Vulrazhir

Vulrazhir is a nation of Vazhanem that were consolidated under one leader, and united in the worship of Vulra, the Fallen Angel. The nation is led by The Fuvael, which means “One who sees the Stars”. The Vazhanem have a special reverence for The Night Sky and Stars. However, they do not worship the moon as it is believed to be an agent of The Gods. The Vazhanem despise the gods. They refuse to be held as essentially slaves to the gods. In the current age, they are masters of Bronze Smithing. Vazhanem within Vulrazhir are typically hunters or soldiers, with a few left behind to care for other roles.

In Vulrazhir, years are measured in the winters of a ruler’s reign. An example of the proper way to state a year would be: “In the 47th winter of Vulassael.” Often, the Vazhanem shorten this to the amount of years a ruler has reigned, for example: “47 Vulassael’s Reign.”

Basic Statistics

## History

### Prehistory

#### The Birth of the Vazhanem

The story of Vulrazhir begins with the birth of The Vazhanem. Many millennia ago, The Angel, Vulra, was observing the world from his place in the heavens. Since his birth, he had been unsatisfied with his assigned post and wished for nothing more than to pursue his ambitions. One day, the heavens were in an uproar after mere mortals had managed to kill a Goddess of Life, who was known to them as Bramesh. This caught his eye, for it was the first time he had seen anything defy the almighty gods, and the flame of ambition grew within him. In secret he descended to The World and began scheming up ways to defy the gods. In particular, he mastered the use of blood magic with creations such as the Leech Wyrms. However, the gods eventually caught wind of his plot, and stripped him of many powers as he was banished from the heavens.

It was too late though, for his power had grown beyond that of a simple angel. His experiments would culminate in the creation of the Vazhanem. An army with which he would wage war against the gods. The Vazhanem knew neither love nor fear. They knew no holy law except that of their creator. He gave them one simple instruction: To never allow themselves to live in servitude to the gods. This army quickly swelled in numbers, and would soon descend upon a once peaceful underground world.

#### The Under-Earth Wars

What use is an army without a glorious war? The Great Host of Vazhanem was gathering strength quickly. A mere 100 years after their creation, the Vazhanem had stolen the secrets of bronze working by stalking the shadows. Vulra, despite his ambitions, was not foolish enough to challenge the gods in open warfare, so he planned in whispers. In secret the Vazhanem spied on their neighbours, and would occasionally reveal themselves to feed or neutralize threats of discovery. Vazhanem smiths laboured unceasingly for days and nights to create arms worthy of The Great Host. Not merely bronze was used. The smiths incorporated stone, bones, and furs into the armoury of the Great Host. After centuries of lurking in the shadows, the Vazhanem were now ready to wage open war. However, they knew that they could not hope to challenge the gods yet, so instead they sought to conquer a land they believed the gods paid little attention to: the underground, their home for thousands of years.

It was many millennia after their genesis when the Vazhanem descended in force upon the unprepared citizens of the Underearth. Their surrounding neighbours stood no chance. It is unknown how many sentient races were driven to extinction in the early days of the Under-Earth Wars. Many more races were driven out of the Under-Earth entirely. After their initial assault, they secured their lands and declared the creation of Mursazhir, the precursor state to Vulrazhir. From there, they fortified their lands as they knew there would be many more eyes upon them when they took arms again. Their enemies were not inactive either. In the south, the Dwarves of Glaishkanurg began fortifying their empire. The Vazhanem would reach them in due time. For now, they merely focused on securing their own borders. It is in this new nation, that the now Fallen Angel, Vulra, took residence. He declared that the city of Vulra’Rada would be his throne.

When the Vazhanem had consolidated the entirety of their force, they marched out in force again. The Great Host pillaged the entire Under-Earth, destroying civilizations as they went. They however, met particularly fierce resistance in the territory of Glaishkanurg. The hardy Dwarves were ready for war in a way that no other race had done so. The two forces were evenly matched since the Great Host was spread thin throughout the entire Underground. The best both sides could do was enter into a stalemate, which would not end until the collapse of the Underway. Unfortunately for the Dwarves, their empire had already been in decline since the start of the wars. The stalemate did not hold for long as the disorganized dwarves’ supplies dwindled. Soon, the Vazhanem broke the defensive lines. It is believed that this event was one of the main factors of the collapse of the Ancient Dwarven Underway. The Siege of The Glaishkanurg would be the climax of the war, but at this point the Under-Earth was a land of desolation thanks to The Great Host. It is at this moment that the gods finally took notice of the carnage occurring and moved to intervene. Normally they would not, but since the Vazhanem were led by a Fallen Angel, they believed it to be necessary. Through means forgotten to all histories, the gods purged the Under-Earth of Vazhanem. Very few managed to escape, like the ancestors of Vulrazhir. As for Vulra, he was sealed away in the foundations of the world, where none could reach him ever again. There he is fated to spend the rest of eternity.

