The Monarchy of Valclya

### Heraldry

Ten gold stars surrounding a golden oak tree with a crown around its trunk, set on a background of green.

## Geography

### Climate(s)

Humid Subtropical, Oceanic

Until recently, precious little was known about the Monarchy of Valclya, a small and secretive Elven land located beyond the Eastern Wastes. The history of this ancient Monarchy remained a mystery until very recently, as even the most proficient of scholars found getting hold of ancient Valclyan tomes difficult at best. The Valclyans are extremely wary of outsiders and guard their history and knowledge closely. Most current information comes from the refugees now seeking refuge in Ásaterra from the new king; it is their knowledge and experience that allowed Ásaterra to finally gain an insight into this secretive land.

Valclya is divided into two distinct classes; the Clans and the Clanless. The Clans are the nobility of the land, with greater privileges and status, whereas the Clanless are the working class. In recent years, the rights of the Clanless have been severely restricted.

## History

The Kingdom was thought to have been founded several thousand years ago, around the year 3000BU. Legends say that before this year, the elves of Valclya has been held in subjugation by some great power, known only as ‘The *Undumë* ’ (the Abyss), and had been tricked into fighting against each other for the favour of their subjugators. However, a young elf name Nat’arah, who was a priest of Calhwch (Nitphil), saw that in order to find true freedom, the clans needed to work together. With their cunning and their wit, Nat’arah managed to bring the heads of the clans to a meeting, where they decided to unite in order to face the true threat against their lands.

Once the *Undumë* had been defeated, a leader needed selecting in order to bring greater stability and unity to the clans; each clan put forward a champion who participated in several contests of strength, wit and skill to decide who amongst them would rule. Lysanthir of Mirilairë was victorious, showing himself to be both strong and clever; one truly deserving of leadership. Crowned under the leaves of a Golden Oak, Lysanthir adopted the title of *Taar* (King) and thus the royal dynasty of Valclya was founded. As his first act as Taar, Lysanthir took the champions of each clan and created a Royal Councill, to share their wisdom and advice, take part in the formation of laws, the making of key decisions, and for the new Taar to better understand and help his people. Lysanthir’s reign was long and prosperous and after his passing he became known as Lysanthir the Wise and the capital city was named Lysanthir in his honour.

   These ten clans went on to become the nobility of Valclya, and are the basis for the ancient class system. Those who can trace both sides of their lineage to a Clan are part of the upper class; those who cannot are considered Clanless, and have their freedoms and privileges restricted.

### Recent History

Over the past few centuries, the government of Valclya has become more and more corrupt, and as a result the people are suffering. Both Crown and Council have allowed their need for power and control to infect them, leaving the common folk with less say over who rules them; taxes have risen tremendously, pleas for help are left ignored and public executions are at an all-time high…all the while, some Councillors are enjoying the luxuries of heavy taxation.

Over the past few centuries a great plague has ravaged the people of Valclya, killing thousands; including many members of the royal family. Mysteriously, it was mostly those of pure Clan lineage who fell ill; very few Clanless or with Clanless lineage became sick, and even fewer died. This led to them being treated with suspicion, with many believing they had created the plague to take over the country.

Tensions escalated after the emergence of the plague; many members of Clan Mirilairë died of the illness, suddenly leaving the Daepad line of Clan Mirilairë in direct succession. As the Daepad line of Mirilairë has clanless heritage, many feel that the Echelon Laws were passed in an attempt to remove them from the line of succession.

The Echelon Laws, passed in 1205 BA, caused great uproar as they massively restricted the rights of the Clanless.The laws forbid marriages between those of the original ten Clans and the Clanless, common folk; forbids any offspring of Clan and Clanless from inheriting lands, titles and even heirlooms; and forbids children born of Clan and Clanless from becoming part of the Clan. This law also applied retroactively, so any Clan members with Clanless heritage were stripped of their rank and property. Any unclaimed wealth or property was claimed by the Crown and as a result, Valclya saw a rapid rise in homelessness. Riots broke out all over the Kingdom which were brutally put down by the Crown’s forces, but even the army is struggling to keep up with the dissent amongst the common folk, and the growing presence of rebels and Daepad loyalists makes the strain worse.

