The Dominion of Vendaeros

The Dominion of Vendaeros is a nation of floating islands, or eyots, located high above the Khatari Sea. It was once a large continent called Naras, but an event known as the Ascension ripped the land from its foundations and sent it thousands of feet into the sky. While this cataclysm was a time of great chaos and death, the surviving Vendaerosians persevered. Infused with a new, powerful energy called Astra, the land became fertile, and the people, now known as the "People of the Sky," adapted and flourished.

The Vendaerosians' history is marked by several key periods:

Before the Ascension: Vendaeros was a province of high culture, known for its art, wines, and chivalric knights. It was a healthy rival to the kingdom of Chrossus.
The Early Years After the Ascension: The land fractured into many eyots, and a period of isolationism followed. The city of Vendaeros, located on the main eyot now known as Hule, recovered more quickly than others. The first years were chaotic, with monsters roaming the lands, leading to the creation of several knightly orders.
The Unification: The invention of the airship by the inventor Garo Vespuci, who discovered the resource Essential Air, allowed the Vendaerosians to reconnect. The Eres family, through diplomacy and, if necessary, war, united the scattered fiefdoms under the banner of Vendaeros.
The Expansionist Period: After discovering Chrossus was gone, Vendaeros had a choice: remain isolated or take up the mantle of leadership. The aggressive stance of Houses Eres and Rhuddeus won out, and the Dominion was born. They began to expand their influence, bringing order and aid to the chaotic world below.
An Empire is Forged: Vendaeros' role as a stabilizing force was validated when Landonia requested military aid against the warlords of the Badlands. This led to Justarius Eres being named the first Emperor, and the drafting of the Mandate of Legitimate Sovereignty, which declared Vendaeros' right to bring enlightenment to all of Eldross.
The March of War and The All Souls War: This aggressive expansion led to internal strife and open rebellion in some colonies. The Emperor's decision to invade the necromancy-embracing land of Velkaria led to a catastrophic battle—The Battle of Splintered Dreams—where a plague and overwhelming Velkarian forces decimated the Vendaerosian military.
The Aftermath: The defeat was a turning point. The return of the Chrossian people, who no longer sought to rule the world, encouraged Vendaeros to change its course. House Osmiere, a proponent of a more harmonious approach, became the ascendant family. The old title of Lord High Protector was resurrected, the Mandate was repealed, and the Dominion of Vendaeros shifted its focus to charity, diplomacy, and ruling only itself, saving its soul in the process.

Social Culture & Beliefs

The central philosophy of Vendaeros is the harmonious accumulation of all life-force through the light and guidance of Astra. The people believe that by each person fulfilling their role, society will prosper. This is a core tenet, and disobedience is rare, with most conflict stemming from ambitious power-seekers. The infusion of Astra after the Ascension cemented a belief that Vendaerosians are blessed and chosen to be guardians of Astra and inheritors of Eldross, a belief that sometimes led to arrogance and a sense of superiority during the expansionist era. The Vendaerosians speak an older, more formal dialect of Chrossian, which can be perceived by outsiders as stiff. A special sign language called Highspeak was developed for communication on airships and by winged elites.
The idea of a knight, a warrior devoted to ideals and taking sacred vows, is a revered part of Vendaeros society that predates the Ascension. Knights are officially part of the military caste, and many noble sons aspire to this status through the various recognized Orders. There are three paths to knighthood in Vendaeros:
1. Acceptance into a Recognized Order: This is a common path that requires an individual to prove themselves through deeds or secure sponsorship from an existing knight or a noble House.
2. Naming by Landed Nobility: A Baron, Count, or Duke can name an individual as a knight of their court. These knights are expected to carry out martial duties and serve as a war advisor for that noble House.
3. Quest of the Luminous Maiden: This is the most challenging and unique path. An aspiring knight must journey to the Luminex in Bourtaigne to seek the judgment of the Luminous Maiden. If she finds them worthy, they drink from the Chalice of the Virtues and are given a vision—a quest that may take years to complete. These quests are always about righting wrongs and helping those in need. Upon their successful return, they are acknowledged as a Questing Knight. While Order and Landed Knights answer to their superiors, Questing Knights wander Eldross, perpetually guided by the call of Astra.

Vendaeros is a hierarchical society where everyone has a specific place. It is a meritocratic system within one’s caste, meaning a stonemason can become the head of the Stonemason's Guild, but is unlikely to become a knight. The highest governing body is the House of Lords, made up of powerful noble families, and the nation is led by the Lord High Protector. There are many laws of the land common to civilized society and following the structure of the knights, resolving minor conflicts through chivalrous combat is common.