### The Age of Wolves

#### The March of the Exiles

With the Under-Earth destroyed, their leader imprisoned, and army scattered, the Vazhanem were all but helpless. Most died in the god’s purge but many more would be hunted down by the very races that once feared them. A number of Vazhanem legions managed to survive however, though as a result of the collapse, they were scattered all across the world. There is a lost legion in the deserts of the west continent, a lost legion in the Ice of the south, and many more that are still undiscovered to this day. One particular legion made their way up North. This was the legion that was led by Zaegatullar the Pathfinder. These Vazhanem are the ancestors of Vulrazhir. They settled at last in the grasslands of the North, and the land they called Zaegatullar after the general who led them there. Ancient texts rumour that a strange feeling led Zaegatullar to march his army North, but they knew not where that feeling could have originated. It is said that when the Legion had made its way out of the caves, a great heat emanated from behind them and sealed off the entrance to the Under-Earth with a massive formation of Volcanic Rock. In the North, the Vazhanem declared Zaegatullar their leader, and declared a new year 0, of Zaegatullar’s reign.

In the years after the Under-Earth Wars, the Vazhanem became wanderers. For more than 150 winters, Zaegatullar ruled the Vazhanem. This was the bleakest time of the Vazhanem’s existence. They were no longer the mighty force that brought their world to its knees. Now, they were nothing more than bandits, shadows in the night. Many even thought them to be nothing but myth. A number of ancient texts from the civilizations of Zaegatullar’s Reign mention a ghost story that parents told to children about bloodthirsty savages that roamed the night. The Vazhanem would rule nothing.

#### The Rise of Radavul

Many Vazhanem were unhappy with their life. In addition to their struggles, the Vazhanem’s Varinjael, their birthplaces, were all lost with the collapse of the Under-Earth. Then, a miracle came. A soldier of no renown was exploring a cave, looking for a defensible place to settle, when he felt something familiar. It felt like home. Exploring further, he found a pool of blood emanating with the same magic that flowed through the Vazhanem’s veins. It was a new Varinjael! It would only take a bit of magic to attune it to the Vazhanem, and begin making a new army. Throughout the surface, the Vazhanem rejoiced, and gave the soldier a name, a significant moment in the life of a Vazhanem. He would be known as Radavul, which literally translates to “True Throne”, for his efforts in bringing the rule of the Vazhanem closer.

In time, the Vazhanem would find a way to recreate their own Varinjaels, through magic and blood sacrifice. The terror of the Vazhanem became known in the North as they ruthlessly kidnapped hundreds of creatures to feed to their blood pools. Radavul in particular became renowned for his strength. Since he was the first to discover a Varinjael on the surface, he was very popular amongst the young Vazhanem, and they felt more loyalty to him than they did to their ruler. Eventually, in the dark of the night, Radavul challenged Zaegatullar officially for the rule of the Vazhanem. Radavul was a skilled warrior and mage, but Zaegatullar was boosted by the power of The Sovereign Stone, a heartstone that glowed blood red and was more powerful than normal. It was a fierce fight, but Radavul was always favoured by fate, despite the Vazhanem’s negative disposition towards being puppets. He detached Zaegatullar’s heartstone through magic. Claiming it, he struck him down and ushered in a new age. One of a true nation, united like the days of The Great Host. The end of Zaegatullar came on the 171st year of his reign, and The Reign of Radavul began.

His first act was not to continue as the Vazhanem had been of collecting blood and making nexuses of magic. Instead, he desired to centralize the rule of the Vazhanem. Right above the cave where he first found the Varinjael, he constructed a great hall. This would be his palace, and the center of Vulrazhir’s Capital, Vaelzhanath. This would become the center of Vulrazhir, and the borders were naturally drawn based on the presence of the Vazhanem during the time.

