Lore:House Va'ruun

House Va'ruun
Founding - 2190
Location	Va'ruun'kai, Kavnyk System
Religions	The Great Serpent
Government	Theocratic Oligarchy
Leaders
• Jinan Va'ruun † • Jarek Va'ruun † • Anasko Va'ruun

House Va'ruun is an isolationist theocracy that worships a celestial being known as the Great Serpent. House Va'ruun was founded in 2190 after Jinan Va'ruun claimed to have communed with a celestial entity known as the Great Serpent. He then founded House Va'ruun and led the new theocracy to an isolated world far from the Settled Systems. In 2230, House Va'ruun emerged from their isolation and later declared a bloody war on the rest of humanity, known as the Serpent's Crusade. The war lasted for 23 years and resulted in many deaths. After Jinan's death, his son Jarek Va'ruun succeeded him and sued for peace. In 2311, House Va'ruun under leadership of Anasko Va'ruun retreated from the settled systems, cutting off all communication. Some Zealots remained, however, and continued to attack in the Great Serpent's name.

History

Founding

The history of House Va'ruun begins with the Archimedes, a Deimos Plymouth-class colony ship built during the early era of interstellar exploration. In an age when adventurers were eager to push the boundaries of space, the colonists aboard the Archimedes aimed for destinations far beyond the emerging Freestar Collective.

In 2190, the Archimedes, originally launched from New Atlantis, departed from Mars' orbit, vanishing without a trace. Completely cut off from the broader galactic community, the events that unfolded on the Archimedes can only be pieced together from the accounts of House Va'ruun, which are now steeped in religious imagery and mythic embellishments. According to their narratives, among the 346 settlers and crew members was a man named Jinan Va'ruun. Having suffered personal losses on Mars, including the deaths of his wife and son, Jinan sought a fresh start as far from the Solar System as possible. The idea of establishing a colony beyond Alpha Serpentis resonated with his longing to escape his past, But if the tales of House Va'ruun are to be trusted, Jinan ventured to a place even more remote, one that would transform him irrevocably. The Archimedes' journey progressed smoothly until the final jump that would take it well beyond the known reaches of space. Remarkably, the deep scans that directed their path proved accurate. In a far-off star system, they discovered a planet suitable for human habitation, but the journey had driven Jinan Va'ruun to madness. Upon completing the last jump, Jinan let out a scream that strained his vocal cords to their limits, continuing in a breathless silence until he lost consciousness. When he awoke, he was no longer the same man. He emerged confident, assertive, and exuding a compelling charisma, quickly becoming a pivotal figure among the colonists. Even in the face of the numerous challenges that accompanied the settlement of this unfamiliar frontier, he remained a reassuring and steadfast presence.

In the year 2191, the colony encountered a looming catastrophe. Only Jinan appeared to grasp the true nature of the threat, and his guidance was pivotal in safeguarding the colony and its inhabitants. However, the origins of his extraordinary knowledge and insight remained a mystery. Following the averted crisis, Jinan recounted his experience during the final jump of the Archimedes. While the transition was instantaneous for everyone else, Jinan experienced a realm beyond time and space. In this extraordinary state, he was not alone; the stars danced around him, forming a magnificent entity that seemed to embrace the entire cosmos. Jinan conveyed that he sensed this being was still dreaming, but its awakening was imminent. Upon regaining consciousness, he realized that only those who revered the Great Serpent would ascend to rule alongside him as sovereigns in the celestial realm. By the dawn of the 23rd century, Jinan established their Capital City, naming it Dazra, and in gratitude the inhabitants named their moon Va'ruun'kai, as the devotion to this new faith had permeated the entire colony.

In 2197, the governing council made the decision to dissolve itself, thereby giving Jinan unrestricted authority over the entire colony, which had adopted the name House Va'ruun. Jinan reorganized society, structuring families into noble houses, under his rule. His swift rise to a leadership role, fueled by an extraordinary surge of backing, remains somewhat of a mystery. However, lingering tales about the last grav jump from Mars might shed light on this phenomenon. In the years that ensued, the colony grew, although progress in various sectors was hindered by scarce resources.

By 2200, any pretense of a separation between church and state was abolished within House Va'ruun, as all citizens were mandated to serve the Great Serpent.

