Varais

Emblem of the Republic of Varais in 4E 776

**Varais** is a political territory in central Maíandir founded as a result of a civilian revolt against the Church of the Vigil. The sizeable region on the western side of the Marble Vale seceded from Edraxis, and sparked a wave of populist rebellion from other regions formerly under the control of the Vigil Protectorate.

## Society

### Culture

Varais is famed for its culture and extravagance, emerging as a heavily secular society almost in direct protest against Edraxian rule. Despite the predominant secular movement, much of the country's religious roots remain and form the basis of Varesian culture, though churches hold little to no political power, at least not overtly. Particularly powerful clerics and religious icons are given the title of *Saints*, and revered by much of the populace. The phrase "by the saints, both living and dead" is a common exclamation in Varais and its colonies.

The capital city is Varlionne, a sprawling metropolis that hosts some of the finest museums, art galleries, and architectural marvels in the world. It is also the host city for the University of Varais, a major academy for learning and arcane practice, similar to the Iron Academy in Atheldael.

### Demographics

The population of Varais is predominantly human, although as the burgeoning cultural centre of Maíandir, thousands of folk of all races have flocked to the territory, leading to a heavily mixed population with large sects of elven, gnomish, and even dwarven population groups, as well as scattered minor ethnic groups from all over Ygdren.

By 4E 776, the wealthy status of Varais continues to attract more and more folk to its borders, but a widening divide between the wealthy and the poor has led many of those immigrants to live in poverty, although the image of Varais as a land of opportunity remains.

### Politics

Varais uses a Republic form of government, where power is determined through democratic elections by eligible citizenry and is re-determined through similar elections every period of 4 years.

In Varais, any free citizen can choose to run for a position in the leading council, although doing so successfully typically requires a substantial degree of wealth and influence. The competition for influence and esteem is a complex game played by anyone of any high status in Varais, and it is often stipulated that influence is more valuable than gold. The lower classes of Varesian society also participate in the game, but the veneer of genuine social mobility through accumulated influence is a thin one, and more and more of the lower class are growing disenfranchised with the slim hopes of gaining a title through merit.

Though theoretically unrelated to political status, a system of titles is given to individuals of particular wealth or land ownership. In ascending order of size of land owned: Baron, Comte, Marquis, Duke, Grand Duke. Often, such titles do coincide with a significant degree of influence in the ruling council, and sometimes a position on the council itself, but just as often the titles are merely symbolic holdovers from the time of the Varesian aristocracy.

## Trivia

* Varais is based on real-world colonial France and Renaissance Italy influences, with a focus on expansionist tendencies and trade monopolies. Society is designed around a complex game of political intrigue, rich artistic cultural flair, flamboyant fashion and wealth, and a class-based system of social standing.