The Verda Empire

Capital City: Imperium
Population: Approx. 30,000,000
Religion: The Fayth
Ruler: Erzherzog Phillip Waldner II
Demonyms: Verdan, Verdese (if from Bevany)
Emblem: A crowned white stoat on an emerald field with a gold chevron 

Pronounced: The Ver-dah Empire

The worst of ambitious colonialism and religious fanatacism. The Verda Empire is one of the great powerhouses of Aynca. Only a century ago, the Empire reached as far as the shores of Bevany all across Calcera and well into Tarquinia. As time went on and independence vied for, it has gradually changed borders; grown and shrunk. It is currently at its smallest, but still remains the seat of power in Aynca. 

Verdan culture seeps into the other nations, even moreso on the borders where some still consider themselves to be Verdan from past occupation. It has created interesting pockets of microcultures, blending the current sovereign's culture with the old remnants of the Empire. 

The Empire's power comes from its staunch theocracy and spiritual capital of The Fayth. The ruler of the Empire is the Erzherzog, or Archduke, who rules both over the state and the church as a divine figurehead chosen by God. The current Erzherzog is Phillip Waldner II, who has reigned for forty years and is generally recognised as a benevolent leader.

Verda currently present themselves as a place of peace, wishing to establish positive relationships with their neighbours. Those neighbours are not so convinced. 

The Verdan Flag

The white Stoat is synonymous with both The Verda Empire and The Fayth, where it was the cunning tenacity of a stoat that allowed God to cast out the Devil into the demonic plane. The crowned stoat is rampant, defining its Godly right of rule and power over Evil. 

The stoat sits upon a field of emerald green and a chevron of gold. The gold chevron denotes the Empire, and each state will have it as the field to its coat of arms. Even in the past, where nations such as Bevany and Calcera have been part of the Empire, the chevron was included in their flags. Some border towns and cities still may display those chevrons, even though the Verdans are long gone.

Recent History

Dissolution of the Empire (1652-1746)

In 1652 Ursal and Tarquinia sought the opportunity of opening a trade route between the nations. At this time, Tarquinia was one of Verda's states under the Erzerzhog's rule. They wanted to refuse this trade route, not wishing for Ursan competition to flood the market. However, even in its grand state of Empire, Ursal was still an impenetrable neighbour whom they did not want to make an enemy of. Thus, the trade route was permitted.

To Calcerca, also a part of the Empire at this stage, this was an act of weakness. They had been desperate to open trade negotiations with Galouis for some years, with each attempt squashed by Verda. To have Verda bend so eagerly to Ursal was Calcera's sign that it was the beginning of the end, and border skirmishes between Verda and Calcera became a sudden and vicious pox on the Empire. 

Bevany, always a contentious a member of the Empire, saw the opportunity to strike. Suddenly, Verda was surrounded by unhappy neighbours. This triggered a lengthy political process, framed as a gesture of good will and disguised as an era of peace, which led to the independence of Bevany and Calcera in 1653. Tarquinia did not gain it's independence until 1746. 

Notable Places

Imperium

The capital of the Verda Empire. Imperium is a city-state and religious epicentre for The Fayth, pilgrims from across the continent and beyond travel to visit Imperium and absorb the vast history and culture of their religion. Exuding wealth and power, Imperium is made almost entirely of high quality polished white marble. 

Due to the state being a singular city, it calls for tithes from the other Verdan states. These tithes are usually Argents, material goods and food imports required to keep the city running day to day. It is often an unspoken competition between states to provide the most for the Imperium, and comparing yearly yield is a topic of political intrigue.

Dolchzahnfurt

A historic state on the north-eastern shore of Verda, Dolchzahnfurt is where the Jaegers first originated. Ruled over by the Duchy of von Wieseburg, the state is primarily an agricultural environment with sweeping hills and grassy meadows, coupled with mild weather year round, it makes it an ideal place for crop farming and cattle rearing. 

The Jaegerhaus in Dolchzahnfurt operates out of Castle Wieseburg, alongside the Duchy themselves. This has been the case since the inception of the Jaegers, and its close relationship with the Duchy. There is a more practical purpose to keeping the two in the same castle, one for protection of the Duchy, but also due to the transport links of the main road that leads to Imperium and the other state capitals, and the deep water river which allows for international sailing. Deployment of Jaegers from Dolchzahnfurt is often swift and decisive thanks to their mobility.

Achatwald 

A medium sized state that lies to the farthest north-west of Verda. It is a long, narrow state that weaves down from the coast along the mountains and into the marshes. The state is renowned for its jewel tree forests, which in the autumn turn all colours of precious stones. 

Hartfelde 

The state that separates the northern states from the southern, and borders them all. Hartfelde was the starting point of the Verda Empire, and until the founding of Imperium was the seat of power too. Nowadays, Hartfelde still holds the most political power, being the largest state within the Empire. 

Valoreille 

A medium sized state that sits to the west of Imperium with its back to the Verdant mountains. It is heralded as a centre of the arts, producing many famous performers, artists and musicians. The state's placement along the Grand Marin river makes it an ideal place to tour from one populace to the next, as well as a strong trading route through Imperium to Chorault. 

Chorault 

A large state east of Imperium that stretches down to the Tarquinian border. It is home to the largest and densest forests in the Empire, and some of the most dangerous monsters. In more populated areas, Chorault boasts beautiful towns and cities. It is where the Verda Empire's largest university can be found, named for the city it calls home; Vienville. 

Towns and Villages

A selection of known towns and villages throughout Verda:

• Ansehen - A small town famed for its open air amphitheatre, cut into the mountainside. The theatre's backdrop is the stunning view across Verda.

• Candlemarsh - A mysterious and dangerous town in the marshlands deep in the southern reaches of Achatwald, famed for its abundance in Crystal.

• Maullac - Once a large and thriving hub of commerce on the old road between Hartfelde and Chorault. These days, it is struggling for survival. 

• Heilendorf - A peaceful and picturesque village housing the famous Heilendorf sanatorium. 

• Falkenhurst - The favoured hunting ground of the Erzherzog and the upper echelons of society. Thanks to this, the town itself is one of the wealthiest in Aynca. 

• Hirenschild - It was once a fortified town that was overlooked by a rudimentary stone keep. However, over the years fell to disrepair as people moved away to better defended areas. These days it is home to a modest fishing village.

• Ziegenfeld - A humble settlement in the mountains, specialising in the rearing of goats.

• Teutsilbe - This small village houses a prolific silver mine, famed for its purity.