River'reach

= Volarkian Empire of River'reach =

The Volarkian Empire of River'reach is one of the largest Empires known to exist in the world of Kylorne. The Empire's origins reach to the first records of Kylorne history although was officially formed in the year 23 LK (January 16, 2023) when the Dwarves of Hyljaheim, Riverfolk of the Reach, and Nobles of Weathervane decided to merge under a new leadership. Currently the Volarkian Empire has three different states all under one crown, these are known as "Wards" and they are led by Wardens who are appointed by the Crown. The Capital "Twoholm" began construction shortly after the Empire was formed and serves as the current capital to the Reachians. The Volarkian Empire is often regarded for it's cultural & religious diversity and well kept traditions.

Previous Monarchs
Volark "Argon Archian the Good" & Har Pre Stall "Aldrak Bitterhelm" (Leaders of River'reach and Hyljaheim. Their deaths would set the merge in motion)

Volark "Argon II Archian the Riverwashed" (January 12 - Present)

Volark "Aethon Archian the Adventurer" (1st in line to inherit the throne)

Flag Vexillology
The Reachian flag is a symbol of prosperity and cultural diversity that is seen all throughout River'reach. The flag was originally named "a river shared." The flag consists of cultural material such as the national fish, the Trout, as well as the winding rivers that take up mostly all of River'reachs geography and culture. The flag's blue hue comes from the native blue orchids that are found at most river edges. The blue is mostly representing River'reachs love for all things freshwater.

Commonly you will find that this banner is being used during wars or times of unification.

Cheifdom of River'reach. (Pre-Kylorne)
The Chiefdom of River'reach would be founded 500–600 years before present day. Little is known about this era for the Reachians however we do know this is when the Riverfolk and Elven people lived side by side in a tribal society. Their progress would mark the first documents of River'reachs origins in history. The Cheifdom of River'reach would originally be created somewhere deep inside the Lerwal forest.

Tivrdom of River'reach. (Pre-Kylorne & Kylorne)
The Tivrdom of River'reach would be the Reach's longest lasting stage of formation. It is regarded for being the point in which the people of the Kumani learned the Feudal ways and grew accustom to Castles and Forts. During this era many great houses such as House Silverwater, House Bloodscorne, and House Seastone would play court politics all in a game to control the Reach. Eventually House Bloodscorne would rise above the other houses and usurp House Kolarian for the Reachian throne. Almost three centuries later however House Archian would lead a war against Tyranny and once again usurp the Throne becoming what is today's current "royal house".

During this time period River'reach faced war with Carpe Noctem and the HHC who were both considered River'damned by the people of River'reach. An extensive diplomatic mission would take place in which Volark Argon Archian would try to make peace with the two, however this would fail and so Argon would begin to ready the Knighthood for war. Astarion of the Eladari alongside the Dwarves of Hyljaheim would soon after back the Reachian people causing both Carpe Noctem and HHC to fall to peaceful terms with River'reach. This new friendship and show of trust would possibly spark the first relations leading to the merge of the Volarkian Empire.

Many other side events such as Conrads passing, the Riverban, and construction of the Citadel would take place during the Era of the Tivrdom and are regarded for helping progress the Golden Age of River'reach.

Volarkian Empire of River'reach. (Kylorne)
After the regicide of Argon Archian & Aldrak Bitterhelm, Argon II would assume the Reachian throne and begin to conduct talks with allies such as Hyljaheim. Many believe that it was in fact Carpe Noctem and Poldomorg who conspired to kill Argon, and a movement would begin to launch. Reachian & Dwarven forces would rally together, preparing for the worst in fear that the North would attack again. Argon II would eventually call a meeting with the Dwarves and Rivermen at Camp Hefja where they would discuss an action plan. The Dwarves sought leadership in Argon II considering he had been born and raised in the Mountainside near Camp Hefja, and had the full support of Aldrak during his last few days. Eventually both River'reach and Hyljaheim would find a deal, and the two would merge under the Reachian leadership.

Hrut Cragaxe would be appointed to originally take the title "Warden of the Dwarves" and lead the Ward of Hyljaheim for a short time, however would eventually die after falling in a pit near his home. An election would soon after be called and Yaron Stonehelm would take his place.

Language
The state language of river’reach is kolken, a superficial language that was introduced by nomad immigrants that had ransacked the lands of river’reach in its early days. Now kolken has both cultural and traditional ties to the people of river’reach, and has the majority of the population speaking it. Kolken has been described as a very easy language to understand upon first visiting river’reach, and may be one of the largest languages due to its lesser challenges for its communicator. Some example words are, Tivr (River), Casten (Castle), Kul (Keeper), Vardian (Guardian), Doomus (Fool), Beer (Funish). Over time the language of kolken has seen both edits from the citadel, and sub-languages that are similar to it.

