Valoria
65 NE
The Empire of Valtaria, a vast and powerful realm, stands as a beacon of technological prowess and military might. Ruled by the formidable Emperor Valerius IV, Valtaria is a land where innovation and order reign supreme. Its capital, Aurelia, shines with magnificent architecture and the bustling energy of a prosperous metropolis. The city’s heart is the majestic Royal Palace, a symbol of the emperor’s divine right to rule, upheld by the faith of the Valtarian people in their god, Aurelius.
Valtarian culture places great value on discipline, loyalty, and the pursuit of progress. Society is distinctly hierarchical, with the nobility overseeing a myriad of industries and agricultural enterprises that fuel the empire's robust economy. At the forefront of Valtaria’s economic might is the Valtarian Trading Company (VTC), a powerful entity whose reach extends across oceans and whose methods, though often ruthless, bring vast wealth to the empire.
The Valtarian military, a cornerstone of the empire’s strength, is divided into the formidable army and navy. The army, known for its disciplined infantry and devastating artillery, is ever ready to defend the homeland and expand its territories. The navy, with its fleet of powerful warships, protects the empire’s maritime interests and secures trade routes essential to Valtaria’s prosperity.
Sixty-five years ago, driven by ambition and the spirit of exploration, Valtarian explorers set sail across uncharted seas. Their journey led to the discovery of Feyland, a continent teeming with magic and inhabited by a myriad of fey creatures. The initial encounters with these beings were cautious, but curiosity and the promise of new resources fueled Valtaria’s desire to establish a presence in this enchanting land.
Feyland, with its lush forests, mystical landscapes, and ancient ruins, presented both opportunities and challenges. The native inhabitants, including the ethereal Zendar (elves), the aquatic Kalari (sea elves), the forest-dwelling Tuarani, the enigmatic Zandari (shadow elves), and various faerie folk, possessed a deep connection to the land and its magic. This magic, a stark contrast to Valtaria’s technological advancements, permeated every aspect of Feyland.
Valtaria quickly established several colonies in Feyland, such as New Veridia, Port Astralis, Ironhold, and Greenhaven. These settlements became hubs of trade, exploration, and cultural exchange. In some areas, like New Veridia, Valtarians and fey formed alliances, sharing knowledge and blending their cultures. In Stormport, the integration of Valtarian sailors and Kalari sea elves led to a thriving maritime community.
However, the relationship between Valtarians and the fey was not always harmonious. The Battle of the Enchanted Forest marked a significant clash as Valtarian forces encroached upon sacred fey lands. The Ironhold Siege saw orc and goblin tribes fiercely resisting Valtarian expansion. The Shadowspire Crisis erupted when uncontrolled magical experiments near the Shadowspire angered the Zandari, leading to a perilous conflict. Pirate skirmishes around Astralis Island disrupted trade and threatened the safety of Valtarian ships, while the Greenhaven Uprising saw dryads and treants rebelling against Valtarian encroachment.
Despite these conflicts, cooperation flourished in some areas. Trade agreements between the VTC and fey groups facilitated the exchange of Valtarian goods for magical artifacts and rare resources. Cultural exchanges enriched both societies, creating unique communities where Valtarian technology and fey magic intertwined.
Yet, Feyland remains largely a mystery. Vast wilderness, ancient ruins, and unexplored territories beckon the brave and the curious. Reports of mermaids and sirens near Astralis Island, enchanting and dangerous, tantalize sailors and scholars alike. The dense jungles and magical hotspots promise untold secrets and dangers.
As the Valtarian Empire continues to explore and expand, Feyland stands as a testament to the endless possibilities and perils of discovery. The empire’s story is one of ambition and innovation, clashing with the ancient and mystical. It is a tale of conflict and cooperation, of technological prowess meeting magical wonder, and the ongoing quest to understand and master a world both familiar and fantastical.