## Social Hierarchy

There is great pride in Valclya of being descended from one of the original ten clan clans. These are predominantly Elven, although there have been cases of other species being adopted, before the passing of the Echelon Laws.

The Clans are not necessarily blood relations, and one clan can contain hundreds of people. Before the Echelon Laws, to be a member of a Clan you had to be able to trace your blood or adopted ancestry to one of the original clan members on at least one side of your family. However, after the Echelon Laws were passed, the government stated that  you must instead be able to trace your blood ancestry to one of the original Clan members on both sides of your family, which means that a child with one Clanless parent is considered Clanless. Within a Clan there are different ranks, but it is widely accepted that to be part of a Clan is to be noble.

Clanless are citizens of Valclya who are not descended from one of the original ten clans. They may have moved to Valclya later, or were members of other, smaller Elven clans in the area during the fight against the *Malgorath*. They are seen as a working class, and normally take on the role of servants or farmers. Pre-Echelon Laws, social mobility was possible; Clanless children could be adopted, Clanless could marry into Clans, and deeds of great acclaim may have a Clan willing to accept you as one of their own.

However, now the focus is firmly on blood lineage. Due to their nature, Clans have often kept extensive family trees detailing each member’s parentage. Due to the long lived nature of elves, these only usually need to go back approximately ten or so generations to trace clan lineage. However, these records also made it easy for the enforcement of the Echelon Laws. Those who had previously been part of a clan through adoption, or who had any Clanless lineage were struck from the records, all their property confiscated by the crown, and were cast down as Clanless. This vastly benefitted Clans such as Orontrína, Ingor and Anarórë, which had long maintained a sense of pride in their lineage and meticulously arranged marriages to ensure that no clanless ever became part of their lines. However, Clans such as Lirilla, Nandcarnë and Elenmírë had traditionally accepted love marriages, including with Clanless, and practised adoption. These clans were hit hard by the laws, and lost a lot of property to the crown; and, many former prominent members were suddenly declared clanless.

## The Clans

### Naming Conventions

Clanless citizens of Valcyla will usually have a first name and a surname, very possibly related to their profession or their mother’s name. For example, a weaver might be named Lor Lanya (weaver), or Halle, the child of Gaia, would be called Halle Gaia-hína.

Clan naming conventions are slightly more complicated. Due to the fact that there are often well over a a hundred members of each clan, the members of the clan have taken house names as well as clan names.

The House name of the clan member is related to the original member of the clan from who they are descended. For example, the King of Valclya, Taar Darion, is descended from Lysanthir, the first king of Valclya. Therefore, his surname, or ‘House Name’ is Lysanthir. Darion is also a part of Clan Mirilairë. Therefore, his name would be organised thus: [Title] [First Name] [House Name] of [Clan Name]; so, Tarr Darion Lysanthir of Clan Mirilairë.

## Government

Valcyla has a hereditary Monarchy, and since the reign of Lysanthir I, Valclya has always been ruled by the reigning Taar or Taari of Clan Mirilairë, alongside the *Laurëa*, or Council.

To this day the immediate members of the royal family reside in the great palace in the capital; Council members can also reside in their respective homes near the royal palace.

Many of the older Councillors enjoy special privileges and rights under the tyrannical rule of Taar Darion. However, some Councillors disagree with the Taar’s attitudes and laws and have actively pledged allegiance to House Daepad of Clan Mirilairë

### Taar

The current ruler of Valclya is Taar Darion Lysanthir of Clan Mirilairë; a sickly and unstable young man with a fist of iron. The instability of his throne and the fear of being deposed by his cousins Larka and Aneurin Daepad has fuelled his cruelty. Currently childless, Darion has broken from tradition and has taken two wives, the Taarli Wynnter Amara of Clan Mirilairë, and Kuli Imra Vashana of Ckan Anarórë , in order to quickly sire children and push House Daepad out of the line of succession. However, after a near fatal bought of the plague in his childhood, it is believed that the Taar may be completely sterile- further supported by his dependence on opium and other drugs like his father and grandmother before him. Should Darion die without issue, many Counsel members would be up in arms, each vying to place their family on the throne of Valclya.

