Eldria. These figures, operating with the direct mandate of the Exaltun, hold power that eclipses even the highest echelons of government. Their influence extends over law, military command, and ceremonial representation, cementing their role as the embodiment of divine will.The Consular Nobility bridges the gap between the divine and the administrative, composed of pivotal roles such as the Voicari—the racial representatives of the Exaltunate—and the High Consul, who leads the Interior Ministry with unmatched bureaucratic acumen. The High Arbiter occupies a singular position of authority, blending judicial and ecclesiastical powers to enforce both law and faith, and the Sixfold Council of the Eon Circle wield absolute authority over the control of magic, as well as providing authority to the Seekers of the Wheel in their endeavours to understand the world around them. These figures ensure that governance operates smoothly, uniting diverse cultural perspectives under a shared framework of order and tradition.
Beneath them lies the Capital Nobility, a tier defined by territorial stewardship and military command. Dukes govern expansive inland territories, acting as both rulers and regional coordinators for the Exaltunate’s broader policies. Marquises oversee critical military regions and borderlands, their command crucial to the realm’s defense. Below them, the remaining bulk of the Titled Nobility rests. Castellans, tasked with managing fortified border keeps, often operate in concert with Marquises but with a more localized focus. Viscounts preside over resource-rich inland territories, such as agricultural or mining districts, ensuring the sustenance and economic vitality of the Exaltunate. Barons govern towns, cities, or clusters of villages, balancing local governance with broader directives from their superiors. Knights, though often landless, are recognized as symbols of martial excellence and may be granted minor estates or fiefdoms within larger territories for their service. At the base of the hierarchy rests the Gentry, noble in name but lacking substantive authority or land. Their role is largely ceremonial, often acting as envoys or patrons within their communities.
The House of Peers
The House of Peers stands as a cornerstone of Eldria’s legislative framework, a deliberative body where nobles convene to shape the governance of the realm. Participation in the House is voluntary, yet its influence ensures that only the most dedicated and ambitious nobles opt in. Chaired by the High Consul, the House serves as a crucible for political discourse, where ideas are debated and legislation is forged. While its decisions are subject to ratification by the Voicari, the House wields considerable power in shaping the laws and policies of the Exaltunate. Key responsibilities of the House include:- Advising the Voicari on matters of political and social importance.
- Drafting and debating proposed changes to existing laws.
- Holding monthly sessions to deliberate on pressing issues within the Exaltunate.
- Providing a platform for nobles to voice concerns or champion causes relevant to their territories.
| Rank/Title | Term of Address | Role and Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Exaltun | Your Divinity | The Living-Deity of the Exaltunate of Eldria and the de jure head of all government organizations across the empire. All roads lead to the Exaltun, yet they are never seen. The will of the Exaltun is carried out through their right hand, the Undercrown. |
| Undercrown | Your Serenity | Right hand of the Exaltun, Warmaster of Eldria, and Speaker of the Voicari Council. The Undercrown represents the will of the Exaltun and therefore has the authority to act on their behalf on nearly all matters of state. |
| Princes/Princesses | Your Imperial Highnesses | Children and relatives of the Exaltun and the Undercrown. |
| Voicari | Your Imperial Excellency | Representatives of the Six Primal Kin of the mortal realm. Each individual also occupies a seat on the Voicari Council, which manages laws, trade, diplomacy, war, and other matters of statecraft and rulership. |
| Primogen | Your Venerable | Leaders of the Eon Circle and the Seekers of the Wheel. Tasked with overseeing magical research and defense against supernatural threats while advising the Voicari on magic law. |
| High Consul | Your Excellency | Leader of the Interior Ministry, overseeing public works, trade regulations, and ensuring the Ward Governors' needs are met. Responsible for executing the Voicari’s will across Vaelyn. |
| Consul | Ser or Ma'am | Assistants to the High Consul, ensuring that Ward Governors' needs are met and aiding in the administration of wards. |
| High Arbiter | Your Serene Holiness | Leader of Vaelyn’s courts and the Church of the Exaltun. Oversees justice, the faith, and the actions of magistrates and deacons. |
| Arbiter | Your Honour, Your Holiness | Magistrates and deacons who judge trials and preach faith, serving under the High Arbiter. |
| Duke | Your Eminence | Oversees major territories, often with vassal Marquises, Castellans, Viscounts, and Barons. May hold key diplomatic or government roles. |
| Marquis | Your Serene Grace | Governs critical border regions or military strongholds, often leading levies or mercenary forces. |
| Castellan | Your Grace | Manages strategic outland or border states, ensuring trade route security and defense. |
| Viscount | Your Lordship | Oversees inland territories with a focus on resource production, such as agriculture or mining. |
| Baron | Your Lordship | Governs towns or cities, focusing on artisanal, commercial, or industrial development. |
| Knight | Ser or Dame | Recognized for martial excellence. Often non-landed, they may be granted estates or fiefdoms. |
| Gentry | Master or Mistress | Noble in name, often family members of landed nobles or honored for service. |
