Andarian Imperium

The borders of the Andarian Imperium, 500AS.

A map of Andaria.

Cultural Information: The Andari Imperium is composed primarily of Andarians, a distinguished sub-race of humans believed to have originated from the barbarians of Andaria intermingling with nearby Sea Elf settlements. The primary difference between Andarians and typical Humans is a natural affinity toward hydrokinesis, more commonly described as water manipulation or water magic. Additionally, Andarians are typically described to maintain much more 'elvish' features, that being a more slender frame and tipped ears.

Andarians have always naturally gravitated towards the coastlines; historically, fish has been a bountiful food source for the nation, and the presence of nearby Sea Elf outposts has allowed for the establishment of a blossoming trade network between the nations. As such, it can be said that it is almost viewed as a 'cultural tradition' to settle along coastlines and islands, and inland places (without a water connection) are viewed in a negative light by Andarians.

Religious Information: As mentioned above, intermingling with Sea Elves by ancient Andarians led to the creation of what can now be considered the modern Andarian race. As such, Andarian folklore and mythology typically exhibits themes relating to the sea and the ocean, as well as coasts and beaches. Andarians worship a small pantheon of Sea dieties, ranging from Cerac, the Kraken God, to Nyphala, the Mistress of the Sands. It is believed by Andarians that through dedication to the Gods, one might naturally develop innate hydrokinetic powers, though rare (if any) examples of this phenomenon do exist.

Economic Information: The Andari Imperium enjoys a relaxed trading relationship with nearby Sea Elf outposts, but has yet to maintain any formal economic relationships with any established Empires. Currently, Andaria deals heavily in maritime exports, including fish and pearls. The south of the country deals heavily in forestry, exporting large sums of lumber to the north to be used for construction or shipped out to the Sea Elves. A particular challenge for the Andari economy is a lack of strong metals - the island is dominated by grassland and forest landscapes, and as such, the inhabitants have struggled to find a reliable source of minerals.

Military Information: Although the standing military of the Andari Imperium is rather small, the nation boasts a large naval fleet supported by a limited capacity of hydrokinetic mages. Cities within the nation typically host an adequately trained citizen militia, with the formal military consisting primarily of several hundred Northern men-at-arms and a small contingency of Southern rangers.

Notable Characters:

* Maltus Vesiidian, Emperor of the Andari Imperium - Maltus Vesiidian is described by most as a withdrawn, gaunt figure who strays away from stately duties. Despite his lack of interest in maintaining the Empire, the Andari Council, a small group of advisors to the Emperor, maintains a strong grip on the country and keeps the country afloat.
* Victus Vesiidian, Prince of the Andari Imperium - Victus Vesiidian is prideful and arrogant, as many Princes tend to be; although he remains a strong and able military commander, Victus has yet to display any promise regarding his future as the Emperor of Andaria.
* Asvae Morellus, First Advisor to the Emperor - Asvae Morellus is the First Advisor and Right Hand of the Emperor. His duties primarily include maintaining the realm while the Emperor is busy with stately duties, though in recent years, his workload has been heavily strained due to ineptitude on part of the Emperor. As such, tensions are mounting between the Council and the Emperor, being stoked by the ever-expanding list of demands by the Emperor.

Strengths: Andarians have a natural affinity toward water magic and the sea, making them natural sailors. Most, if not all Andarians are born comfortable with the unsteady rocking of a ship, and many make their livings based on aquaculture and other maritime-related trades.

Weaknesses: The island of Andaria is barren in regards to precious metals, leaving the Andarian military in a barren state. Additionally, due to intermingling with the Sea Elves that natively inhabited the island, the Andarian race has, over time, slowly become more slender and weaker than the average human.