Undabarii

Listen when the lion speaks.
Not just to what it says, but why it roars at all.

-Undabarii proverb

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Undabarii is an enigma when placed against the other nations that have agreed to reside under the sun banner of the Empire. They could be an empire all on their own, and their inclusion within the empire is a rather strange and stand-out facet of their recent history.
For a long time, the first third of the Third Solar Era to be specific, Undabarii was a closed country, separate from the rest of the nations of the Cradle of Seasons. Historically it had been a bit of a nebulous place in the minds of outside academics, but it certainly was known to exist and have no shortage of inhabitants. Still, when it closed its borders across the whole sub-continent, that nebulousness expanded, and much of even the previously known information came into question.
When it opened itself up, it was quite a shock to its neighbors. It had seemed just as dormant as it had for several years, and suddenly a vibrantly colored fleet arrived in Viasleto bearing fortunes in spices and ivory and a chest full of missives marked for each of the rulers of the world to indicate that Undabarii was now open once more. It's often noted that these missives were shockingly accurate considering the nation's isolation up until that point, even bearing the name of the king of Inisharn, who had only taken the throne two days before, after his father's sudden death. The previous king's death had yet to reach the Cradle of Seasons.
Mixed amongst the chest were also a set of missives bearing the grinning sun of the Empire, while all others bore the lion seal of Undabarii. These sun-sealed letters were meant to go to the nations of the Empire and each, seemingly, bore a message for the highest ruler for every nation. As the story goes, each was written personally by the new King of Undabarii, a man known simply as Mandlatüh, the Dragon Slayer. The exact message these letters contained, if they even existed, is unknown. However, the posture of the Empire of the Sun quickly turned friendly after the introductions being made, with the first public appearance of the Undabrii king being made at a feast held to welcome him and his nation into the Empire and the Imperial Diet. It should be said that there are a few nations that were looking for admission that were quite upset at Undabarii 'jumping the line' so to speak, not that they could do anything in response.
Curiously, despite its size, Undabarii has not made any real attempts to throw its weight around since its admission to the Empire, which is unusual for the common political machinations of members. Their representatives have, for better or worse, simply maintained a sort of defensive status quo that attempts to maintain relations with all member nations, no matter how small, and only tentatively pursuing larger political goals. Many point to the relative inexperience of its current king, but it's a trend that can be found even during the time of Mandlatüh, though it may have been more obscured then.
Whatever Undabarii's goal was and is remains a mystery to all outside their borders.
While the nation has opened its borders, many travelers (myself included) report that the atmosphere can be rather tense at times. Like violence Is about to make an appearance, but always remains just below the surface. Thankfully, I have not caught wind of any reports stating that the violence is directed specifically at foreigners or any singular group, but the trend itself is rather strange.
Otherwise, it seems to be a rather idyllic collection of largely-Summerlands, if you like a dry heat and lots of sun.

Culture

Traditionally, ones home-clan is seen as the most important thing in their life. Above friends, spouse, children, enemies. It all pales in comparison to the tribe at large.
This is a sentiment that is, at least, attempting to be changed by the king and his court, to varying degrees. Obviously, this is a move that is required if Undabarii is ever going to  gell as a nation, but it has proven fairly unpopular across the board. Unsurprising, considering where the great tribed get their manpower.

Peace Through Unity

Founding Date

972 TSA (technical)

Type

Geopolitical, Empire

Capital

Sassaduna

Alternative Names

The Lion's Den

Training Level

Professional

Veterancy Level

Trained

Demonym

Undabarii

Leader

King Murigo Halieka Titayobe

Founders

• Mandlatüh the Dragon Slayer

Government System

Monarchy, Constitutional

Power Structure

Unitary state

Economic System

Market economy

Location

The Cradle of Seasons

Neighboring Nations

• Gwayn
• The Merchant Nation of Viasleto

Related Ethnicities

• Undabarii

Related Historical Events

• 57648
  Undabarii Opens it's Borders

The government of Undabarii takes a unique form compared to its neighbors. While it does have a king and a royal line, which is to be maintained under the government's current form, the king shares power, though there also isn't a official constitution stating such a balance of power or what it's facets would be.
Beneath the king is the five tribes who each control a portion of Undabarii's territory. They are technically separate political entities, but they often play the game of state due to the current king (and assumedly any future king that might have loyalties to a different tribe) being supported by his home tribe wholeheartedly. With each tribe striving with and against each other, a particular sort of equilibrium is seemingly maintained, politically.