System: Vanra

The Orloff family’s status in the FWL—and by extension, that of their planetary landhold, Vanra—has been a source of pride for centuries. Once a part of Oriente, the provisions of Camlann v. Free Worlds allowed the Orloffs to establish their own province, which despite its small size has wielded considerable influence over the League (particularly in military circles). The maintenance of the traditions that bind this “Orloff Mafia” is inextricably linked to the pomp and circumstance that permeate life on Vanra, particularly in Orloff City. In addition to the monumental duke’s palace and regional government offices, the ornate Chapter House of the Order of the Saber dominates the city’s center, where the palace and chapter house face each other across the Padova River. Surrounded by rumors of lost technologies and secret rituals, the chapter house recently held a series of “open days” to demystify its processes. The Vanra site is one of the Order’s four key locales, with the others on Atreus, Harmony and New Olympia.

Honor-bound and emphasizing “proper” behavior, the upper echelons of Vanran society are keen practitioners of swordsmanship. Duels are common, though officially outlawed; the authorities turn a blind eye to non-lethal contests, avoiding the capital’s parks and gardens during the traditional dueling hours of dawn and dusk. Tradition likewise dictates that a doctor be present at these duels, and that seconds safeguard the life (if not the health) of the duelists. Nonetheless, accidents happen, and many nobles bear scars and other injuries as badges of courage and honor.

Hunting (mounted on horses or tabis, or else afoot) is another popular sport among the Vanran nobility. Boar hunts in the Cantania Highlands north of Orloff City and wolf coursing on the island-continent of Modena are popular fixtures in the social calendar. These blood sports also have their opponents, amid the social elite and the common people, and “hunt saboteurs” are commonplace.

Despite the behavior of its upper echelons (or perhaps because of it), Vanra’s ordinary folk are hardworking and determined. The robust and diverse planetary economy is broadly self-sufficient, though reliant on imports for many luxuries. After its military officers, Vanra’s couturiers are its best-known export, Vanran design and tailoring being synonymous with style and quality across the Free Worlds League.

There are no functional factories located on this planet.