Nevarra

[facemelter]

The whole country is filled with artistry, from the statues of heroes that litter the streets in even the meanest villages to the glittering golden College of Magi in Cumberland. Perhaps nowhere is more astonishing than the vast necropolis outside Nevarra City. Unlike most other followers of Andraste, the Nevarrans do not burn their dead. Instead, they carefully preserve the bodies and seal them in elaborate tombs. Some of the wealthiest Nevarrans begin construction of their own tombs while quite young, and these become incredible palaces, complete with gardens, bathhouses, and ballrooms, utterly silent, kept only for the dead.
--From Codex entry: Nevarra

Nevarra is a nation in central Thedas, west of the Free Marches, south of the Tevinter Imperium and north-east of Orlais. It was originally one of the larger Free Marches city states, but has aggressively expanded over the last two centuries to become a power to rival Orlais.

History

The Pentaghast clan is famous for their dragonhunter heroes of the past; each of whom led a crusade to hunt dragons to extinction. They were almost successful at this. Granted, the dragons were a scourge for a very long time, but the Nevarrans hunted mostly for dragonbone and glory.

In 3:25 Towers, the armies of Orlais and the Tevinter Imperium joined with the Grey Wardens to end the Third Blight. However, the victorious armies proceeded to occupy the territories they had liberated from the darkspawn. Nevarra was taken by Orlais, and only regained independence in 3:65 Towers.

In 5:37 Exalted, Tylus, the first Van Markham king of Nevarra, is crowned after having claimed to be a descendant of Drakon’s son, killed in Cumberland. Being a hero of the recent Fourth Blight, Tylus is able to stir nationalistic feelings in the western Free Marches against the growing power of Orlais. He proves his military might by winning several major battles against the Orlesians, establishing Nevarra as a new, growing power.

In 8:70 Blessed, a war between Nevarra and Orlais over the control of the western hills around Perendale results in Nevarran victory. However, Orlais proceeds to sow dissent and rebellion among the locals in Perendale, who resent Nevarran rule.

In 8:99 Blessed, dragons devastate the countrysides in Orlais and Nevarra, and all attempts to slay them end in disaster. As the Blessed Age draws to a close, they name the Dragon Age, saying that it will be an age of violence and upheaval.

A long war against Orlais over the mineral-rich Blasted Hills, a region between the two countries ended during the last age (Blessed) with a Nevarran victory. However, rebellion is fomenting in the conquered area due to the imposition of harsh taxes by the Nevarrans, as well as the support of Orlais.

Politics
Every member born in Nevarra belongs to a clan, and does who are foreign is often asked to join one. The clans are led by the head of the family, united under a single family emblem, broidered on their banner, shield and clothing. Most Nevarran leaders have been members of the frequently military-gifted Pentaghast Clan, under whom alliances with other Free Marches states have been courted or coerced to form a powerful confederation under Pentaghast leadership.

Even belonging to a clan one may still hold a title, though to the benefit of the clan. The parents within a clan often teaches their children to gain honor and wealth, by allowing them to travel and become legends like those of old. The greater wealth a clan achieves through their members, the higher in regard the Nevarrans sees them. The children are also in young age taught to build their own tomb, the greater wealth the better, though once one die the person can only be mentioned if he or she is worthy of remembering. If one mention a person not worthy, the Nevarrans will be insulted.

Titles:
Below is a list of titles which holds its origin to the Kingdom of Nevarra, it is based on the Dragon Age lore, but the missing links are filled out to complete the hierarchy. Be aware, this list of titles may change in the coming future.

• King/Queen
  
• Archduke/Archduchess
  
• Grand Duke/Grand Duchess
  
• Duke/Duchess
  
• Margrave/Margravine
  
• Count/Countess
  
• Baron/Baroness
  
• Knight
  

The Nevarrans are ruled by a King or Queen, one who has absolute power over the people and the country. The royal family is the famous Pentaghast Clan, a clan who is known for their military genius. Nevarra`s first King was said to have been King Tylus Von Markham, whom united a group of free city states and turned them into a kingdom.

Within the royal family one may also find members of the Pentaghast clan with titles such as Archduke and Archduchess. These individuals have been given such title for being either uncle/aunt or a brother/sister to the King or Queen.

A Grand Duke or a Grand Duchess is often those within the royal family who stands as heir to the throne, most preferable members of the Pentaghast clan who are direct children of the King or Queen.

A Duke or a Duchess is common members of the royal family, the Pentaghast clan, these are either cousins, nephews or any other person related to the King and Queen.

The Nevarran people who have the title Margrave or Margravine are those nobles or royalties, who has been given charge of city or a county near the border. These people control a portion of the army and are charge for the protection of the kingdom, trusted friends and allies by the King and Queen.

The Count and Countess of Nevarra are the nobles in charge of a county, who are in charge of the county`s people and its resources.

The Baron and the Baroness are common nobles with great wealth and influence, a status that can be achieved by anyone who gains great fortune.

The Knights of Nevarra are a formidable force to be reckoned with, knighted by the King or Queen as defenders of the Kingdom, a noble or a clan when one has showed great skills. The Knights protects the weak and in tournaments they participate to gain greater wealth for themselves and their clan.

Forms of Address
The Nevarrans are similar the Orleisans when it comes to addressing them, their name consists of a first name and where they are from, but if they have a title, then it will be included. For example a common Nevarran name is: Jenna Von Cumberland, meaning Jenna of Cumberland. Should she hold a title then her name would change too: Countess Jenna Von Cumberland, or simply Countess Von Cumberland.