House Velpyrus

The Imperial House

Occupying the heartland of Istolaire is The Grand Imperial House Velpyrus.
House Velpyrus sits at the head of The Empire above the other Major Houses, weilding special additional powers and priviledges within the imperial courts. Conversely, House Velpyrus also assumes responsibility for matters that exceed the capacity of local governments or lie outside the juristiction of a single other Major House. In this often tense and transactional relationship, Velpyrus must constantly assert its power, and the Major Houses must constantly prove their fealty and compliance, at least on the surface.
To most folk, House Velpyrus is synonymous with the opulent, sprawling port city of Perrino, which boasts - among its already incredible array of towers and arches - The Imperial Palace, the seat of power and main residence of the Velpyrian Dynasty.

The Imperatrice

The current head of The Empire is Her Imperial Majesty Voya Velpyrus, Imperatrice D'Istolaire, Master of The Grand Ledger of The Association of The Houses, Stewardess of The Crescent, Oathbreaker of The Magic Circle, Queen of Dexilon, High Chancellor of The Rotary Guild Council. Don't worry about remembering all those titles, just know that Her Imperial Majesty is rather important in every corner of The Empire.

The Imperial Mask

Rumoured to be Ordonnic in make, The Imperial Mask is an ornate face covering that was adopted as a tradition by Voya's predecessor. The mask is worn by the Imperatrice to all public functions, limiting the pool of those who know her true face. Some view it as a sensible measure for safety, others worry about Ordonnic influence, but no one can deny the aura of power exuded by the cold metallic gaze of Istolaire's Empress.

Velpyrian Dragoons

Infamous for their decisive cavalry charges and their terrifying ability to transition straight from a mounted charge into close quarters fighting on the ground are the Velpyrian Imperial Dragoons. Dragoons present a transition from the more traditional reliance on heavy cavalry to a more balanced light cavalry unit that is swifter, easier to arm, able to fight on foot, and to top it off equipped with wheel-lock pistols. The lethal, versatile, resilient dragoon has become the symbol of the Velpyrian Empire just as much as the golden heraldic falcon.
Each region of Velpyrian territory competes to train and field the most imposing regiment. Tournaments in Perrino, Al-Voyanna, Solara now include mounted target shooting.

Empire of Roads

House Velpyrus directly controls access to both the central and northern mountain passes through the Relurie range to The Crescent. Through tolls, taxes, and customs enforcement, House Velpyrus maintains the means to project trade and martial power across the continent at a scale that rivals the combined capabilities of all the Major Houses. To retain their power and keep The Empire connected, House Velpyrus funds the construction and maintenance of high quality Imperial Roads, integrating new innovations in infrastructure including firebreaks, aqueducts, and proper signage. The only caveat is that while travelling an Imperial Road, one is subject to the scrutiny of Imperial officials who tend to be sticklers for paperwork...

The Core and The Diaspora

Imperial ambition is not relegated to only its figurehead, powerful nobles and officials. Velpyrian citizens of all creeds are renowned for their appetite for travel and cultural exchange. Velpyrians are generalised as a jovial, curious, and highly conversational sort. Velpyrian diaspora among the other houses are often viewed with some envy and suspicion as the wealth they often arrive with can be intimidating to provincial economies. In contrast, these same migrants tend to quickly win over their new fellows with an affable attitude, educated tact, and multicultural sensitivity to the world at large. From my own experience, you will find no quarrel nor a denial of aid and hospitality from Velpyrian folk, though you may be taken aback by just how much they have the means to dispense for the good of others. Those who rule over them and by extension lay claim to all of us who find ourselves in Istolaire... They are the ones to watch closely.