| Ward Governor | Your Excellency | Elected or appointed leaders of Vaelyn’s four main Wards. Responsible for infrastructure, tax collection, and citizen welfare. Can request aid from the Interior Ministry. |
| Ward Representative | Ser or Ma'am | Representatives of ward subdivisions. Advise Ward Governors and act as intermediaries for their communities. |
Certified Guilds
The Lodge
The Lodge is the apex of professional excellence in Vaelyn, an elite assembly of individuals who have transcended the boundaries of their respective crafts. Membership is reserved for those who have achieved unparalleled mastery, earning titles such as "The Alchemist" or "The Artificer," which signify their dominance in their fields. Operating out of a stately manor in Hale’s Hold, the Lodge serves as both a guild and a regulatory body, issuing Professional Permits required for practicing specialized trades within the Exaltunate. Their influence extends beyond mere craftsmanship; they are purveyors of innovation and arbiters of quality, ensuring that the Exaltunate’s standards remain unmatched.The Elenium
The Elenium, Vaelyn’s renowned adventurer’s guild, is a bastion for those seeking glory, fortune, or simply the thrill of the unknown. Members are ranked through a system colloquially referred to by metals, starting with Bronze, followed by Silver, Gold, Platinum, Mythril, and Adamantine—a progression that reflects increasing skill, achievement, and renown. Operating from the Repository in Muse Ward, the Elenium serves as both a center for quests and a hub for camaraderie. Adventurers from across the Exaltunate gather here to take on contracts, share tales of their exploits, and hone their skills under the mentorship of seasoned veterans.The Scholar’s Society
At the intersection of intellect and curiosity lies the Scholar’s Society, a guild dedicated to scientific advancement and the pursuit of knowledge. Based in the Hearth Hospital of Hearth Ward, the Society is home to alchemists, researchers, and experimentalists who push the boundaries of understanding through rigorous experimentation. Members of the Society conduct clinical trials with willing participants and tackle challenges ranging from medicinal breakthroughs to mechanical innovation. Their work is not without controversy, but their contributions to Vaelyn’s progress are undeniable.The Mythril Hammer
The Mythril Hammer is both a merchant’s guild and a craftsman’s collective, specializing in the acquisition and refinement of rare minerals and metals. They are the lifeline of Vaelyn’s industrial and artisanal sectors, undertaking perilous expeditions to secure resources critical to the Exaltunate’s economy. Without a central headquarters, the guild operates through a network of sponsored smithies and workshops, each bearing the unmistakable insignia of the Mythril Hammer. Craftsmen and merchants alike rely on their expertise to source materials of unparalleled quality.The Waygate
The Waygate Guild comprises Vaelyn’s most skilled artificers, masters of blending the arcane and the mechanical. Based in the Eon Circle, these innovators are responsible for crafting and maintaining the city’s Waygates—devices capable of instantaneous transport. Their work is pivotal to Vaelyn’s connectivity and defense, ensuring the safe passage of goods, people, and ideas across the Exaltunate. The Waygate Guild’s members are revered for their ingenuity, balancing practicality with the arcane in every creation.The Requisition
Safeguarding the realm from the dangers of unrestrained magic, the Requisition is a guild dedicated to the containment and management of powerful artifacts. Operating from Sanctum Ward, they are the unseen custodians of relics deemed too perilous for public hands. Members of the Requisition are highly trained in both combat and arcane arts, allowing them to retrieve and secure items of immense power. To most, their work is shrouded in secrecy, but their vigilance ensures that the balance of power remains intact.The Halo
The Halo is Vaelyn’s premier culinary guild, where artistry meets gastronomy. Based in Verdant Ward, the guild trains aspiring chefs under the tutelage of their "Master Chef." Members of the Halo are renowned for their ability to transform local ingredients into culinary masterpieces, creating dishes that reflect the diversity and richness of Vaelyn itself. Beyond its kitchens, the Halo fosters a culture of innovation and excellence, elevating cuisine to an art form celebrated across the Exaltunate.Echo Guilds
The Honorbound Exchange
The Honorbound Exchange, also known as Kor’vek’gha, is a guild devoted to democratizing the arcane arts and integrating magic into everyday life. Rooted in principles of accessibility and integrity, the Exchange operates from Muse Ward, offering education and resources to aspiring magic users regardless of their background. Members blend arcane studies with technological advancements, crafting tools, weapons, and techniques that benefit both individuals and the broader community. Their work has positioned them as both scholars and protectors, ensuring that magic serves the greater good rather than remaining the domain of the elite.The Knights of Salem
The Knights of Salem, also referred to as 'the Knights', is a mercenary and religious organisation from the sunken island of Irenthar. Encircling their fabled Knight-Commandant, who is supposedly of demi-divine nature as the living crucible for the Cobalt Flame, the Knights perform various martial roles including monster hunting, proselyting Elyria, spying, and conducting warfare. The multi-limbed structure of the guild necessitates council rule, where responsibilities are delegated amongst a triumvirate to ensure smooth operation on the day-to-day. As well, the Knights are the last remaining embodiment of Irentharian culture and religion, and are walking, talking representations of it and its many quirks.More guilds can go here when they are submitted via player lore/through RP, though each will be expanded upon in their own lore post.
