Valyria

**Valyria** is a continent located in the far south of The Claim. Unlike other locations within the realm, Valyria is the only continent, and therefore the largest land within The Claim. Much of Éternel: between Two Worlds takes place in Valyria.

People or things from Valyria are referred to as "**Valyrian**."

## History

Historically, Valyria was the first land to be settled upon after the Splitting of the Realms, so many settlements and cultures are from ancient times. Back in the years of the hundreds, Valyria was though to be the only land within the realm, and therefore, the realm was named as such. However, as people explored and traveled mostly North, the continent became known as "**Valyria**," and the realm "**The Claim**."

Between the year 1 AD and 1500, dragons coexisted with humans in Valyria and Earthrealm, but after humans began to hunt them for food, material, or even sport in Earthrealm, one of the Six Elder Dragons, Fatalis, took revenge on both Earthrealm and Valyria, burning hundreds of settlements and cities to the ground in a span of days in the year 1506.

The period of time following these attacks was known as the "**Fall of Valyria**" (1514-1634), where people within Valyria were leaving and migrating to other lands due to dry weather, awful conditions, and heightened aggression from dragons. However, few tribes and settlements stayed, and after the Fall, came the "**Rise of Valyria**," around 1712, when populations rose, along with the major cities such as Astapor and Mereen. One of the greatest empires, the Ghiscari, had fallen from war and dragons attacks.

Only a few select kingdoms had been separated from Valyria and came to the North, setting up their new settlements on the islands they landed upon, such as *Podraku*, *Azgeda*, *Trikru*, and *Tailfayakru* (though these tribes had gone under other names before and changed after moving). The royals and nobles that stayed within Valyria formed "Houses," which are small familial groups that rule over a settlement or region of land. Many ancient peoples have formed "Royal Houses," but many empires and kingdoms that do not partake in the House system can date back just as far.

## Geography

Valyria is located to the far South of The Claim. The main land is wide, spanning 3400 miles across, but the isles nearby have not yet been charted and measured.

The continent's terrain varies immensely. There are significant mountain ranges, such as the Painted Mountains or the Iron Hills. There are also several extensive river networks. While many areas are dry and hot, mostly to the South, there are forested regions to the North and lower Northeast.

The climate varies between extremes of heat and cold across the large continent. Highvalley is the only region in which snowfall is common. In the south, the terrain becomes hotter and more arid, and the Red Wastes hosts the most deserts. The offshore islands are Bastard's Cradle, the Isle of Tears, Wyvern Point, Marahai, Vahar, and Dragonstone.

The continent is also home to immense woodlands, such as the forests within Highvalley. In the Valley of the Fallen, there is a small forested area, and larger ones in The Sorrows and The Whispers.

## Climate and Seasons

Valyria's climate shifts from a chilly air in the furthest North, in Highvalley, to a deset climate in the furthest South, around Slaver's Bay. In the north, it is common to see heavy snowfalls in even the lightest of winters, while the Red Wastes almost never sees snow.

The seasons come and last as normally as they would within Earthrealm, matching that of any country within GMT 9+ time. Sometimes, however, summers may last abnormally long, or winters may barely bring any snow. It is unknown if magic is a part of the seasons, as it may seem unnatural for snow to come to a land so far South.

## Regions

There are ten main regions on the mainland of Valyria, filled with dozens of settlements that are either independent or participate in the House system. Around the mainland are five smaller isles and islands, with far less and generally smaller settlements, depending on the land size.

### Slaver's Bay

Primarily run by the Slave Masters of Mereen, Astapor, and Pradena, Slaver's Bay is the main hub for slave trade and training within Valyria. Most notably, the Unsullied were homed and trained in Astapor. Many ruined cities that were claimed by the Dothraki are found around the Slave Cities. The three largest slave cities, also known as the "**Free Cities**," are Mereen, Astapor, and Pradena, all of which are currently ruled by High Queen Maya Prasanna.

* Astapor
* Mereen
* Pradena
* Vaes Efe
* El Khayat
* Agacan
* Twin Burrows
* Macalou
* Kayce
* Vaes Mejhah
* Vaes Jini
* Vaes Aresak
* Vaes Qosar

### The Red Wastes

The wild horselords known as the Dothraki savagely rule the land of the Red Wastes. Most settlements are ruined and abandoned after the Dothraki invaded, pillaged, and enslaved these cities, towns, and villages. The only other active settlement within these barren lands is Whitridge, a small trading town that has managed to strike business with the Dothraki, who had to adapt to the new way of life as most of the settlements around them were long barren due to their own bloodthirsty raids long ago.