### *Laurëa* (The Council)

Each Councillor represents one of the ten original clans, their old territories now divided up into provinces. Due to the long lifespan of elves, election of Council members are traditionally held every 50 years, but it is not unknown for a Councillor to hold their position for hundreds of years. However, due the corruption of the current Taar, the election of new Councillors has been dismissed in order to keep those loyal to him in power.

### Assembly

There is also the institution of the assembly; 20 representatives from each clan who are elected every 10 years. The Assembly can debate and propose laws to the Taar and Royal Council, but only the Taar can make laws official.

## Diplomacy

### Treth

Valclya has long had a slightly strained relationship with Treth, due to the fact that they have often kept their boarders closed to them. However, the to countries have avoided armed conflict for over a thousand years, and Valclya is one of the main suppliers of Treth's silks and cottons. All trade between the to countries are normally conducted by sea, to avoid the barren and impassable Eastern Wastes that lie between the two countries. Very few refugees from Valclya try and escape to Treth; unless they have exceptionally good connections in that land and a lot of money, they would likely just become a Supplicatem.

### Skovva

Treth and Skovva have very little relationship, largely due to the face that the Eastern Waste stretch between the two. Only the truly desperate try to reach Skovva via the wastes; normally political refugees who are fleeing persecution from the new King, a very few make it there alive. Even those who do make it to Skovva are normally trying to use it as a way to reach Ásaterra, and do not dwell long in the rough, cold and largely lawless land; unless they are trying to disappear for a while...

### Ásaterra

The main refuge for those fleeing Valclya, Ásaterra is mainly accessible by boat, with many asylum seekers landing in Ásaterra's Northern lands. There was until recently some trade between Ásaterra and Valclya, however, much of that has now been put on hold, due to a trade embargo by Taar Darion. Darion's wrath was triggered by the discovery that Ásaterra was offering citizenship to asylum seekers from Valclya. Indeed, several of the Taar's political enemies, including one of the Daepad's, has found refugee in Ásaterra, causing more tension between the two countries.

## Geography & Architecture

The Kingdom of Valclya is generally a warm and humid land, with vast and dense forests covering the landscape, broken by the many lakes and rivers that cover the terrain. Thanks to its unique location and layout, the land has a strange climate which varies vastly from border to border: the south and the tall mountain ranges experiencing the effects of the cold climate of nearby Skovva, while the west  is known for blisteringly hot temperatures.

The climate of Valclya is sub-tropical, with long, hot, humid summers and mild winters. Most rainfall occurs during thunderstorms which roll out of the barren expanses of the Eastern Wastes. The coldest areas are at the tips of the mountains which dot the north-eastern boarder.

Smaller villages and towns are normally single-story buildings made from wood, with simple furniture. The cities of Valclya are built on the water, with the most spectacular often crafted around waterfalls. The architecture is intricately crafted and delicate, with gently carved arches and twisting spires. Cities are often built around nature, working with natural features such as trees and rivers.

## Gods & Worship

The
people of Valclya worship the same pantheon of Gods as Ásaterra, but they are
referred to by their elven names. Various grand temples exist through Valclya
and it is viewed as a great honour to give your life in service to a God. Each
province can boast their abundance of smaller chapels, temples and shrines to
the Gods; however, each have a larger and grander temple dedicated to their
name. The Gods are as followed, as well as the location of their most prominent
temple:

-          Emyr (Magnus),
Temple located in The Crowned Highland

-          Tesni (Cosmia),
Temple located in Starhold

-          Taliesin
(Skiaselveyn) Temple located in the capital city of Lysanthir

