Post by Ralf Valgard on Apr 14, 2021 23:20:27 GMT -5
A Treatise on the Varan
Written by Ralf Valgard, the White Wolf of Valland, beneath the stars of the Mistbourne Isles
Written by Ralf Valgard, the White Wolf of Valland, beneath the stars of the Mistbourne Isles
At the advice of a colleague, the author has elected to avoid the apparent 'longwinded introduction' originally offered, and will instead name himself simply as Ralf Valgard. The following blank page is reserved for the titles, deeds, and aliases rightfully earned by the writer, and will be filled once more ink is found.
An Isran merchant hands over some of his wares in exchange for some coin. His customer thanks him for the transaction and moves along. The merchant has transported his goods all the way from the Empire, sailing for miles to a foreign market where they can be sold for a profit. An imposing warrior stands guard nearby. Like the Isran, the warrior is also far from home; he hails from the far north, in a realm known as Asgeir.
He was raised in a small village; hunting, foraging, farming, cutting firewood, building, laboring, et cetera as a boy. When the harvest is over, and heavy snow covers the land, he finds respite around a warm hearth, where the clan feasts upon the kills of the day. Ale and mead flow freely as accomplished warriors spin tales of their exploits and deeds, filling his imagination. In the Spring he will carry a shield and sword into battle to defend the clan's honor. By Summer he will board a longship and raid, trade, or settle along the coast or inland rivers.
As a warrior he is unmatched, and seeks further glory. He and a band of like-minded adventurers join together as mercenaries and bodyguards. Their talent, loyalty, valor, and reputation attract many buyers. They serve a variety of lords, see the rise and fall of kingdoms, and prove their worth against enemies of every size and shape. Hanging around his neck is a Ki'Gar, a garment which indicates his clan's crest and colors. When the warrior succeeds at a difficult task, or when accomplishes a great feat, a patch is sewn on to indicate his victory. When he returns home his kin will recognize the multitude of his exploits by the Ki'Gar's adornments alone.
The warrior is known as a Varan, and they are a seafaring race of warriors, seers, and skalds.
An Isran merchant hands over some of his wares in exchange for some coin. His customer thanks him for the transaction and moves along. The merchant has transported his goods all the way from the Empire, sailing for miles to a foreign market where they can be sold for a profit. An imposing warrior stands guard nearby. Like the Isran, the warrior is also far from home; he hails from the far north, in a realm known as Asgeir.
He was raised in a small village; hunting, foraging, farming, cutting firewood, building, laboring, et cetera as a boy. When the harvest is over, and heavy snow covers the land, he finds respite around a warm hearth, where the clan feasts upon the kills of the day. Ale and mead flow freely as accomplished warriors spin tales of their exploits and deeds, filling his imagination. In the Spring he will carry a shield and sword into battle to defend the clan's honor. By Summer he will board a longship and raid, trade, or settle along the coast or inland rivers.
As a warrior he is unmatched, and seeks further glory. He and a band of like-minded adventurers join together as mercenaries and bodyguards. Their talent, loyalty, valor, and reputation attract many buyers. They serve a variety of lords, see the rise and fall of kingdoms, and prove their worth against enemies of every size and shape. Hanging around his neck is a Ki'Gar, a garment which indicates his clan's crest and colors. When the warrior succeeds at a difficult task, or when accomplishes a great feat, a patch is sewn on to indicate his victory. When he returns home his kin will recognize the multitude of his exploits by the Ki'Gar's adornments alone.
The warrior is known as a Varan, and they are a seafaring race of warriors, seers, and skalds.
The First Varan
In any case, the earliest known stories speak of nomadic warriors who roamed the frozen wastes in search of food, shelter, and respect. Small clans followed the Buunvar herds, hunting the great beasts for their meat, hide, and bones - for food, clothing, and tools. Young Varan who slew Buunvar were given their own Ki'Gar, which was fashioned from the hide of the Buunvar beast. But the herds were few in number, and so the clans fought each other over 'ownership', and only the strong survived.
This age of nomadic barbarians eventually came to an end, however, and the clans settled in small villages along the rivers, lakes, and coasts. It is believed that the harsh winters forced them to 'hibernate' in temporary settlements, which eventually became permanent centers for settlement. The first villages and towns were governed by jarls and jarlessas, typically the patriarch and matriarch of the clans. Foraging and hunting was important as ever, but farming became an important part of their subsistence. But as the land in Asgeir is less fertile than other parts of the world, the clans were forced to exert control over vast swathes of territories, which pitted them against one another. Small-scale wars were waged by local warlords over control of small farming settlements or important hunting and grounds. It was this competition which prevented the Varan from forming large kingdoms or empires like the other ancient peoples.
But as populations grew and territories were expanded by the strongest and most cunning clans, kingdoms did form. The Varan recognize the end of the Barbaric Age with the coronation of the first king: Borg.
No scholar has ever determined the true origin of the Varan. Some believe they were nomads who simply became the dominant culture in Asgeir. Others believe they are foreign invaders who conquered and settled the northern realms. The Varan themselves believe they were created by the Old Gods, and placed in Asgeir to defend against the White Bitch of the North. They believe the White Bitch lives within Ice Spire, and one day she will lead her fearsome legions southward to conquer the world. The Varan see themselves as the world's first line of defense, and consider themselves its stalwart sentinels. Because they see themselves as the world's 'ultimate defenders' they are known for having a stubborn sense of superiority.
In any case, the earliest known stories speak of nomadic warriors who roamed the frozen wastes in search of food, shelter, and respect. Small clans followed the Buunvar herds, hunting the great beasts for their meat, hide, and bones - for food, clothing, and tools. Young Varan who slew Buunvar were given their own Ki'Gar, which was fashioned from the hide of the Buunvar beast. But the herds were few in number, and so the clans fought each other over 'ownership', and only the strong survived.
This age of nomadic barbarians eventually came to an end, however, and the clans settled in small villages along the rivers, lakes, and coasts. It is believed that the harsh winters forced them to 'hibernate' in temporary settlements, which eventually became permanent centers for settlement. The first villages and towns were governed by jarls and jarlessas, typically the patriarch and matriarch of the clans. Foraging and hunting was important as ever, but farming became an important part of their subsistence. But as the land in Asgeir is less fertile than other parts of the world, the clans were forced to exert control over vast swathes of territories, which pitted them against one another. Small-scale wars were waged by local warlords over control of small farming settlements or important hunting and grounds. It was this competition which prevented the Varan from forming large kingdoms or empires like the other ancient peoples.
But as populations grew and territories were expanded by the strongest and most cunning clans, kingdoms did form. The Varan recognize the end of the Barbaric Age with the coronation of the first king: Borg.
The Age of Kingdoms
King Borg is considered the most powerful jarl who ever lived. He was only 17 when his father was killed in a raid, and was immediately thrust onto the throne. Neighboring jarls sought to exploit the weakness of the young jarl and led forays into his territory. The legends surrounding Borg suggest he was forged into a warrior during this time.