#### The Rule of Blood

Radavul’s reign was characterized by immense expansionism, to the point where Vulrazhir's resources were too stretched to sustain its own citizens. After establishing a central region from which Vulrazhir would be governed, he immediately went about expanding its borders. This expansion was focused around the Great River, Zazhitura. This region was particularly rich in resources, which meant a number of early civilizations were centered around the river. Unfortunately, the quick expansion of the Vazhanem along the river led to most of those civilizations being wiped out. The more populous settlements on the river were pressed into slavery for the Vazhanem, and the rest were slaughtered, and forgotten by history.

In this expansion, there was one massive exception: The Gnomes. They were a small people primarily focused on technology, so the Vazhanem called them the Varizhin, literally "mindful people." The scouts reported that these people lived under the Earth, and preferred to isolate themselves from the world. The Vazhanem had no reservations about destroying them, but Radavul's advisors proposed an alternate outcome. They had heard about the strange mechanisms of the Varizhin, and believed that they would be useful should they submit to the rule of Vulrazhir. So, an ultimatum was sent to the Varizhin lands. It promised peace and protection if the gnomes would contribute their technological might to Vulrazhir. They accepted, which marked the first time in history that the Vazhanem had reached a peaceful solution with their neighbours.

Of course, as a nation that was built in rebellion against the gods, Vulrazhir faced many enemies. To their north, a powerful theocracy was expanding its borders as well. It was a collection of city states bound together under a common religion: Isuta Seto. With these two states being as expansionist as they were, it was inevitable that they should come into conflict. The word for a citizen of Isuta Seto was merely "Merunyil", literally "Enemy People." The conflict began when Vazhaneyil scouts reported that city states to the north were extremely religious, and their leaders had built their authority upon the divine. The Vazhanem would not tolerate such a thing so close to their borders, and so they prepared for war. Having only tested themselves against primitive peoples, they were confident that they could win. A series of raids began, and Isuta Seto responded in kind, further cementing Vulrazhir's hatred against them. Soon, the Vazhanem had gathered their strength and prepared to march into Isuta in a campaign of conquest, but something unprecedented occurred. The Sovereign's permission was necessary to initiate any form of military excursion, but Radavul hadn't given his permission, nor had he recalled the order to march into Isuta. There was simply no response.

#### The Fall of Radavul

The cancelled military campaign was merely the first of Radavul's strange new policies. The legions eventually grew tired of waiting for the Sovereign's orders, and returned to their posts at home. Then, Radavul enacted the decree that damned him: All Vazhanem were to retreat behind Vulrazhir's preestablished borders, and stay there. This confused most of them, as this was such a massive departure from Radavul's dangerously expansionistic policies. This was wildly unpopular among most Vazhanem, and many immediately began violating the order. In response, Radavul sent his most loyal forces to apprehend and execute these "traitors."

It is unknown even now what caused Radavul's change in policy. Perhaps he had fallen under the control of the gods who sought to destroy Vulrazhir. Most probably, he foresaw Vulrazhir's doom if it continued upon the path he had previously set out for it, and so tried to steer the Vazhanem upon a new course. Regardless of the reason, his legions were convinced he had gone mad. However, they could not simply replace him, as that would require besting him in combat and wrestling the control of Vulrazhir from his dead hands. None were Radavul's equal in battle just yet. So, for a full 4 centuries, the Vazhanem had hid. Their lands and infrastructure rotted, and the rest of the world began surpassing them at an astronomical pace. The Vazhanem needed a hero of the people who would break this restless peace.

#### The Rebellion of Vulassael

Peace. The Vazhanem abhor the word, as they hate the gods themselves. In this era of peace, nothing was accomplished, and Vulrazhir itself rotted. The peoples under the authority of the sovereign gradually decreased as the Vazhanem preyed on them. None were hurt more than the gnomes, whom the Vazhanem would betray and devour in their desperation for blood. Vulrazhir needed a new leader, one with the strength to lead them into a new era. Enter Vulassael. Whose name means: "By the Stars, Enthroned."