Races
Riverfolk Elves

River Elves are one of the oldest races that reside within River'reach. To the untrained eye, these elves commonly hold occupations such as arcane practitioners, native fishing experts, and religious' devouts. However, those well versed in the Reach's political undercurrents see more... Culture tensions between Elvish natives and the Humans have led to Elves who accept humans to enjoy higher occupations as scholars, researchers, and occasionally nobility. Neutral Elves live quieter lives as local experts revolve around the Reach's rivers, while the dissented elvish populace turn into religious activists or even turn to the criminal underclass as smugglers. Riverfolk Elves are on average 8'1 with an affinity to water. To those gifted in the Arcane, they have an even higher strength in the magical field.

Riverfolk Humans

Riverfolk Humans are neither a subspecies or a special kind of humanoid, but instead they represent the largest cultural group within the Tivrdom. These Humans reach every crevice of Reach Society. From Nobles, Valiant Shields, and Earthly Scholars to Swindlers, Jesters, and Merchants to simple Farmers, Boatmen, and Messengers. Humans in all their lack of specialization have instead become jack of trades through sheer numbers. Riverfolk Humans in particular hold a dominant skill set in Swimming with the average Riverfolk boasting broad shoulders, long torsos, and an above-average height of roughly 5 inches compared to the average human. The River Reach cultural group is noted for their river green eyes as well, a trait that is seen in around 70% of all Riverfolk humans. Their respect towards the River ranges from how educated they are. While simple Farmers rely on the rivers, they take its boons for granted. In comparison, Merchants may be more apt in it's value, while the Nobility vary based on their moral code.

Koken River Toads

A sub-species of Toadmen, Koken River Toads share characteristics to the native river toads of the Reach. They hold a small but lively population in the Tivrdom's agricultural districts and slums. Like humans, Koken River Toads have five digits with limbs on the stumpy side but walk with a posture that seems more bow-legged to most humanoids. Koken River Toads come in a variety of colors of native river toads: Green, Spotted Orange, Mud Pink, River Blue, and pebble gray. Koken Toadmen are significantly larger than their average wildlife counterparts but are far from having human wisdom making Koken Toadmen to be more naive and free-spirited. Among the diverse races of River'reach, Koken Toadmen specialize in waterworks and agriculture revolving paddies and flooded fields. They are known to have a loose partnership with common river toads, often taming or goading larger variants of wild River Toads to pull wagons or farming instruments.

Alch’tael Slime-Folk

The Alch’tael are a race of man-made slime-folk created through the use of advanced alchemy, the very same alchemy that had rendered them synthetic and sterile creatures, unable to raise themselves past what their creators concocted. An extreme rarity within River'reach, only a few HIgh Scholars devoted to the study of Alchemy utilize such slimes as familiars or expendable lab rats. To look upon an Alch'tael is to look upon an imitator. While they might craft themselves unique bodies, the features upon them are often lifted from things they might've found to their taste. Though even so, there are a few things that stay noticeable in whatever form they might take. A slimy exterior, most often consisting of one singular color often corresponding to whatever chemical, liquid, or even essence they're holding within. Alch’tael Creation requires that one first knows the recipe itself.

Temperature
The average temperature during the summer is around 28° celsius which is just the right temperature that all of the species in River’rush can thrive. The winter average stands around -2° celsius which has seen some devastating effects on the brittle and delicate species such as the Alch’tael Slime-Folk.

Natural geography
The natural geography of river’reach tends to be winding rivers running through plains, forests, and even flower fields. Most of the natural geography still remains even though it is exploited by the cities of river’reach, and it’s natural preservation that is one of the main aspects that the people of river’reach truly adore.

Ecosystem
The ecosystem in the river region’s in far more diverse and populated than the inland ecosystems, this is mainly due to the native preservation tactics that are used by the people of river’reach today. On the other hand the inland ecosystem was at one point rich with deer, moose, and even beaver, but were sadly driven to the brink of extinction during Fehnir’s reign. We see that culturally back then over-hunting wasn’t a large concern, or even really heard of, and now some of the species native to inland river’reach have started to return.

Government
The government structure in river’reach is unique to its region. It is known as a Tivrdom in kolken tongue with no apparent translation to english being made. Its main aspect making it so different from common governments is that within a Tivrdom there is no one singular government body, but rather two government bodies that lead the nation. However the Salt Rock Throne is the leading government and has full authority over the Citadel.

Salt Rock Throne
The Volark is the leading king over the Tivdrom, and has full authority and absolute power. Castenkul usually tend to have succession lines that follow their bloodlines and will appoint their heir and successors. In some cases the Castenkul will resign or die, and one of the highest ranking members of the Knight’s of the Reach will take his place until his heir is of age. Heirs need to be the age of eighteen before being appointed to the castenkul position.

