Delvaruud

Delvaruud is one of the countries of Varel. It is mostly inhabited by kazena and other demonic beings.

Provinces

 * Kotana
 * Verden
 * Kanarenaja
 * Teveral
 * Kanteraan
 * Daneval
 * Baran

History
The land of Delvaruud was formed by Kana, the archdemon.

Culture
All of Delvaruud is quite involved with the occult and almost everyone has at least some connection to it. From very early on in Delvaruud's history, people have been using a special blade for occult related activities. This special blade is called a kharèn, and having an exceptionally sharp one is considered a status symbol. Many Delvaruudians have their own kharèn.

Delvaruud is known in the world of wandcraft for their igneous magnaviper sinew wands. Because these creatures are relatively common here, Delvaruudian wandmakers have been working with their sinew and been passing down techniques and such for centuries, becoming the masters of working with this core material. Many Delvaruudian sorcerers have wands with an igneous magnaviper sinew core, and they are often also adept at fire evocation because of this.

Because the country knows so many coasts, a subculture of piratery had sprouted from very early on. Delvaruudian pirates, or "danejran" as they call them, are feared all over the seas and coasts of Varel. The delvaruudian monarchy does not officially condone their actions, but does tolerate them and see the danejran as an expansion of their marine in wartime. Most of the danejran clans agree with this unofficial alliance.

In Delvaruud, family names do not exist. Names vary a lot, so adding the name of the city they are from suffices to distinguish every single person. Many Delvaruudians nowadays accept the name of their birthplace as their last name. If the person has a famous father or mother, adding their name behind the person's own is also accepted, as it clearly identifies the person.

Government
Delvaruud has been a religious monarchy ever since High priestess Kajena of Teveral took the throne in 750.

Before Delvaruud became a religious monarchy, no government existed and villages were governed by local priests which were in contact with Kana. Because of a rise in population and hostility around the borders, the country became too unruly to continue its existance.

High priestess Kajena of Teveral decided a religious monarchy would be a perfect solution to ensure Delvaruud's continuing existance. Proclaiming it as Kana's will, she had a big castle erected in Teveral in honour of Kana. Kana's approval of Kajena's offer was received by local powers in Delvaruud and pledged their allegiance to their new queen, entrusting her with ruling the way Kana would want it. Since Delvaruud is a religious monarchy, the title "arch priest or priestess" is used instead of king or queen.

When Kajena of Teveral died, in 836, for logistical reasons the capital was moved to Kanarenaja and an even more impressive castle was erected in Kana's name. This was done under the fresh reign of High priestess Darawena of Ketar.

In Delvaruud, monarchs are followed up by another High priest or priestess appointed by the current monarch. While men may be chosen, in the history of Delvaruud only women have been appointed the title of arch priest. The new arch priest is usually appointed in the last few years of the arch priest's life. If their life ends prematurely, another Arch priest will be appointed by the council of High priests.

As a normal monarchy would have dukes to subdivide power directly over parts of the land, the Delvaruudian reilgious monarchy has this task assigned to the high priests. Next to the provinces they govern, thogether they keep the arch priest in check, since they are also in close contact with Kana and have pledged allegiance to Kana above the arch priest.

Environment
The environment of Delvaruud is quite diverse, from foresty and green around Kotana and Verden, to arid and desert-like near its borders with Lya ri-renad. All around the country one can find coastal regions and an appropriate climate around it.

Because of its geological activity and composition, magnavipers find Delvaruudian ground very hospitable. Magnavipers are not uncommon here, and occasionally can be found in the wild.

Because of its geology, Delvaruud has control over traffic to and from the Selne river and they do make use of this advantage. Kotana is a key component in this control and Delvaruud therefore is very keen on keeping the land theirs. The same counts for the canal between Kanteraan and Teveral, which has a bigger effect on trade than control over the Selne. The bay behind the Kotana trap is also where the majority of the Delvaruudian marine is stationed.

Vexillology
The blue center in the coat of arms stands for the water separating the land.

The red pale dexter and pale sinister represent the blood spilt both in war and rituals.

The black inverted chevron stands for both their military prowess and their history with dark magic

The black pentagram obviously stands for the demons who formed and created this land.