The Free City of Velkarin
There are cities that are built upon the surface of Olera. There are cities that are built beneath it. And then there is Velkarin.
About
Velkarin is an ancient underground city built deep beneath Olera, where organic life and machinery have gradually become intertwined. Much of the city exists among deepslate caverns, ancient structures and vast growths of sculk, giving Velkarin the appearance of something that was not simply constructed, but has continued to grow and change alongside its inhabitants.
Its people are known as the Velkari, meaning "those of the Silent Deep." Velkarin is currently led by Mizerly Veyrath, Keeper of the Silent Deep. Reserved and pragmatic, Mizerly places the survival, independence and continued development of Velkarin above political sentiment.
Velkari culture places considerable importance on knowledge, adaptability, secrecy and understanding the underground world around them. Magic is known and studied, but ancient machinery, sculk and unconventional technology have become equally important to Velkarin's development. Declaration
History & Story
Velkarin spent much of its early history isolated beneath the surface. Its relationship with the wider realm changed considerably after establishing contact with other nations. Velkarin eventually became closely associated with Barsus, and Mizerly Veyrath entered into a political marriage with Duck, the Sword of Barsus, intended to strengthen relations between their peoples.
That relationship ended violently. After Duck murdered an innocent child, Velkarin publicly executed him. The event became an important turning point in Velkarin's political identity and its relationship with Barsus.
Velkarin subsequently declared itself a free and independent city. Since then, Velkarin has attempted to establish its own diplomatic relationships rather than exist beneath the influence of another power.
One of its most important relationships became its alliance with High Roost. Velkari forces later fought alongside High Roost during the invasion of a jungle hillside province controlled by the Blue Sultanate alliance. Despite initially appearing to possess the advantage, the allied forces were defeated after three days of fighting due to the strength and tactics of the defending forces.
The battle became one of Velkarin's first major military experiences as an independent nation.
The Nation Today
Modern Velkarin is increasingly opening portions of itself to outsiders while keeping its deeper regions carefully controlled. The city continues expanding its infrastructure, defenses, research facilities and diplomatic presence. Among its notable locations are the Hall of Allied Nations, research facilities dedicated to studying ancient technology and sculk, residential districts, diplomatic buildings, temples and enormous unexplored tunnel systems extending far beneath the established city.
There are still sections of Velkarin that even its own citizens rarely enter. And there are things beneath the city that Velkarin has deliberately chosen not to explain to outsiders.
Geopolitical Profile
Governance System
Territory & Borders
Provinces
Currently Velkarin possesses no colonies outside of its current capital territory.
Economy
Velkarin maintains a specialised underground economy built around one resource that few other nations can safely obtain in large quantities: sculk. Its position within the Silent Deep gives Velkarin access to extensive sculk growths, while generations of experience living among them have allowed the Velkari to harvest and cultivate these materials efficiently. Rather than competing with surface nations in agriculture or conventional mining, Velkarin exports resources unique to the Deep and uses the proceeds to acquire the ordinary materials its underground civilisation requires. This makes Velkarin a specialised exporter and heavily trade-dependent importer, with sculk functioning as one of the foundations of its foreign commerce.
Exports
Velkarin exports four major sculk products:
- Sculk Sensors â Among Velkarin's most technologically valuable exports. Their ability to detect vibrations and produce redstone signals makes them useful for alarms, hidden mechanisms, automated infrastructure and security systems.
- Sculk Veins â Exported primarily as an unusual architectural and decorative material, particularly for structures seeking the appearance of the Deep.
- Sculk Catalysts â A more valuable and carefully traded commodity because catalysts allow sculk to propagate when creatures die nearby, effectively allowing buyers to establish their own controlled sculk growth.
- Sculk Blocks â Velkarin's bulk sculk export, supplied for construction, decoration and other specialised uses.
Principal Imports
Velkarin's greatest demand is for building materials. Maintaining and expanding a civilization beneath the surface requires enormous quantities of stone, structural blocks, decorative materials and other construction resources that are easier or cheaper for surface nations to produce.
A significant portion of these materials originates from the Blue Sultanate. However, because of the hostile political relationship between Velkarin and the Sultanate, this commerce does not need to pass through official Velkari trade channels. Instead, Sultanate materials can enter through the Black Market.
The Black Market governs its own commerce, and there is no Velkari law prohibiting its merchants from trading with the Blue Sultanate. As long as those transactions do not endanger Velkarin itself, merchants are free to purchase Sultanate building materials and subsequently circulate them throughout the underground economy.
Current Developments
Most recent news and developments of the Nation:
Black Market
Additionally far beneath Velkarin exists an enormous commercial district known as the Black Market. See here for more information on the market.
Laws & Policies
"Those who dwell beneath the realm are protected by few laws â but those laws are absolute."
The Five Laws of Velkarin
I. Do Not Endanger the Deep
No individual may knowingly threaten Velkarin, its people, its infrastructure, or the containment of the Silent Deep. Actions capable of bringing destruction upon the city are considered the highest form of treason.
II. Knowledge Belongs to Velkarin
Ancient artifacts, discoveries, research, and knowledge concerning the Silent Deep may be studied, but deliberately destroying, concealing, or selling knowledge that could affect Velkarin's survival is forbidden.
III. Blood Requires Cause
Murder without justified cause is forbidden. Self-defense, sanctioned combat, and actions necessary for the defense of Velkarin are recognized. Killing for cruelty or personal amusement is not.
IV. Honor the Sovereignty of Others
Visitors, foreigners, and allied peoples are protected while within Velkarin so long as they respect its laws. Theft, violence, coercion, or betrayal against those under Velkarin's protection will be judged as if committed against a Velkari.
V. What Happens in the Black Market Stays in the Black Market
The Black Market governs itself and tolerates dealings forbidden elsewhere â but its freedom ends the moment its activities threaten Velkarin. Trade freely. Bargain carefully. Settle your debts. Never bring the consequences home.
Obtaining Velkarin Citizenship
1. Trial of Trade
Citizenship through contribution and resourcefulness. The candidate proves they can bring value to Velkarin.
2. Trial of Knowledge
Citizenship through intellect. The candidate must solve a difficult puzzle, riddle, craft, or demonstrate knowledge worthy of the Velkari.
3. Trial of Courage
Citizenship through bravery. The candidate faces the dangers of the Silent Deep, traditionally involving a Warden, and must prove they can remain composed when confronted by something far stronger than themselves.
4. Trial of Loyalty
Temporary wartime citizenship. Allied soldiers who fight beside Velkarin may be recognized as Velkari for the duration of the conflict. Rather than completing a constructed trial, the war itself is their trial. Those who stand with Velkarin, defend its citizens, and return without betraying the city earn its protection and privileges while serving.