Vridium Empire
The Vridium Empire is the oldest and most traditional nation on Baephios, having been ruled by the Rigby bloodline since the earliest days of recorded history. Though its economy and resources have waned over the centuries, the Empire maintains a commanding presence thanks to its disciplined military, skilled spellcasters, and deeply ingrained sense of national pride. Its citizens take immense pride in belonging to the Empire, often flaunting their heritage and loyalty, even as the nation faces slow economic decline and natural threats.
The capital city, Balelridge, stands as a symbol of classical medieval strength and order. Divided into three districts, the impoverished Lower City, the bustling Working City, and the wealthy “Higher Ridge”, Balelridge thrives as a hub of military, political, and economic activity. Its streets are heavily patrolled by the Crown Guard, a force notorious for its ruthlessness in keeping order and stamping out crime. While the poor suffer frequent harassment, the wealthy enjoy protection and luxury, often turning a blind eye to the unrest below.
Despite its rigid traditions, the Vridium Empire remains a center of power on Baephios. Its mines in the north, sprawling fields, and skilled adventurers supply the nation with wealth and security, while its fearsome army, the best-trained on the continent, ensures its borders remain unbroken. Yet, the creeping curse of the Frozen Plains threatens to undermine the Empire’s prosperity, leaving whispers of desperation behind the Rigby family’s proud facade.
Structure
The Empire is ruled by King Jonathan Rigby VIII aided by Master Avradovious, supported by a council of sages, nobles, wealthy aristocrats, and influential guild leaders. While the King holds ultimate authority, much of the Empire’s domestic and economic policy is shaped by this council, whose competing interests often create political tension. The Rigby line, chosen centuries ago for its unmatched military strength, continues to legitimize its rule through martial might and centuries of tradition.
Regional governance is handled by appointed lords and officials, many of whom oversee key mining settlements, farmlands, or military installations. While Balelridge serves as the center of all decision-making, the northern city of Sul, a dwarven stronghold within the Empire, wields significant economic and cultural influence thanks to its mines and labor force.
Culture
Vridium’s culture is deeply steeped in traditional medieval values, with reverence for the crown and a fondness for classic displays of strength and festivity. Festivals are frequent, featuring jousts, games, and contests of skill, while feasts and processions celebrate the Rigby family as near-mythic figures. Citizens are expected to show respect for the monarchy and pride in their heritage, and those who fail to do so face scorn or worse from their peers and the ever-watchful Crown Guard.
Class divides are stark, with the wealthy elite in Higher Ridge living in comfort while the Lower City scrapes by in poverty. Many of the lower class dream of infiltrating Higher Ridge, whether through trade, theft, or cunning, despite the severe consequences of being caught. Despite this tension, Vridium citizens, rich or poor, share a common disdain for the lawless nation of Zochakha, uniting against what they see as chaos on their borders.
Public Agenda
The Vridium Empire seeks to preserve its status as the most orderly and militarily dominant force on Baephios, even as natural threats and dwindling resources challenge its legacy. The Rigby monarchy works tirelessly to maintain morale, bolster trade, and expand its influence through diplomacy and, when necessary, force.
Behind closed doors, the council and crown alike are scrambling to address the growing crisis in the Frozen Plains. The curse, which steadily encroaches upon their arable land and threatens to awaken the ancient red dragon Groagon the Reckless, poses a catastrophic threat. The Empire has quietly invested in research, divine intervention, and mercenary contracts to delay the inevitable, though most of its citizens remain ignorant of just how dire the situation has become.
Assets
- Vast mineral wealth from northern mines, including iron, copper, coal, and gold.
- The largest, most disciplined military force on Baephios.
- The Six Jewels to the Crown — elite adventurers pledged to protect the Rigby family.
- The fortified capital of Balelridge, a bastion of commerce and power.
- Rich agricultural plains (though threatened by the encroaching Frozen Plains).
History
The Vridium Empire’s roots trace back to the earliest settlers of Baephios, with Balelridge among the first permanent cities established on the continent. The Rigby family rose to prominence by uniting disparate factions through military might, earning public trust and eventually ascending as the continent’s most enduring dynasty. For centuries, the Empire has projected strength and stability, weathering wars and upheavals through sheer force and a rigid adherence to tradition.