He had been gathering strength for decades, leaving the borders of Vulrazhir in disguise to monitor the other peoples of the world. On one of these trips, he beheld a meteor shower that fell behind The Ranzhael Va’narsa, the Mountains of Ambition. He saw this as a sign. Radavul’s fears had haunted Vulrazhir long enough, and he must be replaced at any cost. For the next few years, Vulassael gathered allies and ensured that: even if Radavul yet lived, the people of Vulrazhir would abide by him no longer.

At last the fateful Night came. From his seat within Vaelzhanath, Radavul saw the city aflame. Searching the streets with those still loyal to him, he was prepared to fight tooth and nail, but found no opposition. The Vazhanem plotting to overthrow him merely offered the respect he was owed as their Sovereign, and pointed him towards the center of the city, and it was there he saw Vulassael, leading the traitors. No words were exchanged between the two warriors. They merely readied themselves for combat, knowing the stakes were at their highest. It seemed that their fight lasted hours, and it was not merely confined in the streets. So fierce was their clash that they nearly traversed the length of the city, spreading fire and devastation where they met. At last, when the moon reached its Zenith, Radavul faltered, and was struck down.

Vazhanem, loyal and revolutionary, knew there was only one thing to do. Vulassael had defeated Radavul in noble combat, and thus he was their rightful sovereign. They bent the knee, and swore fealty. As The New Sovereign raised the heart of Radavul above his head, a cry erupted, and spread throughout Vulrazhir: “Zelūm! Verumu’ zelūm turanyil!”

### The Age of Wisdom

#### The Birth of a New Age

Vulassael's first act as Sovereign was to stabilize Vulrazhir's rapidly declining economy. He accomplished this by overhauling Vulrazhir's infrastructure. In his travels to far off lands, Vulassael had gleaned many things on the art of ruling. He would often work alongside the workers, meticulously making sure everything was perfect. In time, the rot that festered during Radavul's reign was eradicated. Vulrazhir's economy was no longer in a death spiral, but much work was left to be done. Radavul's reign had left the military in shambles, and Vulrazhir's resources alone would not be enough to restore the military to its former might.

In addition to the upgrades to infrastructure, the start of Vulassael's reign marked a major increase in interest of science and knowledge. Vulassael was an enlightened individual compared to his peers, and he sought to spread his ideals and curiosity to Vulrazhir as a whole. In this era, the amount of scholars within Vulrazhir increased dramatically, and at least every military commander would be a learned individual. However, Vulrazhir's ancient attitudes would make it so that scholars were rare. Vulrazhir's knowledge would be kept within its borders during the start of Vulassael's reign.

## Geography

Vulrazhir can be found in the Northern portion of Cy'getauria. It exists in the grasslands near a great river. In the tongue of the Vazhanem, the river is named Nokzurun Zazhitura, The River Thunder. It was named such because of the way the river curves, and all the streams that seem to flow from it. To the Vazhanem, the river is shaped like a Lightning Bolt. The land of the Vazhanem also has a good view of the mountains to the south. Its name in Vulmethīr, the Vazhaneyil language, is Ranzhael Va’narsa. It means The Mountains of Ambition. The way the mountains reach out to the sky is reminiscent of the Vazhanem’s ambition to wage war against the heavens.

The grasslands are an excellent land for the Vazhanem. The long grasses provide many hiding spots which they use to ambush prey to great effect. The hunting grounds of the Vazhanem stay in the grasslands however. The natural barriers of the Mountains and River keep the Vazhanem within the North. The grasslands are also prominent with Fauna. There, fauna such as the Leech Wyrms and other animals can be found. The soil of the grasslands is very fertile, though the Vazhanem don’t make use of that. Being a primarily carnivorous species, they have not made great strides in agriculture.

The capital of Vulrazhir is Vaelzhanath. In their tongue, it means Starstone. The literal translation is “Star-Rock-Place”. It is situated in the east half of Vulrazhir, near The River Zazhitura. The location of the capital is ideal since it’s in a central location in the grasslands, while still being well defended by the river. The capital’s proximity to the mountains is also ideal. Materials from the mountains are often used in Vazhaneyil architecture. The quarries of Vulrazhir are an important part of the nation.

## Language

The Vazhanem speak Vulmethīr. It’s name literally means “Vulra-Speak”. Vulmethīr is a language that changes incredibly slowly since the Vazhanem are incredibly long lived. It has little to no foreign influence since the Vazhanem have adopted a lifestyle of: “Strike first, ask later.”