* Vaes Dothrak
* Whitridge
* Vaes Orvik
* Vaes Khewo
* Vaes Graddakh
* Vaes Leisi
* Vaes Shirosi
* Vaes Tolorro
* Vaes Diaf
* Vaes Leqse
* Vaes Oqet
* Vaes Maegi
* Vaes Ivezho
* Vaes Athjikhari
* Vaes Chifti
* Qora Rhaggat Eveth

### The Crownlands

Home to the most populated city within Valyria, Methi, The Crownlands is a vibrant place to strike up business, whether moral or immoral. Many Kings and Queens reside within the Crownlands. Running through the dry lands is a large river network, reaching out to multiple settlements. Mountains and hills surround Methi and Cer Budyr, but they are easy to navigate through... although walking through the cities are much faster. One of the cities of the Ghiscari empire was struck down by a wild lightning storm, although some suggest it was the act of a vengeful beast, bringing justice to its fallen bretheren.

* Cer Budyr
* Al-Adwan
* Methi
* Mazlazle
* Ducdenn
* Runestone
* Flint's Finger

### The Whispers

Notable Houses reside within the forested lands of The Whispers. A large lake with branching rivers lays close to the center of the region. Few settlements have made their mark close to the shores. House Navvo holds a travel tax for the canal between The Whispers and The Sorrows. Some Valyrians joke that the region is named as such due to the lack of war and drama between the cities and Houses, while others fear that a name is holding back secrets of unknown horror and misfortune.

* Sageport
* Mistwood
* Qilalia
* Meconna
* Heart's Home
* Duskendale
* Hardhome
* Preon's Keep
* Mato Sul
* Farijika
* Valcezora
* Kildrift

### The Sorrows

Quite a few interesting villages can be discovered in The Sorrows, but some may bring more sorrow than others. Powerful Houses have claimed land and built large cities in their name, ruled by family members or military leaders. House Vadtoan, who rule over Methi in The Crownlands, rule over three more cities/towns to their neighboring region. If someone ever speaks about traveling to The Sorrows, a warning to avoid Breakwater will always follow.

* Streamglade
* Irondale
* Darkdell
* Wolfmire
* Blackbuckle
* Banda-All
* A'Ta
* Haya-Ye
* Breakwater
* Caershire
* Vale Do Panoan
* Silence
* Talo
* Vatthana
* Skyreach
* Dyrelight
* Kikya Tohe

### The Stormlands

The Stormlands are wracked by frequent storms and experience significant rainfall, but the terrain is a mix of grasslands, dry brush, and small forested areas. Most Valyrian Houses can be found within this region, such as House Saldi, House Stokeworth, and House Yronwood. House Staedmon and House Yronwood have had a long battle over the land where Stagburn stands, but it has since then been settled after House Staedmon was made a vassal of House Yronwood.

* Brittlestorm
* Greenpools
* Storm's End
* Amberly
* Evenfall
* Middleton
* Pearlglade
* Pylena
* Damodar
* Bredane
* Symnera
* Stagburn
* Banefort
* Etherwall

### Highvalley

Known as the region with the thickest woods and the highest mountains, Highvalley holds home to the hardiest, cruelest people. Oftentimes, Valyrians who live in Highvalley will travel North to the Thirteen Kingdoms the most, as the trip is cut shorter. Cintra was the center of Magister Mortalis, while Eysen was the center of Khal Drogo's men. Quite a few Houses and villages are in Highvalley. When winter comes, residents in Highvalley have to set aside non-perishable food items for storage. Snow is a common sight here.

* Cintra
* Vinlethyrn
* Griffin's Roost
* Lonforte
* Quallhaq
* Eysen
* Karhold
* Rerwhen
* Tanevor
* Waeldestone
* Janca
* Barrow Hall
* Barrowton
* Thanedd
* Croutia
* Rhes Jael
* Nalmes
* Hamawand
* Rosewallow
* Ácete
* Silentbell
* Thorne
* Thracia
* Scales
* Rymahil
* Castamere
* Oxcoast

### Riverlands

The largest rivers and lakes run through this region, earning it its name. Many settlements' main trades are fishing, and many cultures have some customs or religious beliefs with the water. Some of the largest cities (at the time) were destroyed in the Riverlands, such as the Ghiscari settlements or Dran Ged, which was savagely destroyed by Tyrinia, along with Eranasera. The tragic genocide of the Cataa holds as one of the worst events in near-modern Valyrian history.

* Maidenpool
* Serewall
* Eranasera
* Kilabaryara
* Dran Ged
* Krazaaj Has
* Yhaknan
* Laym On
* Sugawara

### Nightkeep

A place of magic, seafare, and outdated customs, Nightkeep is home to the smallest villages and largest Royal Houses, such as House Velaryon. Velaryons are one of the oldest Valyrian races, so their family blood is not small, but is still kept close to their homes. Some villages practice customs so horrific that, like Breakwater in The Sorrows, travelers are advised to avoid them altogether to avoid traumatization.

* Kikatori
* Freywick
* Andal's Keep
* Paloemeu
* Myr Moa
* Driftmark
* Hammerhal
* Goldengrove
* Tedamali

### Valley of the Fallen

A solemn, empty land, filled with destroyed ruins by the fires of Fatalis before the eventual "**Fall of Valyria**." Any cities that still reside within the Valley are aggressive, territorial, and let no strangers walk their lands. Sometimes, instead of execution, in nearby cities, criminals will be sentenced to live out in exile in the Valley of the Fallen, a by far crueler fate than a quick death. If the dry lands don't cook you, the aggressive citizens or wild beasts will take the first bite or swipe. Many Ghiscari cities were in the Valley of the Fallen. It is unknown whether this name came after the fall of many cities within the region, or if it was named before and turned out to be a strange and unfortunate coincidence.

