Varandian

*"Standing on the ashes of civilizations long gone, the banners of Ferric, Wirund, and Adamere, will remain." - The Pact of Three*

## Origin

Across the sea are lands uncouth to civilization. Ambitious men with armies to sell to the right buyer arrived on the shores of the Myzaean Empire, and so they became employed. Their armies proved vital, and unlike all other mercenaries bought, these men became landed as money became harder to come by. Eventually Ferric, Wirund, and Adamere betrayed the Myzaean Emperor once they solidified their power. The reliance of mercenaries revealed crucial weaknesses in their military, and so close to reforming the Prolesian Empire, it had crumbled before them.

Led by Ferric, the other two warlords cooperated in establishing a country which would hold its own legacy, yet after Ferric's death, Adamere and Wirund began viciously fighting over the Kingdom of Ferrosia. The fantasized "Andalonian Empire" crumbled once Wirund's successor Languedoc, became King. With the three founders now dead, the Kingdoms which they had established grew to become drastically different from one another.

The Kingdom of Varandia inherits its name from Wirund which in Lakonic is *Varandion.* Peasantry and Nobility pride themselves of being Varandians, and much prefer the civility of court politics over constant conflict as their Andal cousins; Andalonia.

## Culture

### Military

Andalonian culture is the building blocks of the northern nations, and like Andalonia and Ferrosia, they were inspired by their neighbors and the land they seized. The city of Lucerne was once the capital of Varandia, but with conquests against the Galatians the jewel of Toulend became the new capital. Toulend was not only important due to its strategic position, but because it was at the crossroad of Styrian, Andal, and Valhynian culture.

While the Varandians warred, they learned and adapted. Their cavalry was second-to-none, and with many fleeing to Varandia from the constant wars abroad many scholars expanded Varandia's horizons. The Varandians founded the crossbow, and at the Battle of Clairmont they were the first to use couched lance, a form never thought of by their rivals.

Though militarily sound, much Varandian culture revolves around the cultivating of families and field. Land distribution and protection is important to a Varandian, and often does the King and his court deal with these matters by the petitioners. A Varandian without land is a Varandian without purpose, and often does a Varandian go to war, and through war most are not paid in gold but in acres. The lush provinces are highly sought after, and where most countries may starve after or during a war, the Varandians normally prosper.

Knighthood is a new concept to them, and though controversial where it may have developed, A Styrian and Varandian Knight often wield stark contrasts, as a Styrian Knight may participate in military affairs, a Varandian Knight will often gorge themselves through domestic affairs. Hunting Forlorn is not uncommon and depending on the region of the Knight, it is expected.

During war a Knight assumes the honorary title of "Paladin" or "Banneret". Knights of Varandia are landed nobles below a baron, but above a mayor. The term "Banneret" comes from the sigil they wear when at war, and because of the diversity of a knight's heraldry, a Varandian army is often colorful. Many ambitious farmers have become a knight, and a knight can often become a lord.

### Domestic

When wars are not waged, the men return home to tend to their fields and celebrate with families. The family unit is important to a Varandian, as important as the land they gain, without a family there will be no land to keep. Marriages are sacrosanct to a Varandian, and one that celebrated amongst the peasantry a house is normally assembled within the village by other villagers. While men construct the walls, roof, and foundation, the women prepare the innards of a home; from tables, chairs, to beds. The process is a day-long activity, and by nightfall the newly weds will have a home to sleep in, and a tight-knit community to celebrate with them.

The constructors and architects find difficulty in stonework. Though stone is common, mining is a rarity. Most stone-built cities are old decrepit Prolesian metropolises refit with wooden structures. This leads into the clear separation of what was Prolesian, and what is Varandian.

### Appearance

Varandians are normally tall and sinewy. Most Varandian women on average are taller than most, and due to their strengths they are expected to participate more in society. Most are dark haired, yet some Varandians can be blonde, however auburn is more often seen.

Varandian names are very similar if not congruent to Andalonian names. Naming structure usually involves the addition of "-dric" or "-doc", while if of noble descent the surname usually begins with "dey Languedoc" for comparison which translates to "of Languedoc" or "offspring of Languedoc". Normally a noble family takes the name of the city they were first established in, or by their founder, or in relation of their duty. "Dey" however is *always* implemented in a noble family, ones that do not wield the addition are normally "peasant born".