The Vaelguard
The Vaelguard is the face of law and order in Vaelyn, its members a mix of retired veterans, those nearing the end of their careers, and individuals seeking a lighter duty post after years of intense service. Despite its composition, the Vaelguard remains a critical institution, fostering trust and cooperation between the city’s legal authorities and its citizens. Their duties extend beyond ceremonial functions; they oversee law enforcement carried out by guild enforcers, ensuring discipline and accountability within these militaristic organizations. Vaelguard officers are empowered to countermand guild enforcers and enact disciplinary measures against those who overstep their bounds, preserving a delicate balance between authority and public goodwill.The Exalted Legion
The Exalted Legion represents the military might of the Exaltunate, a unified force that protects the realm on land and sea. Divided into specialized branches, the Legion’s soldiers and sailors stand as paragons of discipline and service, their loyalty to the state often a matter of immense faith and pride. Legates and Navarchs command these forces, answering directly to the Imperial Warmaster during times of war. The Legion also maintains auxiliary branches to integrate foreign mercenaries and non-citizen recruits, allowing outsiders to serve and potentially earn a place within the Exaltunate. This adaptability ensures the Legion’s ranks are always prepared to meet the Exaltunate’s diverse challenges.The Allwatch
The Allwatch serves as the elite guard of the Exaltunate, tasked with the protection of Vaelyn’s highest echelons of power. They safeguard the Sanctum complex, the nobility, the Voicari Council, the Undercrown, and even the elusive Exaltun. Operating with a level of authority that transcends conventional law, the Allwatch is granted the leeway necessary to secure the lives of those under their protection. Recruitment into the Allwatch is grueling, requiring candidates to pass an exhaustive series of physical and mental trials. The result is a force whose precision, skill, and loyalty are unmatched, standing as the ultimate shield for the Exaltunate’s leaders.Legal Structure
The Vaelyn Legal Code governs all behaviors within the city, balancing the ideals of order and justice. Set and amended by the Voicari Council in conjunction with the House of Peers, the code reflects the Exaltunate’s commitment to both its citizens and visitors. Any denizen may petition for changes to the code during public court sessions. All accused individuals are entitled to a trial before an Arbiter. Trials are designed to be swift and thorough, ensuring fairness while maintaining order. Defendants may present their case, with evidence and testimonies weighed by the Arbiter. Punishments or acquittals are issued immediately, with options for appeal. Appeals may escalate to the High Arbiter, who serves as the final authority in legal disputes.