Social status is paramount. It's customary to bow to those of higher rank, with the depth of the bow signifying the difference in status. Those of prestigious or royal blood receive a kneeling bow. Even in cases where rank is unknown, bows are exchanged until the social order is established. A general respect is afforded to all individuals because every job, no matter how humble, is seen as a necessary function.

Vendaeros enjoys a temperate climate and two bountiful harvests a year, making food a major export. The people are well-fed, and starvation is practically unknown. The land itself has a restorative quality, with forests and mines replenishing themselves, which is attributed to the blessing of Astra. The city of Aberness is particularly known for its nourishing seafood. Wines, especially from places like Château Savigne, are a key cultural and economic product.

Art and culture were a major part of Vendaerosian society before the Ascension, and they remain so today. The architecture is a blend of pre-Ascension and post-Ascension styles. Lyonouse, the capital, is known for its tall, cylindrical spires that stretch into the clouds, built with the understanding that only airships or winged individuals can reach them. The city of Bourtaigne is built around the sacred Luminex, a wellspring of Astra.

The Vendaeros People

Incarna

The Vendar are the noble and immortal families of Vendaeros. Vendar are radiant beings marked by Astra’s divine touch. The Vendar rule as the blessed elite of their people, many crowned with wings, glowing eyes, or a halo of light that reflects their sacred bond to Astra.

Appearance: They have pointed ears, pure white hair, and a pearlescent shimmer to their skin. Many display Vestments of Astra, such as feathered wings, glowing eyes, or a nimbus of light (an aureole) around their heads.
Lifestyle: The Incarna are the ruling class, with their physical markers serving as a clear sign of their status and the blessing of Astra. Their clothing is often ornate, with whites, golds, and silvers signifying their high rank.

Mortals

Mortals are the common people of Vendaeros. Mortals occupy the various castes of Vendaerosian society, from farmers and artisans to military personnel. Their lives are guided by the philosophy of Astra, and they find respect in fulfilling their roles within the social structure.

Appearance: Mortals generally do not display the same visible Vestments of Astra as the Incarna or Risen.
Color Palette: Their color palette, especially in clothing, is less ostentatious than that of the nobility, often using more subdued tones of while, yellow, and gold.

Risen

The Illuminated are former Mortals reborn through Lumimancy and elevated by what they see as Astra’s direct blessing. Their revival grants a coveted second chance at life and a unique status within Vendaeros.

Appearance: Illuminated have the appearance of a humanoid whose face has been transformed into porcelain with gold swirling patterns. There is very little variation among the appearance of Illuminated, with almost all of them sharing the same basic facial structure. The appearance of the Risen with improved Vestments depends on their specific form:
- Zealot: Humanoid in form, bearing faint silver-white seams or glowing scars where Lumimancy restored them. Their faces resemble polished porcelain, etched with subtle gold swirling patterns outlined in black. They wear austere robes in white, yellow, and gold, emphasizing duty and their intense devotion to Astra.
- Enlightened: Similar in appearance to Zealots, with porcelain-like faces and gold etchings, but their demeanor and bearing reflect calm, disciplined mastery of their second life as feathered wings sprout from their back. Their robes are uniform, austere, and signaling their unwavering commitment to the philosophy of Omni.
- Fallen: Corrupted revivals, marked by flickering or pulsing Lumimancy scars, dry or cracked skin, unsteady life force, and the bones of wings. Their once-white robes are now tarnished or mismatched, often accompanied by hoods or masks to conceal their instability. Their expressions betray desperation, hunger, and the heavy toll of survival rather than divine blessing.
Lifestyle: Zealots and Enlightened see themselves as vanguards of Astra’s will, taking up roles that demand absolute loyalty and zeal, living proof that Astra intervenes for the faithful. Fallen operate in shadows as covert operators and resource hunters, driven by the constant need for life energy. They are unpredictable, often paranoid, and treat alliances as temporary means to survive while undertaking dangerous missions or illicit activities.

Key Locations

Bourtaigne: The City of Iridescence, located on the eyot of Hule. It is built around the Luminex and is the most revered city in Vendaeros. Air travel is difficult due to swirling winds, and it serves as a pilgrimage site for all Vendaerosians and the starting point for Questing Knights.
Aberness: Located on the eyot of Relos, on the shores of the Brogeri Sea. It is a major port city known for its seafood, ship foundries, and the Garden of Ascension.
Lyonouse: The capital city, also known as the City of Clouds. It's home to the Grand Luminarum, a massive dome for Astra devotees, and the Fountain of Chenasse, a spring with healing properties.
Château Savigne: A renowned vineyard on the eyot of Pinarde, near the city of Joreaux. It produces some of the finest wines in Eldross.