The Kingdom of Valeria
Overview:
Valeria is a kingdom built on the ideals of freedom, justice and equality. These ideals have been passed down from ruler to ruler for centuries. The nobility in Valeria earn their place through kind and virtuous acts, rather than being granted their titles at birth. This often provides for good, strong people in the royal court, but there are always exceptions that have to be weeded out over time.
The Kingdom of Valeria is most well known for its open borders, and its acceptance of nonhumans as equals. The ruling body of Valeria works hard to make others feel welcome, even going as far as to allow them to join the Valerian military and navy.
In recent years, relations between Valeria and Gallica have worsened considerably- the garrisons stationed at their shared border growing with every passing day. Some believe there will be war, but others think the two nations are just posturing. Regardless, tensions are high on Valeria's southern border, and the King and Queen are growing wary of the standoff; however, they adamantly refuse to fall in line with Gallican demands. Most of these demands call for the denouncement and genocide of nonhumans within Valeria's border.
Civilization:
The Kingdom of Valeria is the second largest human nation when considering population, but it is the largest in size. In military might, or at least in numbers, the Gallicans outnumber the Valerian army five to one. Unlike the Gallicans, however, King Ezran and Queen Aanya allow nonhumans and magic users within their ranks. This, in turn, bolsters their strength several times over. If the two nations were to go to war, it is likely both would be left in ruin, rather than one being the clear victor. If no... unsavory tactics were used by either side, that is.
Civilization in Valeria is very relaxed and is quite welcoming to newcomers, as well as tourists. Mostly. There are those who would see Valeria's borders close, but they are the minority.
The House of Katolis has ruled over the nation for the last few centuries, due to the trust the people put in their ability to lead. But, they were not always in charge. The previous royal family died out due to war with the other human nations and the assassinations that followed.
King Ezran and Queen Aanya rule from their seat of power in the Valerian capital city of Redmere. The capital is a massive city set in the center of Valeria, bordering the large body of water that connects it to the sea, as well as the Dire and the Kingdom of Gallica by way of boat. Much of the city stretches out onto the water, though the majority of it is landlocked. This makes travel through canals just as common as travel through streets and alleys.
Other notable places in Valeria are the large cities of Stonehollow, Blackdale, Ebonshear and Wildbrook. Stonehollow and Blackdale brush up against the northern border, while Ebonshear rests against the southern mountain range and Wildbrook watches over the eastern border shared by Valeria and the Reach.
There are several smaller cities as well. Gil'ead rests against the lake to the north of Redmere, Reavstone on the coast west of the southern mountains and Kirtan to the east of Redmere, beyond the mountains and the forest on the other side. While there are other small villages and outposts such as Ceris, Ruslan, Bree, Cedar Cove and Rummidge, they are small enough that they nestle into little nooks and crannies across the nation.
Prince Ezran Katolis and Princess Aanya Duren were joined in wedlock several decades ago, as an act of love as well as strategy- linking the two kingdoms in a strategic alliance for the foreseeable future. King Ezran and Queen Aanya rule as equals, with a healthy council of advisors and the Crownguard at their side.
Guilds:
The Adventurer's Guild was founded in the city of Redmere, and the Valerian capital is home to its largest Guild Hall. This makes the city a hub, of sorts, for aspiring and seasoned adventurers alike.
The Merchant's Guild, Mage's Guild and Artisan's Guild all have Halls within the capital's walls, as well, but they are much smaller than that of the Adventurer's Guild.
The Assassin's Guild and Thieves Guild have no official Guild Halls within the kingdom, nor are they permitted by law to work within Valerian borders, but they have a presence there nonetheless.
Ideals:
The ideals and justice system of Valeria are based on the ideals of the second king of this ancient kingdom, referred to simply as King Harrow in the stories of old. The freedom gifted to the denizens of Valeria is the man's legacy, and the ideals of the nation can be summed up in the famed quote Harrow delivered upon his coronation. The quote is easily found in any text or scroll detailing past kings of Valeria, or even those detailing the legal systems and their workings:
King Harrow, Second King of Valeria:
"The night my father died, Lady Justice came to me in a dream. She said to me that justice was more than fair decisions and fair consequences. True justice was a fair system. Then she laid before me her scales, her sword and her blindfold and told me to choose. She said the scale would allow us to weigh the actions of those impacted by the system, and the sword could be used to enforce it. Most importantly, she said the blindfold gives us a way to test the system. That I should use it to imagine I had not been born yet, and that I did not know if I would be born rich or poor, what color my skin would be, what culture or practices my family would have. That a fair system should be fair no matter the accident of my birth. That the rights, laws and opportunities within the system should stand to protect and empower everyone. In the end, there was but one choice. I chose the blindfold. With that choice, I grant the citizens of Valeria the right to make their own choices, the opportunity to grow and thrive in a kingdom that sees them as equal, whether they be man, woman, black, white, human, elf, noble or commoner. I know, in your eyes as well as my own, I've done nothing to earn the title of King other than being afforded a noble birth. But, with your help, I will strive to earn my place and forge a nation that sees the good in people, rather than one fueled by the petty prejudice and injustice that runs rampant throughout Valeria at this very moment. My father had his flaws, as we all do no matter how we attempt to hide them from the world. Despite his flaws, he always told me I should try to be a better man, a better king than he was. To protect the people, not just the land. To Hell with trying. I will be a better king, and that is my promise to the citizens of this great nation."