Daily Life
Life in Vaelyn is a study in contrast: structured yet dynamic, harmonious yet buzzing with activity. For the average denizen, the day begins early with the city’s vibrant rhythm dictated by its wards. Residents of the Verdant Ward awaken to the soft rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of birds, their mornings filled with tending gardens or preparing wares for the city’s markets. In Hearth Ward, the scent of freshly baked bread mingles with the laughter of early risers flocking to the Golden Chalice for breakfast. Muse Ward hums with the gentle clink of tools as artisans prepare their workshops, while Quint Ward’s merchants set up stalls and call out to attract customers. Even within Sanctum’s solemn walls, the clergy and councilors are already at work, their mornings marked by quiet reflection and meticulous planning.Despite the differences in each ward’s tempo, Vaelyn’s denizens share a remarkable sense of purpose. Roles are clearly defined, with each individual contributing to the city’s self-sustaining ecosystem. Artisans create tools and art that enrich the city’s culture, merchants ensure the flow of goods from far-off lands, and farmers cultivate the verdant fields that line the city’s outskirts. Leisure is not neglected; afternoons often see denizens gathering in public spaces like Verdant’s shaded paths or Hearth’s lively forums. Here, storytellers captivate audiences, children dart through cobblestone streets, and musicians fill the air with melodies that join together the city’s diverse populace into a unified song of life. Evenings in Vaelyn are a celebration of community. Taverns like the Golden Chalice come alive with tales of the day’s endeavors, while theaters in Hearth and galleries in Muse host performances and exhibitions. The lake’s edge in Verdant offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking solace, its surface mirroring the city’s lights in a display of serene beauty. Safety and prosperity are ensured by the city’s governance, allowing its people to thrive within the Firmament’s protective embrace.
Celebrations
Celebrations in Vaelyn are deeply integrated into daily life, acting as both communal rites and individual reflections. The city’s festivals, whether solemn or joyous, are opportunities for its denizens to come together, reaffirming bonds and embracing the cultural richness that defines the Exaltunate. Public spaces transform into arenas of shared experience, with streets adorned in vibrant decorations and marketplaces bustling with activity. Traditions vary by ward, but all celebrate with a shared ethos of gratitude, unity, and reverence for the cycles of life.- Ehra's Grace: A celebration of connection and companionship, symbolized by garlands of intertwined vines and blossoms. Friends and loved ones exchange handcrafted tokens of appreciation.
- Dawnseed: Heralding renewal and growth, this festival features ceremonial plantings, vibrant floral decorations, and the symbolic release of petals into streams.
- Emberwise: A festival of colors and light inspired by the tale of the Forgotten Phoenix, with streets filled with natural powders and lanterns released into the sky or onto Loch Alun.
- Reminiscence: A day of remembrance for the lost, marked by muted decorations, candlelit vigils, and sharing of stories around a massive bonfire in the Forum.
- Spirit Tide: A night to honor ancestors and spirits, featuring parades with masks, gourd lanterns, and door-to-door merriment among costumed children.
- Autumn Equinox: A harvest festival with market celebrations, communal feasts, and effigies set aflame as symbols of cleansing and preparation for winter.
- Last Light: The first of the Twin Lights, celebrating the year’s end with radiant decorations, feasts, and the lighting of citywide braziers.
- First Light: Marking the dawn of a new Cycle with revelry, face paints, fireworks, and the chiming of bells at midnight to welcome what lies ahead.
Education
Education in Vaelyn is both a civic duty and a celebrated privilege, intricately integrated into the society. The Scholar’s Society oversees the city’s academic framework, offering a range of institutions tailored to different levels of learning. For the youngest denizens, community schools provide foundational education in literacy, arithmetic, and basic history, with an emphasis on fostering curiosity and civic responsibility. As children grow, they may enter specialized academies dedicated to fields such as alchemy, craftsmanship, or the arcane, depending on their aptitudes and aspirations. These academies are often affiliated with guilds like the Elenium or the Waygate, offering pathways to apprenticeships and eventual mastery. Higher education is centralized within the Repository in Muse Ward, where the most ambitious scholars converge to pursue advanced studies. The Repository is not merely a library but a hub of intellectual exchange, housing rare tomes, experimental laboratories, and mentorship programs led by members of the Scholar’s Society. Here, students and seasoned academics alike delve into disciplines ranging from engineering to magical theory, contributing to Vaelyn’s reputation as a bastion of knowledge and innovation.Health