#### Vowels

 HIGH
 MID
 LOW

### Phonotactics

Permitted Codas

/k/,/g/,/ʔ/

/v/, /θ/, /s/

/m/,/n/

/r/,/l/

Maximum Syllable: CVC

Minimum Syllable: CV

Stress on the First Syllable unless:

* There is a syllable with a Glottal Stop, in which case the stress is there
* There is a syllable with a long vowel, in which case the stress is there
* There is a syllable that evolved from /ʔ/ into /j/, in which case the stress is there. This is typically indicated when two vowels are put together

In cases where stress rules clash, the earliest stressed syllable tales priority

Ex. Ërethumu’ “I will give”. /ʔɘ.rɘ.thu.muʔ/ - stressed syllable: /ʔɘ/

### Syntax

Basic Word Order:

* VSO
* Ex. The person sees the animal = See Person the Animal
* Fuvin Vuzhi nur Sor

Adjective derived from nouns

* Adjectives after nouns
* Adverbs after verbs

Adpositions derive from verbs

* Adpositions before Nouns

Possession

* Possessor like an adjective. After Nouns
* To indicate the possessor, the structure is “[Noun] ji [Possessor]
* Possessive pronouns have evolved differently, and are unique words. When modifying a noun, they are treated as adjectives.

Interrogative Sentences

* When a subject is in question, word order stays VSO

1. Ex. Who likes blood?
2. Pamura zhisul jazenem

* When an object is in question, word order stays VSO

1. Ex.What do you like?
2. Pamura ran sul?

* When a verb is in question, word order becomes SVO

1. Ex. You what blood?
2. Ran-zhaba jazenem?
3. The subject is then modified with the verb: “Zhabā”

* To ask why, or whether or not someone does something, the sentence stays the same but the interrogative is placed in front.

1. Ex. Why do you like blood?
2. Vumsul pamura ran jazenem?

### Grammar

Pluralization

* Pluralization is marked with the suffix “-v” or “-vi”
* The criteria for this is whether the word ends with a consonant or a vowel. If it is with a consonant, use “-vi” since minimum syllable is CV. If it is with a vowel, add on the “-v”
* If a word ends in a stop, the stop is removed and the word is suffixed by “-v”

Tense

 PAST
 PRESENT
 HABITUAL
 FUTURE

Articles

* Vulmethīr only has an article for definite nouns: “nur”.
* Indefinite nouns are assumed if no definite article is present
* Countries, tribes, and cultures, are all preceded by the definite article.

## Politics

### Political Structure

Vulrazhir is an absolute theocracy. A leader’s right to rule is given by divine right. Divine right must ge earned through might and prowess. The leader of Vulrazhir is named the Fuvael, The Star-Seer. Fuvael could also be interpreted as “Prophet”. It is believed that the stars are The Fallen Angel Vulra’s only way of communicating with the world as of now.

The ruler is currently Vulassael, the Usurper.

A number of things determine if a leader is fit to rule. Firstly, is strategy. The Vazhanem will not respect a ruler who themself cannot respect the art of warfare. Next is might. Might is proved by defeating the Fuvael in combat. A leader is much more likely to die in combat than of old age. The Vazhanem do not currently have a way to elect a leader if one dies before defeated since Radavul is the first leader. Lastly, their connection to the supernatural aspects of the world is important. The Fuvael is not merely a leader, they are the Vazhanem’s connection to their creator. They must be able to uphold that connection.

### Military Structure

Due to the nature of Vazhanem reproduction, the concept of lineage does not exist within the nation. This means that position is determined solely by merit and prestige. The most prominent way to gain prestige is through the military. Service is mandatory for all citizens of Vulrazhir. Serviceman are typically rotated out after a certain period of time so that Vulrazhir won't bankrupt itself through its military maintenance.

**The Sovereign [Fuvael]**

The Sovereign is the absolute commander of all of Vulrazhir’s legions, known as The Grand Army. The word for Sovereign in Vulmethīr roughly translates to “Star-Seer”. Every single Vazhanem is beholden to their power. No matter what, the orders of The Sovereign must be obeyed. In wars, The Sovereign is responsible for creating a master plan and laying out strategies. The strategies outlined by The Sovereign are more like guidelines rather than actual laws. In contrast, the master plan is absolute. It is the ultimate goal of the war. In addition to military duties, the Sovereign governs the entirety of Vulrazhir, and dictates national policy with their advisors.

