House Valmyr is one of the oldest of the noble houses, one that predates even the Solar Throne itself. Long before Emperor Aethan Valmyr unified Virelya, the proto-Valmyr bloodline were considered spiritual arbiters of the continent, with dominance over the religious sect amongst all houses. Each leader of House Valmyr has taken sacred vows to preserve equilibrium between mortal rulers and the divine. Their name, Val-myr (“Light of the Great Oath” in Old Imperial), reflects a heritage of guardianship rather than dominion. A large part of the success Emperor Aethan had as a leader was his ability to rally the Valmyr church and religious to his cause. From holy warriors to heretical extremists, the representation that Valmyr has amongst those who believe in the Sun God is unequaled amongst all the houses.
Most assume the Valmyrs died out when Emperor Aethan and his immediate kin perished. In truth, the Imperial family was only one branch—the Solar Branch—chosen for monarchy. The Stewarding line of House Valmyr survived, scattered throughout the provinces as diplomats, judges, and priests. With the Emperor’s death, the ancient Dawnbinding has activated for the first time in centuries to select a new divine leader for the house. It is their sacred duty to prevent the House's total collapse, if not restore the Valmyr Empire to its former glory.
Unlike other factions vying for power, House Valmyr believes that the next ruler must be divinely chosen—or at least symbolically legitimate. In addition to a divine ruler, House Valmyr also seeks to learn from Aethan's mistakes and create a Council of Light, who would serve as a holy check to noble power as well as choose a new monarch or ruling body through divine omen, ancient rite, or unified consensus.
Faithful — The faithful to the Emperor, its Council of Light, and the Sun God would dominate society.
Temperance — Avoid extremes of tyranny or chaos and strive for balance.
Continuity — Preserve the Empire’s soul, even if its structure changes.
Service — Authority is a burden, not a birthright.
While they no longer occupy the grand capital (now fractured and in ruin), House Valmyr still commands deep loyalty in the Heartlands:
Temple cities that once held Imperial coronations
River-vales where the first Imperial armies were raised
Rural settlements seemingly untouched by noble excess but steeped in tradition
Priests, scholars, healers, and diplomats make up their ranks. Their banners—gold on white, depicting a rising sun—remain symbols of hope.
Moral Legitimacy – Many citizens in the Heartlands see them as the rightful caretakers of the Empire’s legacy and most legitimate claim to ruling this fertile region.
Ancient Lore – Gathering imperial relics and tomes toValmyr's refuge, the house finds and saves archives containing prophecies, treaties, and pre-imperial wisdom.
Emperor's network – Aethan was a powerful Emperor whose rule still gives tangible and intangible boons to House Valmyr. Be it people, resources, or arcane blessing, Aethan's long rule is not easily forgotten in Virelya
Kaelen Lightspire served the former Emperor Aethan as a high priest. When the emperor fell and the empire fractured, Kaelen lost faith in the imperial institutions but kept his belief in the divine. Determined to prevent the kingdom from descending into chaos, he now leads the remnants of House Valmyr, seeking to unite the warring factions through faith, diplomacy, and the power of his deity.
Kaelen believes the Empire can only be saved by unity—but is increasingly forced to choose sides. Worse, he fears that the internal tensions in House Valmyr could be just as dangerous to Valmyr's legacy as one of the other houses.
House Valmyr is not without cracks. While the House is formally led by Kaelen Lightspire, different branches have begun to emerge within the House with differences of opinion on what House Valmyr should be.
The Phoenix Branch trust in the wisdom of Kaelen and the priesthood, even over ancient law. They believe in his message of unity and Temperance, and trust in a rebirth of House Valmyr.
The Purists believe they should seize the throne directly and reclaim Aethan's legacy, even if it means by bloodshed. Any conflict or clash under House Valmyr's name is usually being led, if not unilaterally conducted by, this branch.
The Repenters insist they must never rule, even if the Empire burns. They believe the mysterious circumstances around Aethan's death suggest divine interference which they interpret as a need to focus on the Sun God and be done with mortal dealings. This is the religious fundamentalist branch.
Amongst the people under House Valmyr. Should a true heir be discovered—or invented—the house could split apart even further.