Val'Sullisin'rune

The Val’Sullisin’rune is a clan enveloped in intrigue shrouded by a thin veil of serendipity. It is one of only two known Chelian clans that remain in the wake of the the great wars, retaining a seat of power among the Vals and Vels since the city's founding. They are master diplomats and political manipulators infamous for the numerous empaths that fill their ranks. Though more than hospitable to many other clans, few if any know of the schemes brewing among its individuals.

## History

What would eventually become the Val’Sullisin’rune clan began as the Sullissin nation, a dark elf kingdom dating back well before the great wars. Though initially far away from the center of conflict, the slowly expanding demon infestation eventually began eating away at Sullissin territory. The horror of their predicament reached a head when a nether gate was opened within the capital of Thalamani. Lacking any means to effectively defend themselves, the people of Thalamani fled to the neighboring nation of Sharen. Despite the previously contentuous relationship between the two nations, the Sullissin refugees found themselves welcome in the Sharen capital and the two people fled as one to the safety of the world below when it came time for Sharess to make her fabled offensive against the nether gates.

Within the confines of the underground it took little time for the nations-turned-clans to rekindle their antagonism. Hostility between the two came to a boil in a conflict that came to be known as the Third Century War. Little has been revealed about this conflict, but with its conclusion the Val’Sharen rose itself to the position of dominant clan, nearly eradicating the Sullisin’rune in the process. Rather than wipe what remained of the clan from existence Diva’ratrika mercifully spared the Sullisin'rune, naming Ash’waren as Ill’haress in light of her family's purging.

### Notable Event: The District War

The recent outbreak of war in Chel’el’sussoloth has been an opportunity the clan has long waited for: a chance to strike back against the Vel'Sharen with the help of an ally much more formidable than themselves. However, a series of events turn the war effort against the Suls, with their Sarghress allies placing a serious drain on clan resources. Relations also being to sour between the allies as time passes, and the largest afford occurs when the Sarghress make the decision to ally with Zala'ess Vel'Sharen. This sends a silent message to the Suls that the Sarghress valued their ancient enemy's contribution to peace efforts much more...

In the chaos of the war, Ash'waren herself had been forced to flee the Sul lands to the Sarghress-held Machike'Shikumo, for fear of traitors in her own ranks. The dome itself would see destruction and looting of its first floor, when commoners break through the gates and clan defenses. The Sarghress are able to clear out the rabble, but the damage is already done to the once beautiful landscape & already sour relations with their ally.

## Culture and Politics

To outsiders the Sullisin’rune often appear decadent and flighty. They are renowned for their frequent parties, open to nearly every clan and rumored to often devolve into blind indulgences of food and flesh. The clan members are also well known for their bright, flowing and frequently alluring attire. Jewelry, hair dye and face paint, usually in various hues of blue, are the norm for nearly every female member (although there are a few Suls who identify with blonde hair rather than the usual blue shades, such as Yuleaer Val'Sullisin'rune). Their “soft” appearance, frivolous popular image and heavy reliance on either golems or the Val'Sarghress for military support over their own people have painted the clan as something not to be taken seriously.

In reality however, the Sullisin’rune are no less mighty than any other. Their strength is not in arms, craft or trade, but in guile. Savvy political maneuvering is the crux of the clan’s ability to maintain their Val status. The parties that they host are more than celebratory galas; a guest at ease is a guest with a lowered guard, making them all the easier to converse with and ultimately either influence or extract information from. And so many clans in a single space make for a veritable buffet of targets.

These political games are hardly limited to inter-clan intrigue; there are hints of conspiracy within the Sullisin’rune itself. Though the extent and nature of these plots are unknown they are at least prevalent enough to place a weighty sum of stress upon Ill’haress Ash’waren, making her wary of most of her underlings.

The Sullisin’rune clan is widely known for the abundance of empaths among its ranks. This particular reputation stems from its Ill’haress, who is both blessed with the supernatural ability and has passed it generously down to her many, many children. In a culture that already places a heavy emphasis on bureaucratic finesse, the ability to perceive and manipulate the emotions of others only heightens one’s prowess in the art of politics.

The acts of the Third Century War have never truly been forgotten by the Sullisin’rune, who have made themselves into a bureaucratic counterweight to the endeavors of the Vel'Sharen, careful to impede their ambitions without instigating armed conflict. Quite possibly the greatest slap to the Sharen's faces came with their sponsorship of the Sarghress, helping the mercenary clan rise to Val status. With the alliance of Sullisin'rune cunning and Sarghress strength of arm, their strength stands on nearly equal grounds with the Vel'Sharen.

Since the outbreak of the most recent war the Sullisin’rune seems to have solidified its alliance with the Sarghress, yet at the same time there appears to be some notable friction between the two. As both a logistical supporter and a supplier of goods for the mercenary clan, the Sullisin'rune find themselves stretched thin by the explosion in their ally's size. Increased demand opposed by dwindling supply has placed the Sullisins in a troubled position.

## Clan Fortresses and Properties

Little else is known about the clan’s other holdings. It is implied that they have at least a foothold in Machike'Shikumo.

## Clan Members

### Servants and Slaves

*This article reflects events up to Chapter 50**.***

1. ↑ http://www.drowtales.com/mainarchive.php?sid=11410
2. ↑ http://www.drowtales.com/mainarchive.php?sid=8400
3. ↑ http://www.drowtales.com/mainarchive.php?sid=5836
4. ↑ http://www.drowtales.com/mainarchive.php?sid=9902
5. ↑ http://www.drowtales.com/mainarchive.php?sid=8387