Valkyrie

== The Valkyrie Race ==
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=== Physical Characteristics ===
The Valkyrie, a unique and ancient race, are humanoid beings with a distinctive connection to their divine origins. Originally, they possessed large wings, bird-like legs, and no arms, as their wings served this purpose. Over centuries of interbreeding with humans, their appearance has evolved to be nearly indistinguishable from humans. However, some retain vestigial small wings, a reminder of their heritage.
* Skin Tone: The Valkyrie typically have amber-hued, dark brown ombre skin.
* Hair: Both men and women commonly have brown hair.
* Eyes: Green or brown eyes are a universal trait among the Valkyrie.
* Gender Traits: Males often sport curly mustaches, while females share similar skin and hair tones but lack the mustache trait.
==== Lifespan ====
The Valkyrie can live up to six hundred years, equating to roughly seventy-five human years in terms of physical and cognitive aging. Their long lives grant them a unique perspective on history and culture, with some elders retaining firsthand knowledge of events long past.
==== Cultural Traits ====
The Valkyrie hold themselves in exceptionally high regard, a reflection of their belief that they are directly descended from a god. This self-perception is woven deeply into their cultural fabric, manifesting in their rituals, behaviors, and societal structure.
* Divine Bloodline: The Valkyrie conduct blood rituals, believing that their blood is imbued with the essence of their dead god. These ceremonies are performed with reverence, reinforcing their sense of divine purpose.
* Social Hierarchy: Almost all Valkyrie consider themselves royalty, with wealth and nobility being nearly universal within their ranks. This has fostered a culture of sophistication but also arrogance and disdain for others.
* Arrogance and Superiority: Their divine lineage and elevated status in society often lead the Valkyrie to view themselves as superior to other races, a trait that shapes their interactions and alliances.
==== Origins and Abilities ====
The Valkyrie were originally created by the God of the Spirit, Wind, and Life, who imbued them with consciousness and a sacred duty to combat demons, the creations of the God of the Void. They are known for their strength, agility, and endurance, traits passed down through their divine lineage.
==== Historical Overview ====
===== Ryzan: The First Kingdom =====
The oldest known homeland of the Valkyrie was the kingdom of Ryzan, founded as a bastion against the demons. The Valkyrie not only waged war against these creatures but also integrated into human society, establishing themselves as rulers, warriors, and diplomats. However, internal strife and a decline in their population foreshadowed darker times.
===== The Purge =====
A catastrophic series of events known as "The Purge" marked the most significant turning point in Valkyrie history. Initiated by Theo V Caecilya Sigrun, Athos I Valkur Sigrun, and Bronvic Sigrun, it was intended to resolve internal conflicts through the extermination of rival Valkyrie factions. Instead, it led to widespread destruction and the near extinction of their kind. Theo vanished, Athos claimed power, and another purge followed, leaving Athos as the sole leader of a fractured race.
===== Wars and Exile =====
Under Athos's rule, the Valkyrie waged war against Nebsolavia and later Ryzan itself, both conflicts ending in disaster. Their defeat marked the end of their dominion in Ryzan, forcing the surviving Valkyrie into exile.
===== Resettlement in Abexilas =====
Fleeing persecution and seeking a new beginning, the Valkyrie eventually found refuge in Abexilas, establishing new lands between one hundred and two hundred years before the rise of Ischanor. This marked the start of a new chapter, where their culture and lineage were rebuilt.
===== Destruction of History =====
Bardonia’s invasions further threatened the Valkyrie’s legacy, as countless historical records, artifacts, and texts were destroyed. Despite regaining independence, the Valkyrie struggled to reclaim their past, leading figures like Marcus Lena Sigrun to emphasize the importance of preserving their history.
==== Legacy and Survival ====
Though diminished, the Valkyrie endure, their culture deeply tied to their divine origins and storied past. The establishment of a constitutional czardom in Ryzan and their eventual resettlement in Abexilas symbolize their resilience. Their belief in their divine lineage despite hardships, continue to define them.
House Valkyrie
House Valkyrie is a prominent aristocratic union within the ischanor empire, representing the majority of the Valkyrie race. most Valkyries align themselves with House Valkyrie. This coalition functions as a political entity, uniting Valkyrie noble houses under a shared banner to maintain their influence and identity within the aristocracy.
The purpose of House Valkyrie is to protect and elevate the perception of Valkyrie nobility across the empire. Through their shared history and traditions, the various houses within the union work together to ensure the prominence and prestige of the Valkyrie race. By focusing on their collective interests, House Valkyrie has become a symbol of unity and strength for their people, even as they navigate the complex dynamics of aristocratic life.
Leadership Structure
The Patriarch
At the head of House Valkyrie is the Patriarch, also known as the Crown Prince of New Volkore, who serves as the sole leader of the Valkyrie nobles. The Patriarch wields ultimate authority within the house union, guiding its political and cultural direction.
The Hand of the Patriarch
The second-highest authority is the Hand of the Patriarch, a chosen deputy who acts as the Patriarch’s closest advisor and representative. The Hand holds significant influence, often managing day-to-day affairs and executing the Patriarch’s will.
The High Council
The High Council is the primary decision-making body of House Valkyrie, consisting of the Patriarch and the leaders (Patriarchs) of five major Valkyrie houses:
•House Sigrun: The Patriarch of this house is traditionally the Crown Prince and leader of House Valkyrie.
•House Bjorson
•House Madison
•House Gredises
•House Fernthorns
Together, these five Patriarchs form the highest authority in the house union, shaping the strategic direction of the Valkyrie nobles.
The Small Council
Below the High Council is the Small Council, composed of nobles assigned specific administrative tasks. These members oversee various aspects of governance, such as logistics, diplomacy, and resource management, ensuring the smooth operation of the house union.
Significance
House Valkyrie’s hierarchical structure reflects its dedication to unity and efficient governance. By centralizing power in the Patriarch and the High Council, the union ensures that the interests of Valkyrie nobility remain cohesive, even as individual houses pursue their own goals. This system allows House Valkyrie to maintain its influence and prominence within the empire’s aristocracy.
Conclusion
The Valkyrie race, shaped by divine origins, centuries of strife, and resilience, continues to endure as a symbol of strength and unity. From their creation as warriors of the divine to their fall during The Purge and subsequent exile, the Valkyrie have demonstrated an unyielding will to preserve their culture and lineage. House Valkyrie stands as a testament to this perseverance, uniting the nobility under a shared purpose and striving to restore their race’s former glory.
Despite their long and storied history, much of the Valkyrie’s past remains shrouded in mystery, lost to wars, destruction, and the passage of time. Efforts to preserve and rediscover their heritage persist, as new Valkyries, scattered and forgotten after The Purge, are still being sought out to this day.
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Category:Races
Category:Culture