In 2207, despite warnings from members of House Va'ruun about declining resources, Jinan Va'ruun ordered a series of gravitational drive experiments aimed at reaching the Great Serpent.

First Contact

In the year 2230, the Archimedes, which underwent significant modifications and was renamed the Mourning, returned to the Volii System, located at the heart of the Settled Systems. This mission reestablished communication with humanity and paved the way for renewed trade. House Va'ruun asserted that their primary goal was to spread the teachings of the Great Serpent.

Diplomatic ties were formed with key factions and corporations, while House Va'ruun secretly gathered intelligence, armaments, fighters, and vessels in anticipation of an impending crusade. However, the return of the Mourning was merely one aspect of this broader strategy. In secrecy, representatives from House Va'ruun forged informal connections, establishing a discreet network for transporting supplies, technology, and contraband back to the colony of Dazra.

The citizens of the United Colonies and Freestar Collective viewed House Va'ruun as an intriguing novelty, and many were drawn to their enigmatic lifestyle, leading thousands to join their ranks. Subsequently, these new members disappeared from public view, fully immersing themselves in the worship of the Great Serpent.

The Serpent's Crusade

In 2240, following ten years of diplomatic efforts and a decade of illicit trade, House Va'ruun cut off all communication with the settled systems and declared an outright war on the rest of humanity. They abandoned their previous façade and adopted a much more aggressive stance towards outsiders, branding them as heretics deserving of annihilation. This war persisted for twenty-three years, leading to the deaths of thousands among the Freestar, UC, and independent settlers, who were killed by House Va'ruun's agents in the name of their Serpent deity. During this campaign, House Va'ruun also obliterated several key installations, including the Den.

Aftermath of the Crusade

In 2263, Jinan Va'ruun passed away due to old age, leading to his eldest son, Jarek, taking over the leadership. An armistice was established, with House Va'ruun pledging to avoid any future aggressive actions. In exchange, the whereabouts of their home star system remained undisclosed, allowing the house to fade back into obscurity. Throughout his reign, Jarek focused on fostering relationships, even going so far as to set up an embassy in New Atlantis, the capital of the United Colonies. Unlike his father, Jarek held the belief that only the Great Serpent could judge the souls of others. He maintained that his people's duty was to share their truth, ensuring that no one could claim ignorance when the time for awakening arrived.

By the year 2270, this extreme interpretation of their beliefs began to reveal the first signs of division within their society, as not all of the Minor Houses supported such a drastic change in doctrine. Whispers of "Heresy" and "Apostasy" circulated throughout Dazra, with even Jarek's twin brother, Jandar Va'ruun, echoing these sentiments.

In 2274, Jandar and his allies from House Ma'leen were exiled from their home planet, transforming into raiders and pirates who roamed the fringes of space, which ultimately led to the emergence of the Va'ruun Zealots.

By the year 2298, Jarek Va'ruun had passed away, leading to the leadership of the Va'ruun family being transferred to his eldest son, Anasko Va'ruun, who took on the role of speaker for the Great Serpent Unlike his grandfather, who was a militant crusader, or his father, who favored conciliation, Anasko envisions the future of his people through technological advancement. He was particularly focused on enhancing the grav-drive technology that brought their world into reach. Under his guidance, a new council of scientists was established on Dazra, with the aim of ensuring House Va'ruun's supremacy in the Settled Systems through groundbreaking innovations.

In 2302, Anasko initiated a covert research program focused on gravitational drive technology, utilizing methods that were considered "unorthodox" in various discussions.

In 2311, shortly after the ratification of the Armistice, House Va'ruun abruptly retreated from the settled systems for reasons that remained unclear. This move included a complete communication blackout with their embassy in the Settled Systems, though Ambassador Qasrik Bal'mor chose to remain, believing it was his duty to secure peace on behalf of House Va'ruun. Despite this, some factions of House Va'ruun persisted in their assault against those they regarded as traitors, effectively continuing the spirit of the Serpent's Crusade.

sometime before 2330, House Va'ruun broke their silence, contacting the New Atlantis embassy to request an update on events there. Ambassador Bal'mor, unsure of the exact nature of the request, welcomed the renewal of contact.

