Valenar

Unlike a traditional kingdom with standing armies, Valenar's military strength stems from a dynamic network of independent warclans bound by loyalty to the High King. The Valaes Tairn, as a whole, function as a league of these individual clans, each operating with a degree of autonomy while ultimately serving the crown.

At the apex of this structure sits the High King, to whom all Valenar elves owe allegiance. Beneath him, the forty-five warclans roam the land, perpetually engaged in honing their martial skills. Of these, a rotating force of twenty clans forms the "Host of Valenar," directly answerable to the High King's commands.

The Host of Valenar is further divided: ten clans maintain order within Valenar itself, acting as a peacekeeping force. The remaining ten are deployed for specific military operations dictated by the crown, engaging in both defensive and offensive campaigns. This service within the Host is not permanent; each warclan serves for a ten-year term before being replaced by another eager to prove its worth.

The remaining twenty-five warclans operate with even greater freedom. While still ultimately subject to the High King's call to arms, they are largely free to pursue their own military endeavors, be it raiding, skirmishes, or exploration. This system also allows for individual elves to seek glory and adventure beyond Valenar's borders, with many embarking on decade-long journeys of their own.

While the High King can reward exceptional service with titles and land, the Valenar have a deep-seated preference for a nomadic existence. Few lords establish permanent residences or maintain traditional holdings, instead choosing to remain constantly on the move, embodying the spirit of the Valaes Tairn: a force defined by freedom, mobility, and unwavering loyalty to their High King.

Valenar's culture is a unique blend of elven martial prowess, half-elven pragmatism, and human tradition, all interwoven with a deep reverence for the past. Over 40% of Valenar's population is comprised of the Valaes Tairn elves, who dedicate their lives to military service, upholding a warrior tradition that defines their society. Those unable to fight remain in Aerenal, reinforcing Valenar's identity as a nation perpetually prepared for war. These elves primarily operate in small, mobile warbands, patrolling their lands or seeking adventure beyond its borders, always honing their skills and seeking glory.

Keepers of the Past

Central to Valenar elven culture is the concept of the Spirits of the Past. The Keepers of the Past, a group of bards and clerics, play a vital role in determining which ancestor will guide each newborn Tairnadal elf throughout their lifetime. This ancestor, a powerful warrior from the past, becomes a patron whose deeds and spirit the elf is duty-bound to emulate. The Tairnadal believe that by recreating the actions of these ancestors, they allow the Spirits of the Past to live again in the present. This belief fosters a competitive spirit among elves who share a common ancestor, each striving to become the perfect embodiment of their patron.

Siyal Marrain

The Siyal Marrain, or Horse Watchers, represent a crucial aspect of Valenar culture and embody the deep connection between the elves and their steeds. This Valenari druidic order is charged with the sacred duty of protecting the Valenar horses, believed to be descendants of elven warriors who were cursed to remain in equine form after carrying their comrades to freedom against the Su'lat League.

The Siyal Marrain fulfill a dual role within Valenar society. They are dedicated to preserving the bloodline of the elven horses, protecting breeding grounds, tending to injuries, and nurturing the young. By using wild shape and communicating with the animals, they forge a strong bond between horse and elf from the very beginning of the horses’ lives. They also play a key role in matching elf and rider, fostering the sacred connection between them.

Beyond their role as guardians, the Siyal Marrain are also warriors. Drawing upon the power of nature, they fight alongside warbands, wielding lightning and flame against their enemies, just as their ancestors did against the giants. Their dedication to protecting the Valenar steeds is absolute, viewing any attempt to interbreed them with other horses, such as those coveted by House Vadalis, as a profound act of dishonor. They consider the horses their brothers, and their protection is paramount.

The Rise of the Half-Elves and Human Influence

While the elves focus on martial pursuits, a thriving middle class of half-elves has emerged to manage the day-to-day civic administration of Valenar. Below them, the Cyran humans continue to cultivate the land as they have for centuries, maintaining their agricultural traditions and contributing to the economic stability of the nation.

