Varding

Varding is a port city within the Vardiaminge region of the Kingdom of Carbatan. It lies on the southern coast of the Great Gulf. Culturally, Varding is closely linked to other South Gulf cities such as Thelsod and Pinarea.

Founding and Theddite Empire Sovereignty
Varding was founded in 14600 by settlers emigrating from the Thedda Delta in the First Theddite Empire. Beginning as a minor fishing and farming settlement, the construction of a harbor made Varding the westernmost port of the Empire. Trade with the Kalenians, Phirians, and by extension the Iyamtusids accelerated the growth of the city and port, and Varding surpassed the nearby city of Pinarea in size by the 14800s. However, Varding entered a period of decline after the establishment of the province of Suthebas with Pinarea as its capital, as Pinarea gained a position of prominence in the southern gulf. By the time of the Theddite succession crisis of 16022, Varding was still however a major city in the Great Gulf.

Independence and Invasion
Following the division of the Theddite Empire, the government and aristocracy of the province of Suthebas backed Lastilas Toranas and so became a de jure territory of the Kingdom of Lobanc. This illusion collapsed after the Theddican-Lobanc War, which ended with the death of Lastilas and establishment of Nisemicas Theddicas as the king of Lobanc and Prienithedas. The western cities of the Gulf were left independent in the wake of multiple changes of sovereignty, Varding included. The nobility of the city proclaimed the Duchy of Varding, securing the loyalty of the neighboring villages and hinterlands. The neighboring Kingdom of Pinarea was the primary rival of the Duchy, and began absorbing nearby city-states. The first Duke of Varding, Cuopsomas, reigned for several decades until his death in 16058. Under Cuopsomas the city experienced relative prosperity as the foremost naval power among the South Gulf kingdoms and cities. He died with no sons or legitimate male relatives, leaving his eldest daughter Cuopsoma the throne, who suffered a debilitating stroke two years later. Following her reign, Varding suffered poor leader after poor leader, and shrunk in wealth. Finally, in 16130, Pinarea conquered the Duchy after a swift invasion. The last Duke was exiled, and Pinarea was left as the hegemon of Suthebas. Varding served as the main port of the kingdom after that, and the Iyamtusid trade routes began reopening, making Pinarea and Varding fabulously wealthy.

Pinarean Collapse
In 17990, the Pinarean uprisings launched the kingdom into chaos. Riots held by populist rebels in the capital of Pinarea caused a rebellion that encompassed the entire country. In Varding, a mob formed, executing the governor and taking control of the city in its entirety. A Loyalist army was gathered at Thelsod, and made an attempt to defeat the rebels at Varding. The ensuing battle lasted multiple days, with sympathetic citizens flooding in from around the city to fight the Loyalists. From sheer force of numbers, the Populists massacred the Loyalist army, securing the city of Varding. Thelsod was surrendered to the Populists soon after the battle, leaving the rebels in control of the western half of the kingdom. This did not last long, as the Athalean army captured Thelsod in 17991; Carbatan blockaded and laid siege to Varding not long after. The Loyalists decisively defeated the Populists at the Battle of Pinarea City the next year, and support for the rebellion collapsed. The city of Varding remained in Carbatanian hands, as the Pinarean royalty helplessly watched their kingdom dissolve.

Carbatanian Rule
Varding and its surrounding areas became an overseas territory of Carbatan, organized into the administrative region of Vardiaminge. Varding was soon overtaken in importance by the other South Gulf port cities of Caddock Harbor and Deratia, and fell out of its position as the main regional harbor. Despite this, Varding remained a strategic asset for Carbatan as a foothold in Suthebas' trade network and source of political influence over the area.