Veden Empire

Lore & Background

Despite their shared heritage and magical capabilities, the Veden Empire and Hallandren view each other as existential threats. The war between them is not merely territorial but deeply ideological, fueled by generations of propaganda that dehumanizes the opposing side. Both nations utilize soldiers infused with Breath to fight, leading to battles where magic is commonplace on the battlefield rather than a rare occurrence. Religiously, both sides worship the same pantheon of Returned Gods, yet they interpret their duties differently. The Veden leadership often emphasizes strength and conquest as divine mandates, whereas Hallandren focuses more on tradition and courtly power. This divergence keeps the peace impossible to maintain for long periods, as each side believes they are acting with divine favor. The conflict is further complicated by hidden forces manipulating events from behind the scenes. While common soldiers fight for glory or survival, higher powers view the war as a means to an end regarding the preservation of Investiture on Nalthis.

In Their Own Story

Dust coated the boots of General Kaelen as he surveyed the borderlands from the ridge. Below him, the Veden legions marched in perfect unison, their armor gleaming under the harsh sun. He could feel the hum of BioChromatic Breath vibrating through the ground, a tangible weight carried by every soldier. Across the valley, smoke rose where Hallandren scouts had been spotted hours ago. Kaelen gripped his sword hilt, knowing that tomorrow, the colors of their magic would clash in a storm of light and death.

Reader's Guide

The Veden Empire operates under a rigid autocratic hierarchy centered on the Emperor, who holds absolute authority over military and civil affairs. Below him, high-ranking generals manage regional legions, ensuring loyalty through strict discipline and shared religious devotion to the Returned Gods. The primary goal of the state is the preservation of its sovereignty against the Kingdom of Hallandren, with whom they share a centuries-long blood feud. Internal conflict often arises from resource scarcity caused by the endless war. While the public believes in national glory, political factions within the court sometimes manipulate military campaigns for personal gain or to influence succession. This tension creates a volatile environment where assassination and espionage are common tools used against both external enemies and internal rivals. Soldiers are trained extensively in the use of BioChromatic Breath, making every infantryman a potential magical combatant on the battlefield. The leadership structure prioritizes military might above all else, with generals often holding more sway than civilian administrators during times of conflict. This militarization ensures rapid mobilization but strains the economy and populace over time.

Did You Know?

• Veden soldiers utilize BioChromatic Breath just like their Hallandren enemies despite the war.
• The conflict between Veden and Hallandren has lasted for centuries, predating most living characters in the book.
• A legendary figure known as Vasher was once a high-ranking general involved in this specific conflict before becoming Returned.
• Both nations worship the same pantheon of Returned Gods despite their political enmity.