Nordival

**Nordival** is a nation surrounded by a great empire that has lived to conquer or perish if they do not. Nordival, is run through kratocracy that rules via strength and power, showing disdain for nobility, but truly guarantees that their enemies, particularly those who threaten to kill them all, are terrified.

But one thing made them notable in the history of war: The eternal rivalry they share with Valenthia.

## Overview

Nordival is a formidable empire with a terrifying reputation. It appears ruthless, expansionist, and dangerous to those outside its boundaries, yet those who look past its warlike veneer perceive an extraordinarily inclusive society where the strengths and talents of its people are valued and fostered. Another interesting truth is that, following their unsuccessful onslaught in Losteria, the Nordics have been known to repay their war crimes. This even proves that they are better than the Valenthians, because despite Valenthians respecting honour and having a proud military heritage, their prejudice towards mages and loathing for magic after the Demon Wars has divided their kingdom into shambles. This is also another reason why the Iceborns found them as a valuable ally rather than the Valenthians.

The Nordics were once fierce barbarian tribes, until they stormed the ancient city that now lies at the heart of their domain. Under threat from all sides, they aggressively took the fight to their enemies, pushing their borders outward with each passing year. This struggle for survival has made modern Nordics a deeply proud people who value strength above all—though that strength can manifest in many different forms.

Anyone can rise to a position of power and respect within Nordival if they display the necessary aptitude, regardless of social standing, background, homeland, or wealth. Those who are able to wield magic are held in particularly high esteem, and are actively sought out in order that their special talents may be honed and best harnessed for the benefit of the empire.

But in spite of this meritocratic ideal, the old noble houses still wield considerable power… and some fear that the greatest threat to Nordival comes not from its enemies, but from within.

## Locations

The Empire of Nordival (commonly referred to as Nordival itself) is a massive expansionist culture, constantly moving its borders further outward and currently sits as the biggest empire in Ceyraholt.

* **Norduhk**: The main capital of Nordival, sometimes simply referred as Nordu. It houses their government and the ever-expanding military might they possess. Home to various heroes, villains and vicious assassins.

* **Basilisch**: Located on the eastern coast of Valoran is the port city Basilich, which was integrated into the Nordival Empire 32 years ago after the city's elders submitted to Captain Zacharias and his army. Nowadays Basilisch has been among a few cities that have attempted to rebel from the hold of Nordival. Most recently when the city's steward Zafina Rolfe lost her faith in the Empire and sparked a revolution for independence. For acts of defiance, the city was besieged personally by the *Hand of Nordival* - Darius, who was also raised on the streets of Basilisch as an orphan. The ongoing rebellion ended after the steward was murdered and replaced by Zafina's second-in-command and daughter, Elspeth Rolfe. The city is well known for its paintings made out of cobwebs.

* **Javelinne**: A notable city in Nordival characterised by its militarised zones.

* **Dreyfuss**: One of the notable forests in Nordival, characterised for its peculiar terrain and various mountain ranges. It is an outback of Nordival due to its sparsely populated areas and a lack of urbanisation that allowed it to maintain its striking appearance.

* **Blackrock Mere**: A forest in Nordival characterised for its large presence of stone that forms the basis of their mountains with lesser foliage covering the tops, and features bodies of water such as Spearhead Lake. According to Darius, this is the place where he and Zafina would spend time together when they were young.

* **Scorched Sands**: A desert landmark of Nordival. It is commonly known to be inhabited by miners due to presence of various metal ores.

## Trivia

### General

* Nordival once started out as having tribes that conquered an ancient city that soon became the centre of their powerful nation that formed the empire.
* Contrary to popular consensus, Nordival has 61.3% lesser war crimes and evil misdeeds compared to Evalka and 26.1% less than Valenthia.
* Nordival has three principles of Strength. Might, Guile and Vision.
* Nordival chose to lose the war against Losteria to compensate for their terror that they have spread among them. Unexpectedly, the Losterians accepted their compensations.
* Tons of attractive, but highly deadly women.
* Medarda is the daughter of Magnus, the current Grand General of the entire nation.
* Craig Taggart is an outsider, but is treated as a Nordic due to his characteristic brute strength and aggression.
* Another word for their citizen is Nordivian. This is mostly used inside the country, and not commonly heard outside of their borders.