**Praetors [Methīvasan]**

Praetors are Vazhanem who lead multiple legions. The word for them in Vulmethīr means “Speaker for The Army''. Multiple legions form singular armies. These armies are distinguished by numbers. Praetors answer directly to the Sovereign. In wars, they are responsible for outlining the movement of legions and the strategy it will use to attain victory. In addition to military duties, they are responsible for the governance of a province, excluding the Capitol which is governed directly by The Sovereign.

**Admirals [Vano'nokzha]**

Admirals are the newest addition to Vulrazhir's chain of command. They are the equivalent to Praetors, except they manage the actions of sailors and fleets. Their name in Vulmethīr means "Conqueror of The Seas". They are answerable only to the Sovereign, and there is an admiral for every fleet that Vulrazhir possesses. Like Praetors, admirals manage territories. However, these territories are always coastal, such as Vulrazhir's colonies.

**Legates [Methījanir]**

Legates are Vazhanem who lead a legion. The word for them in Vulmethīr means “Speaker for The Legion”. Legions are made up of multiple cohorts, who are each under the authority of the Legate. In wars, Legates command the legion directly, and do their best to follow the plans of their Praetor. The role of Legate does not automatically come with civic duties, though Legates are often chosen to govern regions of their Praetor’s province.

**Commanders [Methīganu]**

These Vazhanem are the lowest rank of the chain of command. They lead a cohort, one part of a legion. Their name in Vulmethīr means “Speaker for The Soldier”. They have a much more personal relationship with their soldiers than other officers since a cohort is a smaller unit than a legion. In wars, they are responsible for commanding the soldiers in the middle of battle, and keeping order within their ranks. Like Legates, they do not automatically have civic duties, though most Legates assign their commanders to govern cities in their region.

## Culture

### Morals

The Vazhanem attitude towards life is indifference. They have a history of genocide and require the blood of others to survive. This has bred a mindset that has absolutely no regard for lives, which includes their own. Strength is the only thing of worth to the Vazhanem. If a Vazhanem dies, then society has been made better, more pure. Slavery, war, even genocide, all are just words to the Vazhanem. Anything to advnce their great nation. Vazhanem place no importance in lives, sapient or otherwise.

The Vazhaneyil views on life are reflected in their treatment of the land. They have no respect for the creations of the gods, and merely dream up how they could be used to their own advantage. The only use in preserving the land is that devastation ceases the land’s production of resources.

While the Vazhanem see nothing wrong with enslaving others, their own absolute enslavement is something that will not be accepted. They see enslavement as similar to bending to the will of the gods. They value independence, and will be unlikely to form mutual alliances. Rather, they seek to dominate species they see as “lesser”. They have already been designated as mere prey after all. It will likely take much for a different race to gain the respect of the Vazhanem.

When interacting with other nations, the antiquated tactic was to attack first and speak later if there happen to be survivors. However, with Radavul’s ascension, that practice has switches around. Now, the Vazhanem are likely to send a messenger to demand the subjugation of the new people. The messenger will demand the subservience of the species, but give them leave to govern their own lands. Additionally, they will comply with the Vazhanem’s demand to sacrifice some of their own periodically for blood. If they refuse, then the Vazhanem descend upon them and cuase devastation, at which point they will make their demands again. If they refuse a third time, then often enslavement follows unless if the people are able to defend themselves.

In regards to love, the Vazhanem have little understanding of the concept. Their creator built them without their emotions so that they would be the perfect soldier. The closest thing they have to the concept of love is unity, as armies need organization to function with great effect.

### Religion

The main religion of Vulrazhir is Narsavulram, which means “The Worship of Vulra”. In addition to worshipping Vulra, it also preaches the defiance of the gods and the natural order.

It is a religion that places high value in free will. Vulra decreed to the first Vazhanem a millenia ago that their freedom should be of highest value to them. The main tenets preach freedom, though understands that some authorities are legitimate. The criteria for this is: if authority is won through strength, it is legitimate. If authority is given by the gods though, it must be defied. Vulra himself is not a god, but a fallen angel. It was he who brought the Vazhanem into this world through his own might, and he is therefore owed loyalty.

