Vanadiel

The southwestern nation of the Interior quadrant. Vanadiel and Uradiel were once a unified kingdom known as Unidiel, but agents from Olimandias formally separated them after years of civil unrest.
If peasant rumors are to be believed, this was not done out of altruism. By splintering Unidiel into two nations, Olimandias removed the only kingdom large enough to challenge their authority.
Where Uradiel is highly religious, Vanadiel is largely populated by the free thinkers of the old kingdom. It is Verden's center of philosophy, arcane study, and scholarly pursuits. The capital city of Van'Duras is home to the largest and most accredited universities on the continent. There is a massive public library known as the Archive Iluminus.
The coast is known for its sunny climate and rugged beauty, while the inland region is home to sprawling farmland.

Structure

Vanadiel has given all educated citizens the right to vote on matters large and small. Voting occurs twice a year. A small council of elected representatives handles day-to-day governing. The ruler of Vanadiel is an elected Prime Minister, who serves for eight years and primarily focuses on foreign relations.

Culture

Vanadiel's culture is heavily focused on the arcane -- studying and developing new spells, theoretical application of existing magic, the manufacture of magical items, and otherwise pushing the boundaries of known magical arts. Most of the powerful wizards in Verden were trained here, with rivalry of talent only existing in the Chamber of Sages.
Because of this, the most powerful members of society tend to be experienced mages or scholars. A person who doesn't develop a specialty is often ignored by the public, causing young people to feel immense stress to pursue a respected career field. 
The local residents of Van'Duras are known for their frenetic work ethic and their disdain for relaxed leisure. They work hard, and they play hard. They don't enjoy going out for tea or making small talk. Rather, they will spend most of their week obsessed in their latest project and then engage in intense parties on their days off to "maximize" their break from the grind. 
People of Vanadiel are generally quite open and interested in other cultures, and are very civil with guests, but beyond this kind façade they tend to be a little standoffish about letting new people get close to them. If only because excessive socialization cuts into their personal time. They prefer that visitors stick to the more touristy side of their settlements. That's what they're here for anyway, yes?

Assets

In Vanadiel, you are most likely to find:

• Universities
• Arcane academies.
• Shops dedicated to spell scrolls and magical equipment.
• Master alchemists.
• Public libraries and archives.
• Beach houses, resorts, and timeshares.

Major Landmarks include:

• The Estuvaris Institute of Arcane Arts: the most prestigious arcane school in Verden
• The Archive Iluminus: The largest and most comprehensive library in Verden
• The Grand Palace of Vanadiel: Formerly the royal palace, it has since been reconfigured into the seat of parliament and holds open forum discussion on political matters. Locally nicknamed "the Platinum Palace."
• The Ring of Fire: A large coliseum for sporting events and combat entertainment, boasting elaborate pyrotechnics and fire-based effects to draw on the aesthetic of Death Mountain looming in the distance.

History

Before Independence

Van'Duras had been the capital of the Kingdom of Unidiel since its founding, and was thus considered the shining jewel of the old kingdom. During the war between Lazu and Diel, it was the best defended and best funded city in Verden other than Olimandias itself -- while Ur'Almen and eastern Unidiel were forced to endure the worst of the conflict. This power disparity fueled the civil tension that would eventually rip the kingdom apart.
After the war, the west had very little to do in terms of rebuilding and recovery. As such, the population was wealthier and better educated than their eastern counterparts. They enjoyed philosophy, arcane studies, and intellectual pursuits. They had a healthy (bordering on cynical) dose of skepticism in matters of uncontrolled faith. At least the mortal expression of faith. They were open to other cultures and world views.
This starkly contrasted with the east, which had become guarded, deeply dogmatic regarding religion, and overtly xenophobic. The two factions clashed heavily and were unable to reconcile. Debates turned into street violence and rioting. And rumor has it that the Olimandias Hegemony sent in Alleviators and other agents to encourage both factions to break completely -- knowing that with Unidiel gone, Olimandias would have no true rival left.