Ten thousand years ago, the elves of Aerenal established a settlement on the southern shore of Khorvaire. Initially, the hobgoblin emperor was pleased to have a center for trade with the elves, but over the course of the next century this relationship soured and turned to war. The elves could not match the numbers of the goblinoids and were driven back to Aerenal. War between the empires continued sporadically over the next few centuries. Ultimately, both hobgoblin and elf agreed to respect the current borders—the elves would hold their island-continent, and the hobgoblins would continue to dominate the mainland.

Millennia passed, and the hobgoblin Empire of Dhakaan crumbled to dust. By the time of King Jarot of Galifar, the land once contested by hobgoblins and elves was part of the realm of Cyre. Much of the region was sparsely populated, with the occasional human village, migrating halfling tribe, and a handful of hobgoblin clans hiding in the shadows. When the Last War began, Cyre came under attack from all sides and quickly sought allies. While the Undying Court of Aerenal had no interest in returning to Khorvaire, the Cyrans drew the interest of the Valaes Tairn. These militant elves had long sought an opportunity to test their blades in epic battle, and they were only too willing to enter the fray.

For decades the elves fought on the side of Cyre, battling Talenta warbands, hobgoblin mercenaries, and the forces of Breland and Karrnath. They fought for the love of battle and gold, not loyalty to Cyre. Then, in 956 YK, the elves took action that surprised the Cyrans and the other Five Nations. War Leader Shaeras Vadallia proclaimed that his people had ties to the land from a time before human feet touched the soil of Khorvaire, and that his soldiers had restored those ties with spilled blood. Vadallia declared himself high king of the new nation of Valenar, and his warriors have been fortifying their position and slowly expanding their borders ever since.

The Valenar elves have no interest in peace, but they participated in the talks at Thronehold to gauge the measure of their enemies and to gain acceptance in the human courts. Today, Valenar warbands continue to clash with Karrnathi forces, and raids into the Talenta Plains and Q’barra occur on a regular basis. Now that the Last War has come to an end, it remains to be seen whether the Treaty of Thronehold can end this elven aggression.

• Elf 43%
• Human 28%
• Khoravar Half-Elf 15%
• Halfling 5%
• Hobgoblin 5%
• Other 4%

1. Warrior Culture as Society's Core: For the Valaes Tairn, military service and martial excellence are not just duties but the central purpose of their lives. Their society is structured around warbands and clans, with every elf trained from a young age in combat, riding, and strategy. There is no distinction between civilian and soldier; all Valaes Tairn are warriors, constantly honing their skills.
2. Ancestral Emulation (The "Warrior of Glory"): Their unique martial philosophy is rooted deeply in the Tairnadal tradition of ancestor worship. Each Valaes Tairn warrior strives to emulate and embody the actions of a specific revered ancestor (known as a "patron ancestor"). Engaging in battle, performing courageous deeds, and achieving victory are not just acts of war but spiritual rituals, bringing the warrior closer to their ancestor's glory. This intense personal motivation fuels their relentless pursuit of martial excellence and daring tactics.
3. Mobile Army Structure: As noted, the Valaes Tairn in Khorvaire are a "mobile army, ready for action." They do not build extensive static fortifications or large cities outside of their primary enclaves; instead, their settlements are designed to be easily packed up and moved. Their forces are organized into highly autonomous warbands, which can operate independently or converge for larger campaigns. This allows for unmatched strategic flexibility and rapid response.
4. Masters of Cavalry: The undisputed backbone of the Valenar military is its cavalry. Valaes Tairn elves are legendary riders, bonding with their swift and hardy horses from childhood. They excel at lightning-fast maneuvers, overwhelming charges, hit-and-run tactics, and devastating skirmishing. Their horses, often described as a distinct breed, are as much a part of the warrior as their blades.
5. Equipment and Tactics
   • Weapons: The signature weapon of the Valaes Tairn is the Valenar scimitar, a masterfully crafted, slightly curved blade designed for swift, decisive slashes from horseback. They are also exceptionally skilled with recurve bows, firing with precision even at a full gallop, and often employ spears and javelins.
   • Armor: They favor light, flexible armor, often made from hardened leather, scale, or segmented plate, allowing for maximum mobility and speed. This ensures they can outmaneuver more heavily armored foes.
   • Tactics: Their preferred method of engagement involves swift, overwhelming strikes, breaking enemy formations with charges, and then using their superior mobility to flank, encircle, and wear down their opponents. They avoid prolonged, static engagements, preferring to dictate the pace of battle.
6. Leadership & Discipline: Warleaders rise through merit, demonstrating exceptional skill, cunning, and ancestral emulation. While individual warbands operate with significant autonomy, there is a clear chain of command for larger strategies, led by powerful Warlords (known as Valaes Tairn in the most senior sense). Discipline is instilled through rigorous training and the deep cultural imperative to honor their ancestors and uphold the glory of their people.
7. Constant State of War: Valenar, the land, is indeed "at war." The Valaes Tairn in Khorvaire are not merely occupiers; they are an expansionist force, constantly seeking opportunities for conflict to prove their martial prowess, honor their ancestors, and carve out a more extensive domain. Raids, skirmishes, and planned campaigns are a regular part of their existence, keeping their forces honed and battle-ready.

