Varos

> "We stand united!" "We do?" "Hell no we don't. I stand with me, myself, and I! Specifically at the bar over there." - An excerpt from the Feast of Unity
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A land of warmth, trade and bickering. This region is home to many different walks of life and just as many people willing to argue about why theirs is the best way.

## Government

While Varosians tend to leave governance to the individual holds and the various forms that entails, the ruling authority of the region is known as the Conclave of Kings. This Conclave is made up of the top ranking members of the hold's officials. Due to the fragmented nature of this entity, meetings of the Conclave are held only four times a year with only a handful of emergency meetings in history.

### Gran Dianos

While not officially recognized, this city, located on the north eastern tip, is commonly considered the capitol of Varos.

Once a modest trading port, Gran Dianos has existed to allow the pursuit of entertainment. With its fine food, quality housing, and many resorts, the city makes for wondrous destination. By the far, the biggest attraction being the Beacon, a massive lighthouse serving as a welcoming light to sailors, a large casino to its visitors, and a residence for the cities twin rulers, the Grand Directors.

### Tradinal

While many settlements in Varos chose to experiment with different styles of governance, Tradinal holds firm in its old Vanigarian tenants. King Keine Klinge is but the latest monarch to continue to uphold the city's values of honor and chivalry. With its strong walls and stronger morals, Tradinal is home to many guilds and organizations including the Obsidian Knights and the Wild's Conclave.

### Palomia

Upon the eastern shores of Varos, lies a large settlement staring out into the Merciless Ocean. While this settlement may appear quiet at first, it is home to one of the fiercest rivalries in the land. The Arcane Spire is a place of cultivation of magic manipulation and it stands in direct competition with the Kettering Institute, an artificier academy obsessed with the advancement of science. This settlement maintains one of the highest public participation rates as the gathering of the City Council is often the battleground between the headmasters of the city's institutions. These disputes have been known to be physical, and great fun for the crowd.

## History

Originally a providence of Vanigar, the people of the southern lands experienced much difficulty in settling the area. Between the wild animals, aggressive plant growth, and occasional waves of molten rock, remains of the first settlements are preserved only in history books and stories. Eventually colonies adapted with various settlements taking root along the shores of the peninsula to avoid the lava flow and more dangerous beasts, though the amount of aid received from their original kingdom was less than hoped for, leading to some strained relations. And so during the early days of the Ladror Revolt, the people of the peninsula saw a chance to also break from the Kingdom of Vanigar. While some desired to join the Ladrorens in their conflict, many were hesitant to partake in open conflict. During this time, the people of the newly named formed country of Varos banded together against invaders that sought to overtake the budding region, resulting in the very first Conclave of Kings. Eventually the unity of Varos convinced the would be conquerors that there would be no easy usurpation of the sunshine province. This understanding was aided by the decision of the Conclave to push its identify as a neutral party in ongoing conflicts and serving as a valued trade partner. With its neutrality respected (after a few incidents) the country of Varos was faced with a new challenge, government. The new age brought about a desire to experiment with new types of governing and with a large amount of differing opinions, the unified force that repelled numerous invaders shattered into a collection of states that it maintains to this day.

## Biome

The lands of Varos boasts a land plentiful in sunshine and rainfall with warm temperatures year round. While the seasonal variation is limited many understand there to be two main seasons of Varos, Cealos and Sencal. Cealos being the normal day to day blending of rain and sunshine in which much of the flora and fauna grow and gather resources. Sencal is the period following the decennial eruption of the massive volcano Bitoneigh. This season continues on for months at a time during which the skies are filled with ash and lava flows through the lands. Due to the frequent nature of this season, much of the ecosystem has evolved to be highly resilient and proliferative. Some flora found in the tropical lands include coffee, cocoa, rosewood, sandalwood, and deodar trees. While these plants have evolved to grow quickly, this process would be far more difficult if it were not for the peculiarities of the Varosian soil following the Bitoneigh eruptions. The lava flow brings many nutrients and minerals in its wake and the soil itself seems to hold a fraction of the warmth for years. This boon to vegetation has allowed for the creatures of Varos to grow strong.