Before the Empire underwent its transformation, and before the capital city changed its name, there existed a forbidden and perilous place known as the lost city. This was the birthplace of the Varala Kingdom, a time when four out of the six powerful houses we know today were nonexistent. The original houses under the Royal family of Varala derived their names from the children of the Supreme God Bathala.
The House of Araw (House of the Sun), also known as the house of Sages, is famed for their intellect, leadership, and for inheriting the Cerulean Flame from the Varalas. During their conflict with the Spaniards, this power incinerated 50 percent of their knights, leaving nothing behind, not even their battle suits. They are often referred to as "Sorcerer Craftsmen" for their ability to control small mythical creatures called "Duwende (Dwarves)" to construct innovative inventions. They initiated the ancient technology lost to us today.
The House of Kidlat (House of Lightning), the house of Warriors, is renowned for their bravery and combat skills. They are the successors of "Celeritas," a power from the Varalas that enables one to increase their speed on the battlefield to the point of becoming nearly invisible to enemies. This faction is the sole surviving house that exists to this day under the name House of Coraje.
The House of Tala (House of the Stars), the house of God's messengers, is known as the true oracles and healers. In contrast to House Honesto, which only obtained a fraction of Varala's healing powers by stealing the pearl orb from the head oracle, the House of Tala can heal individuals on the brink of death, cure curses, and expel evil spirits.
The House of Tig-ani (House of Harvest), the house of Agriculturalists, inherited the growth power called Crescere. This power ensures bountiful harvests for the Varalas regardless of the season. They can cultivate extraordinary magical fruits like Mocovano, a black, round fruit the size of an orange, providing substantial energy to those who consume its juice. The seeds of such fruits can only be grown through their power. Spain contemplated colonizing Varala again due to the allure of such resources but abandoned the idea, fearing dire consequences.
The House of Hangin (House of the Wind), the house of Merchants, is known as the sailing wind for creating merchant ships that facilitated trade in and out of Varala. They inherited the power of Zoolinguism, allowing them to communicate with animals, especially birds. Animals are used to send messages or warn of unforeseen dangers. They are also renowned for their midas touch, turning anything they touch into high value.
These houses played a pivotal role in the prosperity of the Varalans. However, no matter the assistance provided or the kindness shown to subjects, there will always be envious individuals wishing for destruction.
As time passed, those plotting against these powerful houses gained influence and power. They fomented a revolution and manipulated common people into believing that the powers of these houses would bring destruction to the Kingdom. This is a tale for another time.
Are there still descendants of these bloodlines? The novel and its spin-off do not mention this. What I recall is that this place contains numerous magic stones, a fact unbeknownst to the nobles in the Valerosa Empire.
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