Rupendu

Rupendu is one of the geopolitical superpowers of the continent of Tikaj. It began as the much smaller kingdom of Rupen, which is located in the south of what is now Rupendu, and also encompassed the regions of Pinmeng, I-Xong, and the Abyss of Rupen, all now conflict territories of the Keizon Empire. Rupendu and the Empire have been at war over these territories for three centuries.   Located in the northeast of mainland Tikaj, Rupendu is bordered by the Empire to the south, and the other mainland superpower Caistria to the west. Rupendu and Caistria have made occasionally uneasy allies in resistance to the growing dominance of the Empire on the continent. North of Rupendu across the sea lies the East United Islands of Grad (controlled by Sorgrad the largest island on the continent, made up of Sorgrad and several independent states; and the islands of East Shynok, part of mainland Shynok (located south of Caistria).   Rupendu is a large, diverse country. Its humble origins as a small, poor nation struggling for survival in the harsh climate overturned when the land was discovered to be rich in gold deposits. Rupen’s borders expanded and swallowed up many small kingdoms as it grew in wealth and power, and became Rupendu. In the country’s official language, the suffix added to the name referred to its golden wealth.   Pinmeng, I-Xong and the Abyss of Rupen had always been regions of Rupen which were geographically and culturally isolated, although they had been officially part of the kingdom for a thousand years in symbiotic relationship with the rest. As Rupendu grew, however, the citizens saw an opportunity to negotiate for independence. Five hundred years ago, Rupendu relinquished the regions, allowing them to become independent states with mutually beneficial trade agreements. Two centuries later, Keizorna invaded those states, and Rupendu began fighting to protect the tiny countries. Today, they are some of poorest and most dangerous places on the continent.