The Second Tenet of Narsavulram is ambition. The ambition of the Vazhanem is embodied in the stars. They represent the heights and beauty that the Vazhanem shall one day reach. This originates from the very first emergence of the Vazhanem, when they beheld both the Night and Sunrise. Their ambition is to conquer the skies, and usher in an Age of Night, under the light of the stars, not the tyrannical sun.

The final tenet of Narsavulram, the tenet that defined an age, and spilled much blood, is the Tenet of Conquest. This was a tenet not given to the Vazhanem, but learned through life. If they were to follow the other tenets, if they are to maintain their freedom, then they must do so in arms. The Vazhanem are unwanted by the gods, and have had to fight for the mere right to exist. This tenet instructs followers to dominate others before they themselves can be dominated. The name of the followers of Narsavulram derives from this tenet. Followers of the religion are called Vanozhuli, in the tongue of the Vazhanem this means: “One who conquers.”

### Art

Vazhanem do not place high importance in art. They do not paint except sometimes with blood. However with blood, it is only for ceremonial purposes as it is sustenance. Using blood for art should only be reserved for important project or it will be considered wasteful. Colours aren’t often used, but they tend to utilize blacks, whites, greys, and red quite often.

Vazhaneyil art mostly consists of straight scratches against a stone surface, in the same manner that their writing is. The depictions are often crude and unrecognizable to other races, but they make sense to the Vazhanem. Their purpose is often to record the nation’s history and chronicling local deeds. It is also often used to depict religious images. For an example, take the nation’s banner which depicts a crude drawing of the Vulra the Fell.

#### Artifacts

The spear of the Fuvael is an ancient artifact. It is believed to be the first weapon, or first usable weapon, forged by ancient Vazhanem. It was given the name Merunzhisa, “Enemy of Light”. It is a token of strength, and proves a leader’s right to rule. It is currently wielded by Radavul after he took it from the hands of Zaegatular the Pathfinder.

#### Notable Architecture

**The Obsidian Palace**

*Built 337 VR - 360 VR [900 AS - 923 AS]*

With Vulassael’s renovations to infrastructure, many ancient buildings were overhauled. In the capital, that included a large number of historic buildings that have stood since Vulrazhir’s founding. These structures were old, and often made of basic wood and stone. One such structure was the Palace. It was the first building in Vulrazhir, but Vulassael had it torn down, and replaced it with a structure fit for governance.

But he didn’t stop there. Additional renovations were made to the Palace. From the quarries in the South, Vulrazhir’s mining industry has started excavating obsidian in large amounts. Now one may wonder how igneous rock is found in an area with limited seismic activity. In the past, The Under-Earth was devastated by the Vazhanem, and so they were driven out by the Gods. To prevent them from returning to their home, the Cy’getaurian entrance to the Under-Earth was sealed off with a great blast of fire. This fire has come to form Obsidian deep within the mountains.

The enormous structure took years of labour to complete, but eventually came out magnificent. It was a massive structure towering above Vaelzhanath. The Palace was made almost entirely of rock and stone, with a number of positions defenders can take up in the event of a siege. But on the outside, it was not mere stone. Mages, sculptors, and craftsmen molded the obsidian around the outside of the building, and strengthened it with runes. Now the Palace was complete, looking like a gem of the ancient underearth. The Obsidian Palace was now fit for a Grand Sovereign.

**The Mavāyilfuvi, The Draconic Seer**

*Built 153 VR - 178 VR [716 AS - 741 AS]*

Upon the highway of Noscura, Vulassael wanted a great landmark to demonstrate Vulrazhir’s glory. He set his advisors to work on coming up with a grand monument to place on the highway. What they agreed upon in the end was a massive statue just off the side of the highway, overlooking the bridge that crosses towards Noscura.

The image would be that of a great dragon, with its wings outstretched at its sides. It would be sat upon a pedestal as if it were a guard dog. The body would be made of stone, except for the eyes. Golden spheres were placed in the eye socket to give its eyes an ominous shine, as if it were always watching. This dragon would guard the entrance to Vulrazhir, but also keep watch over the lands of Noscura so that the Vazhanem as a signal that the Vazhanem are ready to ride to the aid of their ally.