The Valkyrions

Potius Mori, Quam Foedari - Better to die than to be dishonored. The Valkyrions are the most prominent Gens Nomen in the Illian region. A Gens Nomen is roughly equivalent to a combination of family, clan, and dynastic house; the concept is culturally unique to the peoples of the Illian Empire and its former possessions. Members of a Gens Nomen all claim a common ancestry without necessarily being biologically descended from the claimed ancestor. An individual may be born into a particular Gens Nomen, or; through faithful service and outstanding displays of Virtues, be adopted. All existing members of the Gens Nomen recognize the adopted individual as a member of their bloodline upon adoption.

The Valkyrion Gens Nomen is the backbone of the Illian Empire’s religious and imperial authority. It is through Valkyrion disputes and Valkyrion alliances that much of the known world has arrived at its current geopolitical landscapes. Often, the disputes and alliances that shape the Illian Empire occur within the ranks of the Valkyrions themselves.

Since their inception, the Valkyrions have enjoyed almost uninterrupted control of the Illian Empire’s major offices. Only the year of five bad emperors disturbed this status quo; a situation that was quickly remedied and has remained unchanged since the correction took place. Further, the Valkyrions have held a strangle-hold on the Proximian Church for millennia. The Magnus Basilius of the Illian Empire, the Proximus Vitem Mortem of Nova Carthago, and the Tribune of Nova Indomitus are all members of the Valkyrion dynasty. The principality of Canaan is the Valkyrion ancestral homeland; it too is in the possession of the Valkyrions.

Due to the tremendous political, military, and ecclesiastical power wielded by its members, intrapersonal conflicts between Valkyrions hold the possibility of global ramifications. Because of this, the position of Dominus exists as a means to prevent devastating internal wars from ripping the dynasty apart. The current Dominus, Azazel Valkyrion, serves as judge and arbiter in the event that family members cannot informally resolve their disputes amongst themselves. Failure to abide by the Dominus' decision results in either expulsion or swift action by the family. Alexander Valkyrion is the eldest Valkyrion and so holds the position of Patriarch; a role that is entirely ceremonial but carrying great prestige. It is commonly understood that Alexander and Azazel have a unique relationship; Alexander is granted immunity from Azazel's decisions as Dominus. In exchange, Alexander grants Azazel the same immunity from his rulings as Proximus.