The Sundering of Unidiel

The last monarch of Unidiel, King Sovin III, was killed during a riot in Van'Duras, with many suspecting that the true killers were professional assassins rather than passionate commoners.
Led by Olimandias officials, The Kingdom of Unidiel was separated into two new nations -- Uradiel to the east, and Vanadiel to the west. Each would have their own governments. Neither would be required to directly engage with each other. Both would be subjected to the Hegemony's laws and influence.
There was a great shift in population as the former citizens of Unidiel migrated to the nation that best suited their world views, each family allowed safe passage and free relocation in accordance with the Hegemony's demands.

Early Years

Vanadiel easily found itself pulling in at least 65% of the former kingdom's population, causing Van'Duras and other settlements to rapidly expand. After years of mediocre feudal rule, the most powerful voices in Vanadiel championed switching to a democratic system of government. This had broad approval with the public and was quickly implemented.
Wizards, scholars, and other wealthy socialites soon betrayed the common people. As a government was being designed, they decided that the only citizens qualified to vote were those who had graduated from prestigious universities or academies. They insisted that Vanadiel needed to be a "professional" democracy, not one led by mob rule. Farmers should instead do what they do best: farm. There would be time to expand education opportunities later.
This has led to a rapid concentration of power, with most decisions being made by roughly half the population of Van'Duras.

Modern Vanadiel

Once preyed upon by Labyrinth raiders, Vanadiel finds itself growing peacefully and rapidly with the sudden cessation of their attacks. Despite initial promises, however, the wealthy elite have not made good on their promises to expand education to the general public, instead focusing on "legacy" students from existing educated families.
Vanadiel's rural population is fairly detached from goings on in Van'Duras, although they are all literate and receive a basic education from local schools -- a feat many other nations cannot boast. Many hope to send their children to a school in the city to increase their standing and rural students compete fiercely for limited open seats.
Van'Duras remains a popular tourist destination for those seeking to go on holiday, boasting white sandy beaches, resorts, and a pleasantly warm climate. Locals enjoy the boost in revenue, but have little time for frivolities. Because of this, locals tend to raise eyebrows if tourists wander into the more "scholarly" northern neighborhoods of the city, instead preferring that they stick to the tourist traps near the beach.
The city remains a major hub of immigration from other parts of Verden due to the beautiful landscape and dreams of higher living.

Demography and Population

Vanadiel is extremely diverse, with even Hylians having fairly equal representation among all species. Most of this diversity is concentrated in Van'Duras and other major settlements. Rural Vanadiel has a notable halfling population, complete with traditional earthen homes.

Military

Vanadiel has a very small military, as most of their funds are directed toward research and study. They maintain a small, permanent professional army that focuses on infantry combat and magical warfare. The academies put special focus on their War Magic wizards, Eldritch Knights, Rune Knights, and Arcane Tricksters. While also training natural born sorcerers to harness their innate gifts, however they manifest.
During times of war, Vanadiel relies on mass conscription to fill out their ranks, so the bulk of the army will be made up of hastily trained peasants with no magical gifts. These conscripted battalions will typically be led by a well-trained professional commander.

Foreign Relations

Vanadiel is deeply connected to Olimandias on all levels, and by extension it is allied to the other nations in the Hegemony. Most of the population is content with the Hegemony's influence over Verden. The sole exception is Uradiel, as many older families still hold a bitter grudge against their rivals to the east, but their legal separation has prevented further infighting. 
Vanadiel's relationship with the nation of Muldinach has been particularly strong, as both nations invest heavily in research and development. Muldinach has extended their Flash Rail system down into Vanadiel to rapidly trade goods directly between Van'Duras and their capital of Dornimen. 
Otherwise, Vanadiel tends to remain fairly quiet in terms of continental politics -- though they hold a minor grudge against the Chamber of Sages for "stealing" (recruiting) some of their greatest casters.

Founding Date

610 PC

Type

Geopolitical, Republic

Predecessor Organization

• The Kingdom of Unidiel

Demonym

Vandelian

Government System

Democracy, Direct

Economic System

Market economy

Legislative Body

Vanadiel Parliament (Van'Duras)

Judicial Body

The National Court

Executive Body

Prime Minister. Current: Nolan Thornhollow.

Neighboring Nations

• Muldinach
• Olimandias
• The Labyrinth
• Uradiel