-          Arianrhod
(Annatara) Temple located in the capital city of Lysanthir

-          Caddell (Brutus),
Temple located in Bright Gorge

-          Rhosyn (Lyre)
Temple located in Yll Lake

-          Nerys
(Sigismund), Temple located in The Galmis Mountains

-          Einon (Mordon),
Temple located in Mya Nalore

-          Siana (Florintina)
Temple located in Yll Lake

-          Morgan (Omar),
Temple located in Emerald Coast

-          Gweinith
(Fifldia), Temple located in The Brexys Wood

-          Fairë (Lady
Death), Temple located in Red Wood

-          Culhwch
(Nitphil), Temple located in Gaelyn’s Folly

## Trade

Valclya has a reputation as an extremely secretive Kingdom, even before its boarders were closed completely, Valclya was only known to have dealt with the lands directly bordering them, however recently they have allowed private trading via ship with certain interested parties in Ásaterra, in exchange for weapons and armour. In the past when trading was at an all-time high (during the reigns of Taar Gaelyn and his brother Taar Nethin), Valclya was famed for its export of spirits and wines made from berries rather than grapes and the vast forests of Golden Oak provide sturdy and water resistant wood- excellent for building ships. The delicate Valclyan-crafted jewellery was much sought after by those who had the coin for it, and clothing is often accented by filigreed metal. The Valclyan silk industry is extremely profitable; most clothing is made out of light fabrics like silk and chiffon, and is beautifully embroidered. Even Clanless clothing, which is mostly made out of light cotton, is often lovingly embroidered.

## Children

Similarly to many other elves, a Valclyan elf can typically live for up to a thousand years; however, some live even longer in exceptional circumstances. At around 50 years old, elves reach sexual maturity, but are not seen to be fully part of adult society until they reach 100, where they will have a coming of age ceremony, and are ready to go into the adult world. Due to their longevity the elves are slow to breed and will on average only have two or third offspring in their lifetime.

Because of their slow breeding patterns, children in Valclya are seen as a gift and are treasured by society. A few days after their birth, a child will be presented to the Gods and a naming ceremony will take place, usually followed by a lavish celebration. Until recently, every member of a community was invited to a naming ceremony and it was as normal an occurrence to see a noble Valclyan at the ceremony of a Clanless child, as it was to see Clanless attending naming ceremonies in castles and palaces.

Valclyan children are instilled with pride for their culture and are taught from a young age to value their homeland; this includes all children, even the lowliest farmer or orphan child, being taught to speak Valclyan elvish. Children are taught many skills by their families (or tutors if they are wealthy enough) for them to carry into adulthood, but they are not expected to become adults rapidly, as Valclyans treasure childhood. Adoption is very common in Valclya, however their views are very different to those in Ásaterra; should a high-born family have only adopted children, then they are entitled to inherit from their family, however should a family have both natural and adopted children, then by law only the natural children can inherit titles. For example, should the wealthy Counsellor Trillis of Clan Anarórë (also a landed Lady or *Kuli*) die she would leave behind an adopted daughter and a younger natural daughter. By law, the younger daughter would inherit the title of *Kuli* and any benefits that it comes with, but the adopted daughter could still be given land or money in her inheritance.

## Language

Although the citizens of Valclya speak the common tongue, the elven language is still preserved and guarded closely, although only the older elves still use it as their first language. Children, especially those of noble houses, are taught elven from a young age and even those from low birth still have a fair grasp of conversational elvish. Elvish is rarely used day-to-day, most elves will use certain phrases, but its main use lies in official ceremonies such as marriages, naming ceremonies and funerals. Below are some examples of commonly used words and phrases:

* Yes/No: **Da/No**
* Please: **Laska**
* Thank you: **Tah Hava**
* Hello/Hey: **Vittanya**
* May good fortune rule over you (formal greeting): **Gal ffortwyn ono thelduin**
* Goodbye: **Dittanya**
* Good Night: **Dinanct**
* Sorry: **Ebelis**
* Peace/ Calm yourself: **Atisha**
* King/ Queen/Equivalent: **Taar/ Taari / Taara**
* Prince/Princess/Equivalent: **Taal/ Taali / Taala**
* Lady/ Lord/Equivalent: **Kuli / Korlon / Kula**
* Brother: **Vellon**
* Sister: **Vella**
* Sibling: **Vellin**
* Mother (Also used as a term of respect and affection for an older woman): **Mathair/Mam/ Ma**
* Father(Also used as a term of respect and affection for an older man): **Nathair/Nath/ Na**
* Parent (Also used as a term of respect and affection for an older person): **Lathair/Lath/La**
* Traitor: **Ishallas**
* Friend: **Vinir**
* Family (Blood of my blood): **Gwayd fin Wide**
* My heart (affectionate term): **Delnah**
* Abyss: **Undumë**
* The die is cast: **Tha an di bwria**