Vaelyn’s approach to healthcare is a clear sign of its commitment to both innovation and practicality. The Hearth Hospital stands at the forefront of medical advancement, operated by the Scholar’s Society and staffed by skilled physicians, alchemists, and surgeons. Without the aid of magic, healing relies on a combination of alchemical treatments, surgical precision, and rigorous research. Herbal remedies and elixirs are crafted in-house, their efficacy continually refined through clinical trials. The hospital also maintains a small network of field clinics across the city, ensuring that even the most vulnerable denizens have access to care. Preventive medicine is a cornerstone of Vaelyn’s healthcare system. Regular health checks are mandated for all denizens, with the Scholar’s Society collaborating with guilds like the Mythril Hammer to source rare minerals and plants for their remedies. Public health campaigns emphasize sanitation, nutrition, and early intervention, creating a population that is not only resilient but well-informed about their own wellbeing. While life under the Firmament offers unparalleled security, Vaelyn’s health system ensures that its people remain not only safe but thriving, embodying the city’s ethos of harmony and progress.Crime
Though Vaelyn prides itself on order and safety, crime persists in the shadows, particularly in the distant reaches of Eldranor where the Firmament’s presence wanes. Theft remains the most common offense, fueled by the clandestine operations of the Forgotten Sons, an organised band of thieves known for their cunning and coordination. Operating in the margins of society, the Sons specialize in smuggling, burglary, and the illicit trade of rare artifacts. Their network is vast yet elusive, their activities rarely touching the heart of Vaelyn but leaving a noticeable imprint on its outskirts. More violent crimes, while rare, often occur in isolated regions or stem from disputes among travelers and traders. The Vaelguard and Ward Governors work tirelessly to maintain order, but the challenges of monitoring a diverse population—including foreign visitors—mean that crime cannot be entirely eradicated. Crimes within the city walls are swiftly addressed through a combination of vigilant enforcement and judicial efficiency, ensuring that justice is both visible and deterrent. Despite these efforts, whispers of corruption occasionally surface, hinting at the difficulty of governing a society as complex and interconnected as Vaelyn.Sorcery
In Vaelyn, sorcery is as integral to life as the air its denizens breathe. All forms of magic—from the luminous artistry of Anima to the shadowed mysteries of Idolon—are embraced with reverence and care. The Wheel, central to the city’s spiritual and cultural identity, represents the balance of all magical forces, and this belief underpins the acceptance of practices that might elsewhere be deemed forbidden. However, such acceptance does not imply recklessness; magic is heavily regulated, its use closely monitored by the Sixfold Council and enforced by the Ward Governors. Magic users are required to obtain permits, with the process overseen by the Eon Circle. These permits dictate the scope and limitations of a sorcerer’s activities, ensuring that their craft aligns with the city’s laws and values. Harmful or chaotic spells are restricted to specific contexts, such as self-defense or sanctioned experiments. The regulation extends to enchanted artifacts, summoning rituals, and even alchemical concoctions that incorporate magical elements. The overarching goal is to preserve harmony within the Firmament while allowing sorcery to flourish as a tool for progress and innovation. For Vaelyn’s citizens, magic is both a blessing and a responsibility. The visible presence of the Wheel in daily life—its principles echoed in festivals, art, and even architecture—serves as a constant reminder of the delicate balance that sustains their world.
Cultures
Valgan
Valgan culture, deeply intertwined with the principles of the Ohr, forms the bedrock of Vaelyn’s societal framework. Emerging from the ashes of Valgus, it is a culture rooted in resilience, community, and a profound respect for balance. The Valgan ethos emphasizes collective harmony, with individuals contributing to the greater good through their unique talents and roles. Artisans in Muse Ward, for instance, often incorporate Ohric motifs into their work, blending beauty with spirituality, while farmers in Verdant Ward see their labor as a sacred act of sustenance and renewal. Hospitality and storytelling are cornerstones of Valgan life. Taverns like the Golden Chalice are not merely places for drinking but hubs of connection where tales of heroism, folklore, and everyday triumphs are shared. Festivals and public gatherings are vibrant expressions of this culture, with music, dance, and art serving as vessels for both joy and reflection. Valgan cuisine, too, reflects this ethos, combining simple ingredients with meticulous preparation to create meals that nourish both body and spirit.More cultures can go here when they are submitted via player lore/through RP, though each will be expanded upon in their own lore post.
Religions
The Ohr
The Ohr, often described as the Song of Perfection, is the heartbeat of spiritual and philosophical identity. It begins with the All, a primordial entity whose awakening birthed the Ohr—a radiant essence that infused the Nothing with life and light. The Ohr is more than creation; it is the All’s yearning to understand itself through the countless forms it inspires. This yearning gave rise to the Perfections, guiding principles that shape existence and offer a path toward harmony. Followers view these Perfections not as abstract ideals but as living truths woven into their daily lives. Central to the Ohr’s doctrine is the Exaltun, revered as the Living Song. Within the Ohric faith, the Exaltun is the vessel of the All—a conduit through which the divine essence manifests and ensures the stability of the mortal realm. To the faithful, the Exaltun’s existence is both an anchor and a beacon, embodying the Perfection of Harmony and sustaining the balance of the Ohr in a world teetering on the edge of chaos. Rituals, hymns, and meditations often center around the Song, reflecting a deep reverence for their role in the cosmic order.More religions can go here when they are submitted via player lore/through RP, though each will be expanded upon in their own lore post.