Vadan
A network of swampy bayous and steamy marshlands, Vadan recently seceded from its southern neighbor, Unjaarn. Although they share a culture and belief system, the Vadanians differ strongly from the Unjaarni in their approach to governance. While Unjaarn is a rigid caste system, Vadan runs on an aggressively capitalist government. Many folk from Vadan would prefer to live in Unjaarn, and vice versa, but the border between the two nations is a dangerous and often violent region.
Academic.
Vadan’s capital has a large university, but very few scholars reside in it year-round, which makes it difficult for the university to grow.
Mercantile and Trade.
Vadan exports food, spices of many varieties, and clay to neighboring nations. They also mine the Great Chasm to their north and export gems and rare metals. Vadan is locked in a trade war with Unjaarn, trying to lock down trade partnerships with other nations and block Unjaarn from doing so.
Militant.
The Vadanian military is tremendously patriotic but poorly trained. Having recently secured independence from Unjaarn, the Vadanian military now struggles to bring discipline and structure to its ranks. In skirmishes with Unjaarni, the Vadanians usually win in battles that transpire in thick underbrush but lose if the battle takes place on an open lake or plain.
Political and Social.
Vadan has a very free-market approach to governance. Those who seize on risky opportunities might flourish or might end up being left out to dry. There is no social safety net other than the generosity of neighbors, and many would rather ensure that they get ahead instead of spending time offering charity and risking getting dragged down themselves. Because of Vadan’s highly stressful and volatile system, some Vadanians emigrate to Unjaarn, where the rigid caste system provides stability.
Religious.
Vadanians largely share the same religious beliefs as the Unjaarni. There are many hundreds of gods, and individual communities may pay special homage to specific deities. As in Unjaarn, three specific gods from the Shibmar Conclave of the Archfae hold special prominence: Tamat, Khailain, and Immort.
Underworld.
Many independent smugglers help transport people south into Unjaarn when they wish. Some of the most successful smugglers know which Unjaarni officials can be bribed to help secure a higher caste for the immigrant.
Vadan
The capital of Vadan, by the same name, was the third- largest city in Unjaarn before the secession. While most of the citizens of the capital strongly prefer Vadan’s system of governance to Unjaarn’s, there are clear signs of poverty in Vadan’s mucky alleyways, shantytowns, and glamorous fenced-off neighborhoods.
The capital is home of Vadan’s only university, which is also where the governmental buildings are located. Vadan is run by a parliament of the fifteen wealthiest citizens of the country. This is reassessed every half-year, which in theory would allow for a quickly rotating door of legislators. In practice, a couple dozen wealthy elites spend most of their time running their businesses or passing legislation that benefit their business or hurt their rivals, ensuring that they remain in the legislative shortlist.
Points of Interest
Swamplands of the Great Chasm. See Buyleist for more information.
Quest Ideas
• Some impoverished and embittered citizens want to start a revolution against the parliament and ask the heroes to lead them.
• A smuggler needs the heroes to bribe an administrator in Unjaarn to help get some Vadanian immigrants into the southern country.
• A beloved member of the community has gone missing in the deep bayou. Their friends hope that the heroes can find them.
• Rumor has it that the parliament plans on passing legislation that will make Vadan a monarchy. Rival merchants ask the heroes to prevent this at any cost.