Valdian

The Valdians are a revered precursor species in the Galaxa, known for their extraordinary mastery of Teleka—the psionic energy that weaves through the universe. Their ancient civilization pioneered intergalactic travel and established the influential Order of Light. Though nearly extinct, the Valdians' technological innovations and philosophical teachings continue to shape the Galaxa. The history of the Valdian people and the Order of Light is a saga of enlightenment, expansion, tragedy, and resilience. It spans from a clockwork-driven feudal society to a collapsed empire, scattering its once-proud children across the vastness of Galaxa.

Physiology

Valdians embody grace and strength, with distinct traits that set them apart:

• Height: Towering between 8 and 10 feet.
• Skin and Eyes: Ethereal pale skin with a bluish tint; solid, glowing eyes in shades of gold, silver, emerald, or sapphire.
• Bioluminescence: Glowing patterns emerge on their bodies during psionic focus, reflecting their Teleka resonance.
• Physique: Sleek and muscular, optimized for psionic channeling and endurance.
• Diet: Purebloods adhere to a vegetarian diet, while hybrids have adapted omnivorous tendencies.

History

The Feudal Origins of the Valdians

In the earliest ages, Valdian civilization was a patchwork of independent kingdoms, governed by feudal lords. Their society blended clockwork machinery with midfantasy technologies, wielding advanced mechanical marvels but fighting with weapons no more sophisticated than Terran Renaissance armaments.

Spiritual life was centered around the religion of Selethir, guided by priestly monks known as the Ilianir. Among them, individuals attuned to Teleka began to emerge—beings capable of extraordinary feats of psionic power.

As the number of Teleka-attuned individuals grew, they splintered away from Selethir to form a new spiritual path under the leadership of enlightened mystics: the first Teleka Gurus. These Gurus founded what would eventually become the Order of Light.

The Foundation of the Order of Light

At the heart of this new faith was the Grand Teleka Temple, constructed atop a nexus of Teleka energy in the Lush Jungles of Valdia Prime. Initially spanning 42 square miles, it would later expand to dominate over 120 square miles, and eventually, an entire 100,000 square mile island.

The Order began humbly, with Gurus recruiting and training young adults. Over centuries, as their martial prowess and psionic mastery became legendary, the Valdian kings and lords entrusted their attuned children to the Gurus for training.

Gradually, recruitment ages dropped until young children were indoctrinated. Initiates progressed from students to Monks, then to High Monks, then to Grand Monks, and ultimately to the revered title of Guru.

The concept of Teleka Purity became the Order's sacred doctrine: Teleka was to be wielded only by those of perfect discipline, spirit, and moral strength.

The Rise of the Valdian Empire

Fueled by the mastery of Teleka and technological ingenuity, Valdia transitioned from isolated feudal states into a unified planetary society and then into a stellar empire. Their expansion was uniquely peaceful—an unprecedented diplomatic marvel among sentient civilizations.

The Order of Light became the **spiritual and military heart** of the Valdian Empire. Through their influence, the Imperial Mandate was established: all Teleka-attuned children, across the Empire and its allies, would be gathered for Order training.

When non-Valdian species joined the Empire, they at first complied willingly. The spiritual prestige of the Valdians was immense. However, as cultural differences grew apparent, resentment began to fester.

The First Imperial Federation

Under the leadership of visionaries like Empress Elisi, the First Imperial Federation expanded to include hundreds of worlds and species. The Imperial Mandate, however, became a source of quiet discontent.

The Order of Light continued to see itself as fulfilling a divine mission. They viewed dissent not as a warning but as spiritual ignorance needing correction.

Among the most controversial acts was the attempted indoctrination of the fierce Kolthian species. Unlike others, the Kolthians had survived existential threats and embraced darker aspects of Teleka for their survival. They rejected the Order's Purity Doctrine and peacefully seceded, founding the Dark Order from the ashes of their own martial tradition.

Seeds of Rebellion: The Imperial Civil War

Tensions exploded into open conflict when the Kantiok species refused to surrender their children. When Order Monks attempted forced collection, they were met with armed resistance, and blood was shed. The Valdian Empire responded with Martial Law.

This act backfired spectacularly. Species after species rose in rebellion. Most devastating of all, the Human (Galaxa) factions—possessing formidable military technology—annihilated the Valdian fleet in a series of brutal engagements.

The carefully woven tapestry of the Federation unraveled into the Imperial Civil War (Valdian).

The Fall of the Empire

The Order of Light, having sworn to never raise arms offensively, reluctantly took up weapons in defense of Valdia. Their failure was catastrophic. The Grand Teleka Temple and the cities of Valdia Prime were sacked.

The last Valdian Empress was forced to surrender and disband the Imperial Federation. The Order of Light was shattered, and the Valdians—once architects of enlightenment—were cast into darkness.

The Aftermath and Modern Legacy

Today, after a million years:

• Some species continue to harbor deep-seated hatred for the Valdians.
• Others have forgotten or forgiven the tragedies of the past.
• Ironically, the Humans (Galaxa), who initiated the downfall, now share a close and sometimes intimate relationship with Hybrid Valdians.

Pureblood Valdians, however, remain a dwindling remnant—fewer than one hundred million survive. Bound by ancient traditions, they mate for life, bear a single child per union, and guard the sacred ruins of their abandoned empire.

The Order of Light itself has **risen from the ashes**, more spiritually pure than ever, with monasteries in hundreds of galaxies across Galaxa. Though battered and humbled, the light of Valdia continues to shine across the stars.

Timeline

Era	Key Events
Feudal Age	Selethir Monks form the basis of the future Order; Teleka usage rare and elite.
Early Order Era	Grand Teleka Temple built; Gurus begin formal training of Initiates.
Valdian Unification	Peaceful planetary unification under Valdian diplomacy and Teleka mastery.
Formation of the First Imperial Federation	Expansion across multiple star systems; Imperial Mandate enforced.
The Secession of the Kolthians	Formation of the Dark Order.
The Imperial Civil War	Rebellion of species; destruction of Valdian fleet; collapse of the Empire.
Post-War Diaspora	Hybrid Valdians spread across Galaxa; Purebloods cling to ancient traditions.
Modern Era	Order of Light resurges across galaxies; Valdians rebuild amidst scattered legacies.

Culture

• Philosophy of Balance: Teleka must be used in harmony with the universe. Valdians believe that unchecked power breeds chaos.
• Art and Architecture: Their designs feature flowing, psionically resonant structures, integrating elegance with functionality.
• Weapons and Technology: Crafted with precision and restraint, Valdian weapons reflect their disciplined philosophy—designed to incapacitate rather than destroy.

Legacy

Although their empire has crumbled, Valdian teachings and technology endure:

• Their early innovations in Faster Than Light (FTL) travel laid the groundwork for intergalactic exploration.
• The Order of Light remains a symbol of psionic mastery and spiritual guidance.
• Many psionic philosophies trace their origins to Valdian doctrines.

Notable Valdians

• High Ascendant Veltharion: The last known leader of the Order of Light.
• Syara Velum: A psionic warrior renowned for her role in the Imperial Civil War.
• Eryndor Solis: An innovator in psionic-infused FTL technology.

Trivia

• Valdian ruins still radiate latent Teleka energy.
• Their bioluminescent markings are as unique as human fingerprints.
• Pureblood Valdians are naturally immune to psychic coercion.
• Their FTL drive designs were used for thousands of years before being surpassed.