Virellia

• Monarchy: Queen Aralyn and Queen Miraena jointly rule. Their son, Prince Vaelor, is an influential warrior-mage.
• The Coral Council: Advisors drawn from prominent noble houses (sea elf, triton, merfolk) and leading mages.
• Led by the High Chancellor
• One representative from each noble house.
• Deepwardens: Maintain law and patrol the waters, both above and below.
• The Azure Arcanum: Overseen by the Headmaster, regulates arcane education and magical security.
• Temple Voices: High Cantors of The Deep Canticle advise on religious matters and moral decrees.

• Deep reverence for the ocean as a living spirit; frequent festivals with synchronized swimming dances, glowing jellyfish lanterns, and songs sung in Aquan.
• High value placed on magical education—being “untouched by magic” is seen as unfortunate, almost pitiable.
• Artistic expression thrives in coral sculpting, woven kelp tapestries, and aquatic ballet.
• Romantic partnerships, regardless of gender, are celebrated with elaborate coral ring ceremonies.

• To preserve and deepen arcane knowledge, especially sea-based magic.
• To safeguard marine life and sacred ocean sites from exploitation.
• To maintain strong diplomatic ties for trade, while subtly expanding influence through the prestige of their mage college.

• Vast enchanted coral vaults of pearls, arcane gems, and magical scrolls.
• The largest arcane library in Mythralune, housed in Zalara.
• A formidable fleet of magically reinforced ships and domesticated sea beasts.
• Rich fisheries and exclusive rights to sacred underwater groves.

Founding Date: ~800 BVE
Founding Event: Merfolk establish Zalara after fleeing surface conflict.

Major Historical Events:

• ~500 BVE – Grand Lyceum established; Virellia becomes an arcane capital.
• ~230 BVE – Deep Canticle integrated into state religion.
• ~70 BVE – Marriage of Aralyn and Miraena unifies noble houses.
• ~15 BVE – Prince Vaelor gains global acclaim for transmutation magic.

Modern Era:

• 12 VE – Virellia begins diplomatic and scholarly missions to study the Lilted Vale’s leyline mastery.

• Major species: Merfolk (majority), tritons, sea elves, aquatic tieflings, locathah, with minor enclaves of surface folk.
• Life expectancy: 160+ years for merfolk and tritons; 120 for sea elves.
• Birth/death rate: Modest but stable. Children are cherished; communities rally to raise them collectively.

• Coastal stretches and deep ocean trenches along Mythralune’s western seaboard.
• Claimed by right of ancient settlement and protected by ancestral pacts with ocean spirits.

• Deepwardens: Elite guardians with magically reinforced armor, tridents, and beast companions.
• Spellward Navies: Ships with rune-carved hulls that glide above and below the water.
• Feared for their use of war wizards and summoned leviathans.

• Advanced arcane technologies such as water-breathing infrastructure, enchanted lighting, and submersible lifts.
• Leading experts in marine biology, divination, and enchantment.

• The Deep Canticle: Official and overwhelmingly dominant religion, venerating Thalor, god of the sea, and other aquatic deities.
• Small private shrines exist for Elyndra (creation) and Naelir (daydreams and desire), especially among artists.
• Occasional underground cults dedicated to darker ocean forces.

• Strong trade alliances with inland nations for essential resources.
• Friendly rivalry with Embergarde over arcane mastery.
• Viewed with awe and a touch of suspicion by landlocked countries due to rumors of sea witches and siren-like manipulations.

• Royal decrees issued by the queens, codified by the Coral Council.
• Magic misuse (especially enchantments on sentient beings) is a grave crime.
• Severe poaching of sacred marine life is punished by banishment or forced service in remote reef patrols.

• Seaweed farming, shell and pearl harvesting, alchemical distillation from ocean flora.
• Master artisans produce enchanted jewelry, ceremonial weapons, and living coral constructions.

• Trade routes heavily reliant on sleek sailing vessels and magically propelled submersibles.
• Inland trade uses caravan partners or teleportation circles from Zalara’s mage college.

• Almost universal literacy. Magical aptitude is tested young; those who qualify may earn scholarships to the Lyceum.
• Non-magical trades are apprenticed in guilds, though all education emphasizes respect for arcane traditions.

• Coral thoroughfares and glass tunnels connect above and below water districts.
• Levitation or water current lifts in tall structures.
• Magical wards against storms and scrying. Public healers and cleansing pools widely available.