Val'Sara'Toj

## Clan History

The first and only ruling clan of the city that feel in the early days of its rule before it could gain a proper foothold of power. The clan holds a sort of mystical place in the city.

The Val'Sara'Toj were a group of nobles who fled Shrang Toj in the early days and were planning to flee across the sea to the Northern Continent as many of them had ties or family in the north that they were hoping to shelter with. However, when news of the wars and demonic hordes to the north reached them and all vehicles across were rendered useless in a devastating hurricane, they had no choice but to turn to another place to shelter.

Thus they were the first group to enter into Har'Ol'Nek'Preya and were quick to establish themselves. They built grand structures with their mastery of earth sorcery, and used an array of mirrors to reflect the barest hints of light from the surface into their home to light it up. Refugees of other kingdoms were quick to join the Val'Sara'Toj who were already establishing control of the city and eventually the head of the family would make the grand gesture of declaring herself queen. For the first few centuries, the Val'Sara'Toj would hold strong, however, soon things would quickly unravel for the budding royal clan.

Many still harbored a deep distrust of those from Shrang Toj given that it was that nation's folly that led to disaster for all else in the Southern Continent. This led to constant raids and attack and many clans at the times rebuking their authority to rule despite the relative order the clan had so far brought to the region. There were also internal struggles going on between the daughters of the queen that would eventually lead to a bloody civil war in which the queen herself would be forced to slay her own daughters but in turn, would then be assassinated by the distraught mate of her youngest daughter.

With the queen dead and no heirs to the throne, the Val'Sara'Toj quickly lost all power and their home was ransacked and the grand, thriving imperial city they had built in the upper cavern fell to ruin. The only structure that was maintained at all was the central palace and this was only because it was a convenient place to host the gathering of the clans. In time, the Archiver's Guild would claim the imperial city as their own and set about restoring it to its former glory as a means to preserver an important part of Har'Ol'Nak'Preya's history.

Despite the violent downfall of the clan, today it is remember rather fondly by many and there is a sort of mystic quality to the clan. There is even a grassroot movement in the city to have the royal family reinstated as there are rumors of a daughter that survived her mother's culling and had children of her own. That is so far only proven to be whispered rumors in the city with no confirmation of it being true.

## Clan Culture

Not much is maintained about the culture of Val'Sara'Toj although what little can be found shows they idolized order and law above all else. They were very orderly and were known to be excellent city planners, blending pleasing aesthetics with practical layouts with a desire for wide atriums and parks. They were master crafters when it came to building and many of their techniques are used by other clans in the cavern to this day.

They were known for their Spellsong abilities and it is believed they had a musical element to their culture in some way, although that is unknown as so much was lost when their holdings were sacked by raiders. Currently the Archiver's Guild is looking into the clan's history, trying to preserve what little they can of this once dominating political force.

## Clan Fortress

The clan fortress was called the Memories of Light and Song, as it is very brightly lit due to an elaborate system of mirrors and crystals that brighten what little light comes in from the surface to give the appearance of daylight within it. This, combined with the polished floors gives it a very grandiose feel. The iconic third eyes of inner wisdom are found throughout, a callback to a popular symbol of Shrang Toj, and statues of the clan's animal, the Olliphel are found everywhere representing power, law, and order.

Much of the fortress was destroyed when it was sacked, but due to the tireless efforts of the Archiver's Guild and generous donations from multiple clans, the place has been restored to its former glory and now is the seat of power within Har'Ol'Nak'Preya once more as the counsel of clans meet within the old throne room to discuss politics of the city.

The surrounding buildings have been converted into apartments and diplomatic offices for the various clans and factions of the city, turning the imperial city into something of a diplomat city. These apartments often will host the clan leaders as well when they stay overnight during long clan meetings. Because it is neutral territory and relies on donations from other clans to thrive, it holds various aspects of different clans as each one has decorated their sector accordingly. It has made the place something of a grand tourist destination for many in the city and thus has given rise to many artisan festivals and shops in the areas surrounding the city given there is a strict policy by the Archiver's Guild not to ruin the natural aesthetics of the former imperial city.