The Kingdom of Velkaria

Velkaria is a vast, dark kingdom far to the west of Eldross, defined by its harsh, shadowy landscapes and a unique culture deeply intertwined with the Paradyne of Umbra. The land itself is a character in its own right, covered in craggy mountains, foggy moors, and deep, mysterious forests. The capital, Undryn, is nestled in the Midnight Mountains, while other key locations include the tribal town of Deshan in the Blackheart Forest, the subterranean city of Grymhold, and the coastal port of Veyrosa. Velkaria is a land of two worlds—the unforgiving surface and a sprawling underground realm populated by both Mortals and the Undead.

The history of Velkaria is rooted in a cataclysmic event known as The Great Rising. Long ago, the land was a place of subjugation where Mortals served the Incarnate nobles. But when the world broke, the sky darkened and the land itself began to morph, pushing up black obelisks and spewing forth black mud. This period saw the dead rise from their graves, forever changing the relationship between the living and the immortal. Necromancers quickly learned to harness this power, controlling the rising process. This new order was tested by the Vendaeros Invasion, a fanatical force from the Empire of Vendaeros that sought to purge the feral Undead. The invasion was ultimately repelled through a combination of King Deitrich Ulthas's elite forces and a powerful surge of Umbra magic from the underworld, which turned the tide of the war and solidified Velkaria’s new identity and name.

Social Culture & Beliefs

The core philosophy of Velkarian society is built on Umbra and the power of the soul. They believe all of creation is powered by soul energy, and a soul’s value is directly tied to its experience and knowledge. This makes a life of purpose and honor paramount. Honor is defined by following one’s personal code, and a lack of honor is seen as a weakness of the soul. Killing the young is considered wasteful, as their souls haven't had time to gain strength. The saying, "good life brings strong souls, good death brings the strongest," encapsulates this belief.
Communication is generally direct and respectful of rank. Titles—from King and Queen to Chieftain and Elder—are crucial and must be used properly. Questioning someone's honor is a grave offense that can lead to violence. While nobles speak eloquently, warriors and tribal folk are more terse and to the point. In social gatherings, greetings often involve a brief, watchful bow, while turning your back on a superior is considered a major sign of disrespect.

Velkaria is a kingdom ruled by King Deitrich Ulthas from Undryn. His authority is absolute, but he governs by delegating power to appointed officers and his noble cousins. The military is enforced by the Order of Blood, an elite guard led by his champion, Ragnas the Black.
An underlying force in the government is the influence of powerful Necromancers, who are considered the unspoken judges of whether the King remains in Umbra's favor. Necromancer Rastayne the Bold, a former confidant of the King, is a particularly powerful figure. This "right of Paradyne" means that the king's rule is seen as a manifestation of Umbra's will.

Velkarian society is rigidly hierarchical. The assertion of dominance and respect for rank are universal. Noble Houses, who see themselves as the ultimate power, are arrogant and formal, while surface-dwelling clans are terse and direct. Nobles often marry for power and to solidify family ties. Children are rare and highly celebrated.
Mortals can earn a place within a House after death through loyal service, earning the title "Named." For Mortals, life is harsh, and the weak are sometimes sent to noble Houses for "soul feeding" to contribute to Umbra in a meaningful way. Undead children are seen as a waste of soul energy, and their bodies are often cremated to prevent them from rising.

Knowledge and education are highly valued, but they are not just about facts—they are about experiencing the harshness of the world to strengthen the soul. All citizens, regardless of class, are taught a variety of skills from a young age. At the age of 18, everyone must serve a two-year stint in the Order of the Dragon, patrolling the kingdom to gain survival skills and an appreciation for the land. Armorsmiths are especially respected for their ability to craft the legendary Dragon Armor.
While the Undead don’t need to eat, they sometimes do so out of nostalgia. The Incarnate can eat but prefer to feed on soul energy. They are immune to most poisons, often eating taboo foods to alarm their guests. The mortal diet consists of breads, grains, and hunted animals like boar and deer. Unique local foods include Spike Fish, reindeer pudding, and fermented Blackheart Berries.

The architecture of Velkaria, especially in Undryn, features ancient, ornate structures with tall spires, arched windows, and deep foundations. The underground cities, like Grymhold, have living areas carved into stone with murals and relief carvings depicting historical battles.
Murals and paintings are common, celebrating the struggles and triumphs of the Velkarian people. Nobles enjoy theatrical tragedies and epic tales, particularly one about King Deitrich's rise to power.