In the outer reaches of the Settled Systems, tales regarding the actions and clandestine intentions of House Va'ruun are prevalent, often sensationalized and largely fabricated. However, in the year 2330, the nature of these rumors is evolving. From New Atlantis to Akila City, the narratives are consistent. An event has transpired on Va'ruun'kai, showcasing a power previously unseen in the settled systems. While the specifics remain unclear, one fact stands out. House Va'ruun was correct. A significant discovery awaits among the stars, offering answers to those brave enough to pursue them.

Shattered Space

In the same year, a House Va'ruun star station known as The Oracle emerged within the Settled Systems, broadcasting a distress signal.

Society

Worship of the Great Serpent is deeply ingrained in all aspects of Va'ruun culture. This devotion manifests in numerous ways, ranging from intricate temple ceremonies to everyday acts of prayer. Adherents of the Great Serpent are often recognizable by their distinctive facial tattoos, dark garments, and a reputation for being aloof and condescending towards those outside their community. Their vessels are also marked with religious symbols, which often serve as the primary representation of both the Great Serpent and the history of House Va'ruun for most outsiders.

Upbringing

All individuals of House Va'ruun are brought up with the teachings of Jinan Va'ruun

In Va'ruun culture, every child is entrusted with a pet groat. Va'ruun children are entrusted to raise, care for, and milk the creature as they, and the groat mature. When the time comes that the child comes of age they are then tasked with slaughtering the groat followed by then recovering and fashioning its skull into a dagger. This is done to show their connection to the Great Serpent, that all things serve the Serpent, and that they can be tools for his use, in more ways than just one. Every member of House Va'ruun has a groat skull dagger and is instructed to keep it at their side at all times, for whilst the Great Serpent is always with them, so too are the dangers of those who defy and oppose Him.

Should a member of House Va'ruun be sent to the settled systems they are instructed to hide the blade, for choosing to continue carrying the blade may incur unwanted attention and thus become a liability.

Vocabulary

The term "Sloff" is a curse word in Va'ruun slang that means "fuck".

Government and Politics

House Va'ruun operates as a theocratic oligarchy, prominently featuring a ruling body known as the "High Council." This nation is structured with various Ministries that oversee state affairs, including the Ministry of Commerce and the Ministry of Conjunction, indicating a blend of religious and civic governance. Political decisions are heavily influenced by spiritual doctrine, allowing the High Council to frame their actions as divinely sanctioned.

While they project an image of unity and harmony to outsiders, the reality of their decision-making is far more complex. The name House Va'ruun can be misleading, as it is merely one of several houses within their society. Among the lesser houses, House Vath'aal stands out for its steadfast loyalty to House Va'ruun. This allegiance, coupled with the absence of significant opposition, grants House Va'ruun substantial authority, effectively making its leader the head of state.

The stability of House Va'ruun relies on the support of these minor houses; without it, internal conflicts could have dismantled their dominance long ago. However, this equilibrium is susceptible to sudden changes, as evidenced by House Ma'leen, a rebellious faction that has severed its ancestral connections and now disrupts the Settled Systems as zealots and raiders.

Minor Houses

House Dul'kehf
This Minor noble house primarily oversees the Ministry of Commerce as an economic power. It prefers to remain in the background, Avoiding high-stakes politics and feuds.

House Ka'dic
Associated with the Ministry of Conjunction, presents a centrist image during inter-house disputes while strategically positioning itself for future opportunities.

House Veth'aal
Has consistently sided with House Va'ruun Leadership, unwavering in their belief in Jinan Va'ruun and the return of the Great Serpent, it has kept the ruling house of Va'ruun itself in power through the centuries. Known for their loyalty, some members are seen as fanatics.

House Ma'leen
House Ma'leen was once a minor faction within House Va'ruun. In 2270, Jarek's twin brother, Jandar Va'ruun, openly opposed the isolationist policies of House Va'ruun, which escalated tensions between the two houses. By 2274, House Ma'leen officially cut its connections with House Va'ruun, leading to the emergence of the Va'ruun Zealots, who perpetuated a climate of fear throughout the Settled Systems.

Gallery

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  House Va'ruun logo

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  damaged variant of the House Va'ruun logo

Trivia

• Datamined files from the game indicated that Va'ruun'kai was the planet Serpentis IV in the Serpentis system.
  • With Shattered Space, Va'ruun'kai is revealed to be located in the Kavnyk System.
• It is possible that the slaughter of their pet groat children of House Va'ruun do when coming of age is the Rite of Kre'jar