In recent centuries, the curse of the Frozen Plains has cast a shadow over this legacy. The gradual freezing of the northern territories, a divine punishment believed to stem from atrocities committed by adventurers, threatens not only the Empire’s economy but its very survival. Should the land freeze completely, the catastrophic awakening of Groagon the Reckless could plunge the Empire into fire and ash, a cycle said to repeat endlessly. Despite countless efforts, the curse remains unbroken, leaving the Rigbys to cling to their power as their land turns colder with each passing year.
Demography and Population
Vridium’s population is primarily human, though it includes a significant dwarven presence in the north, especially in Sul. Smaller communities of halflings, half-elves, and gnomes inhabit rural areas and urban districts. The upper classes are overwhelmingly human, while dwarves and other races occupy key labor and military roles.
The Empire’s citizenry is fiercely loyal to the Rigby monarchy, with patriotism instilled from a young age. Even among the struggling lower classes, there is pride in the Empire’s heritage, though this pride is often paired with frustration at the rigid hierarchy and the privilege of the wealthy.
Territories
The Empire spans fertile plains, rugged northern mountains, and the cursed, ever-encroaching Frozen Plains. While its southern regions remain productive and temperate, the north is a harsh land of snow and shadow, where mining towns and military outposts cling to survival amidst growing supernatural threats. Balelridge, the fortified capital, stands at the heart of this land as a beacon of the Rigbys’ enduring strength.
Military
The Vridium Empire boasts the largest and most disciplined military on Baephios, with legions of well-trained infantry, cavalry, siege engineers, and battle mages. The Crown Guard, infamous for their brutal enforcement in Balelridge, serve as both the city’s protectors and enforcers of the monarchy’s will.
At the pinnacle of its martial power are the Six Jewels to the Crown, legendary adventurers sworn to defend the Rigby line. These heroes, a mix of mages and warriors, are known as both protectors and symbols of the Empire’s might, feared by enemies and revered by citizens.
Technological Level
The Vridium Empire leans heavily on traditional craftsmanship and magic, favoring tried-and-true methods over innovation. While it lacks the steampunk and arcane technologies of Hugo City or Vaera, its engineering and martial sciences remain highly advanced, particularly in siegecraft and metallurgy.
Foreign Relations
The Vridium Empire maintains formal alliances and trade with both the Vaera Kingdom and the Noclon Confederation, though these relationships are pragmatic rather than warm. While the Empire views itself as superior to both, it recognizes the importance of cooperation for economic and military reasons. Relations with Zochakha are openly hostile, with constant skirmishes along their shared borders.
Laws
- All citizens must swear fealty to the Rigby crown; refusal is punishable by exile or execution.
- Unauthorized travel into the Frozen Plains is forbidden due to the curse and its dangers.
- Theft or smuggling of precious metals is punishable by death.
- Public defamation of the Rigby family is considered treason.
- Adventurers must register with the crown to operate legally within the Empire.
Agriculture & Industry
Vridium’s economy is driven by its northern mines and sprawling agricultural fields. Coal, iron, copper, and gold form the backbone of its exports, while its fertile southern farmlands feed its population and neighboring nations. However, the freezing curse threatens to choke both industries, driving the Empire toward increased reliance on trade and taxation to maintain its wealth.
Trade & Transport
Trade flows primarily from Balelridge and Sul, with well-guarded roads and heavily patrolled routes ensuring safe passage for goods and travelers. Caravans and river barges carry minerals and crops across the continent, while alliances with neighboring nations keep the Empire supplied with luxuries and foreign technologies.
Education
Education in Vridium is heavily arranged. The wealthy send their children to prestigious academies in Balelridge, where they study governance, magic, and history, while the lower classes learn basic trades or are funneled directly into the military. Magic is practiced, but tightly regulated and reserved primarily for the elite.
Infrastructure
The Empire’s infrastructure is pragmatic, built to endure. Roads and bridges are heavily maintained, particularly those leading to mining towns and trade centers. Balelridge’s architecture is classically medieval, with fortified stone walls, towering keeps, and cobblestone streets. Northern settlements, by contrast, are functional and stark, with dwarven engineering ensuring their survival against the cold.
Mythology & Lore
The Monarchs of Baephios are an avid myth in all the nations of Baephios.
“Strength in Blood, Power in Legacy.”
Founding Date
Nearly as old as recorded history on Baephios; exact date unknown.
Capital
Alternative Names
The Crownlands, The Rigby Throne
Demonym
Vridian
Leader
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Crowned Republic
Economic System
Mixed economy
Major Exports
Coal, iron, copper, gold, and surplus agricultural produce.
Major Imports
Luxury goods, magical artifacts, industrial technologies, and foreign crops.
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