The Velkaria People

Incarna

The Velk are the immortal nobles of Velkaria known as the living dead. They are nocturnal beings that feed on the blood of the living. They rule Velkaria with a sense of noblesse oblige over their Mortal subjects. The umbral energy coursing through their bodies drives them to bring things to their proper end.

Appearance: These "living dead” haven't died but have been evolving since The Great Rising. They have a ghoulish white pallor, darkened eye cavities, and sometimes slightly pointed ears and two pointed canine teeth that appear when they feed on soul energy.
Lifestyle: The Incarna are proud and aristocratic. They wear ornate, detailed clothing like robes and capes, and heavy plate armor with their House colors. They maintain the ancient traditions of their Houses and are often seen as aloof from the struggles of the surface dwellers. Their pride means they are always dressed in their finest.

Mortals

Mortal life is harsh and demanding. They are self-reliant and live in stone houses or wooden huts. Many are tribal and nomadic. They are constantly striving to gain honor and live a life of purpose, knowing that a "good death" and strong soul will lead to a more powerful rising after death. They are a tough people, their hearts as cold as the land they endure.

Appearance: They are hardened and resilient, often bearing black painted tribal markings on their faces and bodies that signify rank and deeds. Some sew horns and braids into their hair to imitate the Undead, whom they both fear and revere. They wear fur coverings, sewn leather clothing, and bone armor made from fallen enemies.
Color Palette: The dominant colors are muted and earthy, reflecting the dark, cold environment. Think shades of charcoal and ash with dark reds to hint at the power of Umbra.

Risen

The Undead are former Mortals reanimated through Necromancy, restored to a slow, deliberate state of decay. They serve as enduring members of Velkarian society, their continued existence a reward for a life of honor and service to the Incarna.

Appearance: Undead have the appearance of a rotting corpse. When newly made they often show signs of what killed them. As they age their flesh slowly rots away until there is nothing but bone with tattered bits of skin remaining. They have sunken eyes, pale or rotting flesh with some bone exposed. The appearance of the Risen with improved Vestments depends on their specific form:
- Lich: Powerful and ancient, often mostly skeletal, with only traces of rotting flesh remaining and a glowing crown of spectral energy reflecting their mastery of magic. Their ornate clothing reflects the wealth, status, and arcane knowledge they earned in life, and some may retain ceremonial furs from their warrior days.
- Ghoul: Feral and partially decayed, with flesh still clinging to bone. Their appearance often bears the marks of how they died, and their clothing is simpler but may retain elements of their former station or profession.
- Skeleton: The oldest and most decayed Undead, reduced to bone with tattered remnants of skin and clothing. They are often adorned in what remains of ceremonial garments, signaling past status or allegiance.
Lifestyle: The Undead occupy a wide range of roles in Velkarian society, from laborers to influential figures. They earn power and possessions through service to the Incarna, and the most devoted may even be adopted into a House after death, gaining the distinguished “Named” prefix. Their presence demonstrates that a life of honor and purpose can extend beyond death, even as their bodies slowly return to the earth.

Key Locations

Undryn: The capital, an ancient city with a dual nature, existing both above and below ground. It is the most defensible city in the known world, protected by the Midnight Mountains.
Deshan: A makeshift town of hovels deep within Blackheart Forest, inhabited by the mad, cackling tribal people of the land.
Grymhold: The largest entirely underground city, known as the “City of the Bone" because its population consists of the oldest, mostly skeletal, Risen.
Tyrfing Keep: A fortress in the north inhabited by fierce warrior Mortals who embrace a "might makes right" philosophy.
Veyrosa: The main underground port city, mostly populated by the Undead, and the primary hub for commerce and trade with outsiders.
The Soul Vales: Pockets of intense Umbra power where souls gravitate. The living can be harmed by these places, and battles have been fought over their control.
Dark Isles and Dark Moors: Small islands in the underground sea that act as magical portals to the moors above, allowing for quick travel throughout the kingdom.
Skullbreaker Coast: The harsh eastern shoreline where three keeps are run by King Deitrich’s cousins. It is the home of Velkaria's navy, which is more akin to pirates and raiders.
Blackheart Forest: A haunted wood filled with mischievous spirits and a constant, maddening laughter. It serves as a gateway between Velkaria and the lands of Tahlea.