Varina
Campaign 2[edit]
Varina is truly one of the wonders of not just the New Merittan empire, but all of Onmeneth. The massive, sprawling city is experiencing a true golden age despite the largely incompetent leadership of the viscount. In no time in the very long and storied history of Varina has the city been as prosperous for all as it has been in the modern era. That is not to say there is no inequality within the walls of the city. Certainly there are those struggling to survive in the twisting cobble stone maze, but the nobility of the city have made it their purpose to outdo one another in making the city the greatest form of itself. There are many who believe that Varina is the oldest city in the world, with some account of the city being referenced before the war of darkness. While she has had her ups and downs the city only seems to have had its fortunes rise since Shadowfall.
The Great Dome at the heart of the city, overlooking the docks district, is the seat of power for Varina. It’s beautiful opulence shines like a beacon, bathing the city in glorious light. The biggest noble houses in the city, the Hortons, the Goldenhearts, and the Stonebreakers have split the people into factions, playing off one another. The politics of the nation seem to flow through these three families and at the head of them all, the arrogant and gluttons Cuthbert Horton sits. Cuthbert has never been a particularly gifted individual in wits or prowess, but he has proven to be an effective figurehead for the three families to make their moves under. Guided by his savvy grandmother, the Dowager Soralea Horton, Cuthbert has managed to make just enough decisions to push the interests of the kingdom forward without really being in the way of anything real. This arrangement has worked out quite well for Cuthbert who gets to enjoy the finer perks of being viscount without guilt or impunity.
For all the shining light and glamour in the city of Varina there is always a darkness creeping below the surface. The Court of Beggars is an open secret in Varina, keeping the streets controlled and safe from thieves and murderers, but acting well outside the law. Not many facts are known about the court of beggars, but ask any Varinian and they are sure to know a dozen conflicting rumors about the secret organization. While so little may be known about them, it is clear that they have had a palpable and tangible effect on the prosperity of this great city as it continues to push forward the future of the empire.
Varina is the empire’s link to the world beyond. Regular trade routes to the exotic lands of Biarna and Cannodel make Varina vital to the ever growing influence of the empire. With the increase in Triton attacks from the sea and the ever increasing strength of the assaults from the untamed forest, protecting the city has become a huge focus of the emperor. Varina has become like a prize jewel collection. Coveted, protected, and the highest value target for one who wished to cause the most amount of harm to the pride of the empire.
Campaign 1[edit]
As the Starlight River travels south west past Bradmont they splinter into fingers. Hundreds of twisting and turning distributaries creating river islands that spread across the Southwestern part of the continent. On top of these river islands, the kingdom of Varina has formed. A sprawling city with veins of water moving between buildings. The kingdom has become a hub for trade across the great ocean and as a result has adopted many exotic customs and assimilated strange aspects of foreign culture. Varina has become an eclectic array of all the cultures of the world. Varina has grown from the coast further up the river, like a vine climbing a trellis. Varina is made up of one major city and it takes up most of the kingdom.
Ruler[edit]
The king of Varina, Victoria Calis, truly embodies the cultural melding so common in Varina. She prides herself as a collector of exotic relics from around the world, all corners of the Kingdoms and beyond. Many of her opponents think she focuses too much on her cultural mixing and not enough on working towards the future of Varina and its role in New Meritta.
Capitol[edit]
The Great Dome sits on the coast of Varina looking out over the ocean. The shimmering roof bounces the first light of the new day out over the distributaries and buildings they flow between. It is seen as a symbol of opulence and hope. The city sprawls out from that point, like the sun rising over the horizon.
People of Varina[edit]
The people of Varina exude extravagance. The city is wide and sprawling, with many of the most opulent families in New Meritta living their. Homes lined with golden gilding and beautiful ornate metal work are commonplace and the people who live in them often look down upon the denizens of the other kingdoms. Even the servants of the rich families there see themselves in noble work as compared to farmers or tradesmen. There is a culture of showing off, gathering secrets and treasures from around the world to display in the parlor of your home is quite commonplace among the richest of families. Visitors to Varina will only be welcomed if they look like they belong. People travelling through that look like ruffians or other “undesirables” will likely be shunned, but a nice clean set of clothes goes along way with the people of Varina.