The religion of the Valenar elves, particularly the Valaes Tairn, is deeply rooted in the ancient traditions of their Aerenal kin, specifically their reverence for the Undying Court. However, their faith takes on a distinct and intensely personal focus, shaped by their warrior culture and their unique history.

While acknowledging the wisdom and power of the Undying Court, the Valaes Tairn harbor a profound veneration for the legendary elven heroes of Xen'drik. Central to their spiritual practice is the concept of the 'patron ancestor.' Every Valenar warrior identifies with a specific ancestor, seeing them not merely as a historical figure, but as a guiding spirit whose legacy they are bound to uphold and embody. Through valiant deeds, strategic prowess, and a life lived with honor and courage, a warrior strives to emulate their patron ancestor. This isn't just imitation; it's believed to be a living form of reincarnation, a way for the ancestor's spirit and renown to 'live again' through the actions of their descendant. This belief instills a fierce determination and a sense of profound personal destiny in each warrior.

The spiritual life of the Valaes Tairn is guided by the 'Keepers of the Past.' This order uniquely integrates both traditional clerics of the Undying Court, who maintain the sacred rituals and communicate with the ancestral spirits, and bards. Indeed, the bardic tradition is woven directly into the fabric of Valenar military leadership. War leaders often train as bards themselves, mastering the arts of storytelling, oration, and song. Their role extends beyond mere command; they inspire their troops by recounting the epic deeds of past heroes and ancestors, weaving tales of valor that reinforce the Valenar ethos and motivate warriors to achieve similar greatness. Through these oral traditions, the history, triumphs, and philosophies of the Valaes Tairn are preserved and actively perpetuated, ensuring that the ancestral spirits truly do 'live again' in the collective memory and actions of the living.

The economic landscape of Valenar is largely shaped by the martial culture and specialized skills of its elven inhabitants, focusing more on high-value, niche industries than broad agricultural output.

1. Horse Breeding: Valenar is preeminent in the breeding of horses. Its equine bloodlines are renowned, tracing back to the warhorses of ancient Xen’drik. These animals are considered unmatched among the native horses of Khorvaire, making them a significant and highly valued export.
2. Weaponry: The Valenar elves possess skilled weaponsmiths who produce masterwork bows. They also craft fine weapons from densewood, indicating a specialized manufacturing capability for high-quality armaments.
3. Warrior Services: Perhaps the most distinctive economic export of Valenar is the service of its elite warriors. These services are primarily brokered through House Deneith. While a general lack of trust often limits large-scale employment of Valenar troops, their reputation as the most talented cavalry in Khorvaire ensures a demand for smaller units hired for specific, specialized tasks.

Based on the provided information, Valenar's agricultural sector is not extensively detailed and does not appear to be a primary focus of its economy. The emphasis is overwhelmingly on specialized industrial outputs like horse breeding and weaponry, alongside the export of military services, rather than widespread crop cultivation or other forms of livestock farming.