* Halfmire
* Old Lycnevaa
* Najin
* Prirye
* Tyrinia
* Gemdeqhe
* Kokhola Nas
* El Kounti
* Curavi
* Volantis
* Tlholo
* Onthem
* Lyirjem
* Carcano

### Dragonstone

Resting off the lower Eastern coast of the Valyrian mainland, Dragonstone used to be home to many dragons before and after the Fall of Valyria. After vicious dragon hunting ravaged Valyrian land, Dragonstone was mostly barren of all dragonlife, except Khet-Ui where the Khufut have managed to breed a group of Short Tailed Wyverns to ride. Tarth stands as the largest settlement, a bustling city of merchants, selling many sought after resources such as gems, spices, animals, and even dragon eggs.

* Tarth
* Weeping Town
* Seagard
* Aspes
* Khet-Ui
* God's Eye

### Bastard's Cradle

Home to only a mere three settlements, all in connections with one another, Bastard's Cradle holds over a million citizens. Mountains and grasslands span across the land, free range to many animals and loners. Earthrealmer blood resides in the citizens of Tüsuu and Jyväsmäki, as after the creation of The Claim, people from Norway and Denmark traveled from Earthrealm and settled in Valyria, as many other Earthrealm countries and empires did.

* Tüsuu
* Jyväsmäki
* Ekvalla

### Isle of Tears

The isle is furthest north of the mainland, housing both a city of peaceful vegetarians, and a settlement of Khal Drogo's dragon hunters. With dense tall-tree forests, high mountains, and large beaches, the Isle of Tears is a beautiful land. The weather follows normal Earthrealm patterns, becoming colder in the winter months, and hotter in the summer months.

* Scorpion's Nest
* Night's Watch

### Wyvern Point

A former home to many wyvern dragon species, Wyvern Point has been repopulated by small villages and towns of unique hunters, traders, and shamans. The unique village of Peach rests on this island, as well as the close-knit community of Volmark, who guard their village with tamed Forest Pteryx's. The land is mostly high-risen, salt cliffs resting by the village of Saltcliffe - hence their name.

* Volmark
* Saltcliffe
* Bivila
* Peach
* White Teeth

### Marahai

Marahai is a small island off of the West coast of Valyria, only home to one settlement, a village known as Naga's Cradle. Lagrely made up of forests, it does well to hide the quite reserved Nakig peoples of Naga's Cradle.

* Naga's Cradle

### Vahar

Vahar rests close to Nightkeep, off the coast of the settlements like Goldengrove, Driftmark, and Hammerhal. The only settlement is Gravok, closely allied with House Velaryon. Dry and hot, the lands do no good for farming, so the people residing on Vahar must travel to other settlements for food, lumber, and animal materials.

* Gravok

## Population

Before the Fall of Valyria, the population of Valyria extended into the tens of millions, though a precise count has never been attempted. After Fatalis' attacks the the migration of many kingdoms and tribes to the Northern islands, the population fell drastically. As of now, the major cities of the continent have populations in the hundreds of thousands, and many Houses in particular can field a reasonably well equipped army in the tens of thousands. Due to the highly negative history, the Valley of the Fallen has the smallest number of active settlements. Meanwhile, Highvalley, despite having harsh winters at times, has the most settlements, presumably for ease of travel North if needed.

Valyria is almost completely populated by humans. However, a few races who can be argued to be "mutated" in a sense, such as the people of Scales or the Khufut peoples, are acknowledged to exist, though it does not come without prejudice. Mages can also be found in some of the more magic-tolerant cities and towns.

## Dragons

Dragons used to populate much of Valyria, but after hundreds of years of slowly being hunted more and more, and especially after the destruction of much of Valyria due to Fatalis, most dragons were killed in the carnage or had to escape and flee North. Any who stayed were eventually killed off, and therefore, the number of dragon individuals currently within Valyrian lands are in the tens, rather than in the tens of thousands, which it used to be previously. Now, dragons are treated as mythical creatures, as Earthrealmers do. Owning one would be seen as a sign of power and wealth.

Depending on the person who discovers a dragon in Valyrian land, they can become the newest dragon researcher or the most legendary dragon slayer. Most Valyrians would pick the latter.

## Trivia

* The name Valyria is taken from A Song of Ice and Fire.
* Valyria is almost the size of Australia. This would make it 1,510 times bigger than The Embrace!
* Crossing the mainland of Valyria would take 3 days of nonstop flying at 80 MPH, or 5-7 days of flying with stops. Traveling on horseback would take months.
* The distance between The Embrace and Valyria is a whopping 4,200 miles, specifically between The Embrace and Stagburn, the highest point of the mainland.
* The system of Houses is only practiced within Valyria!