Casten Court

The Casten Court is led by the Castenkul, and is one of the councils that leads the Tivrdom. The court is composed of court-chairmen, lords, vardians, and slum lords. The Casten Court is the heart of the system, and has the full right to override any decisions made by the Citadel. The members who join the Casten Court are of the highest ranking positions in River’reach, and only make it via dedication and or reputation. The Court Chairmen are the head of any discussion, and serve as the advisors to the Castenkul. The Casten Court is responsible for the proper growth of the river’reach, any large decision making choices, the distribution of products, the command of the knights of the reach, and foreseeing the benefit of the people of river’reach.

Citadel Court

The Citadel Court is the lower ranking court led by the Voice of the Citadel who is a largely influencing political figure responsible for the river’reach’s progress of knowledge, religious standings, and war tactics. However the Voice of the Citadel personally responds to Castenkul, and cannot make important decisions without him. The Citadel court is composed of high scholars, and apprentice scholars.

Vardian Ministries
Ministry of Growth

Responsible for all and any architectural challenges, and manages the construction of infrastructure and residencies.

Ministry of Economy

Responsible for the management of the economy, and proper flow of currency. Manages the Vardian budget, and makes sure that no singular ministry is using more money than needed.

Ministry of Tax

Responsible for the management of border tax, and distribution of products between cities. Usually works in synchrony with the MoE.

Ministry of Enforcement

Responsible for the management of law enforcement in the cities of river’reach, able to launch campaigns against espionage, illegal goods trafficking, wanted persons, ect.

Ministry of Logistics

Responsible for the logistics of war, infrastructure, border growth, and defense tactics. Regularly manages the knights of the reach at fort trout alongside higher ranking personnel. Keeps the interest of training high.

Ministry of Law

Responsible for the management of Judges, and law systems. Sees the upkeep of law’s being made through.

Knights of the Reach
The Knight’s of the Reach are a symbolic unit unique to River’reach, and follow the high command chain and the Castenkul. The Knight’s of the Reach is nothing more than a name for the large group of military personnel that fall under it. The Knight’s of the Reach are known to serve and protect the realm of the river, and the people that live within it.

Kulvardian’s “King Guardians”

The Kulvardian’s are an elite group of knight’s responsible for the protection of the Castenkul, and are vital to his ultimate protection. They are both physically and intellectually superior to the common knight, and are chosen by the Castenkul directly. The Kulvardian’s do not have any authority over other ranks whatsoever.

Valor Knight

The Valor Knight’s have seen their time as River Knights and are experienced in the art of warfare. It is a Valor Knight’s duty to pave the way for River Knight’s by training them at Fort Trout. In order to become a Valor Knight you must be personally knighted by the Castenkul in a ceremony for experienced swordsmen. The Valor Knight’s tend to lead a large regiment of River Knight’s during battles.

River Knight

The River Knight’s are semi- experienced fighters who have chosen to fight for the Tivrdom, and willing to put their lives in harm's way for the benefit of the people. River Knight’s follow the direct command of Valor Knight’s but have the authority to lead a small regiment of bannermen upon further command. In order to become a River Knight you must finish training as a Bannermen at Fort Trout. The River Knight has a large amount of authority over citizens.

Bannermen

The Bannermen are a group of enlistees, training in the heart of the nation. They have no authority over civilians.

River Levy

The River Levees are usually citizen’s from slums or extreme poverty that are forced to fight in defensive situations, this tends to be a rare occurrence but has happened multiple times in river’reach before.

Culture
River’reach culture consists of three main aspects that being militaristic, tivr feudalism, and bridge architecture. Early river’reach author, and valor knight describes the militaristic patriotism of River’reach as something found nowhere else in the realms of which exist. From the knighthood folklore, to the chivalry events, it’s obvious that the majority of the culture found in river’reach today surrounds the patriotism that exists in the citizen’s pride for their national unit. However we do see that in the river slums the majority of the popularity of the Knight’s of the Reach seems to be quite low, with some groups genuinely despising authorities. This has led to some diversion in River’reach culture creating what is known as tivr feudalism. Slums that have later become towns or even cities, carried this culture leading to a large sphere of influence for the tivr feudalism. Tivr feudalism is the preservation of rivers, and influences the river-agro that we see today such as fishing, farming near rivers, or even the consumption of seaweed. Due to tivr feudalism being so dependent on rivers, those who are traditional to the culture have a hard time connecting or even liking those who live inland which has some devastating effects on the diplomatic relations of river’reach. “I stood before a bridge, mighty tall, and mighty wide.. And all I could think about was what was the Castenkul feeding these damn reachians?” - Passerby of Fort Trout. Now although many may not consider the bridges of river’reach a culture, it is the practice of building one that is vital to the people of river’reach and is implemented in their traditions and architectural styles.