The Kingdom of Vaelorn

The largest human kingdom on the island of Vaelorn; the Kingdom of Vaelorn has been a powerful force, both politically and economically, for over four centuries. Though still nowhere near as technologically advanced as the Aei'kar or the Crownless, they nevertheless command a massive army; the Red Hand and they are far larger than any other nation might muster against them. Because of this, Vaelorn has become accustomed to using strong arm diplomacy, a policy that has left them with few friends in and off the island.

History
Though the first human travellers arrived in Vaelorn back in 282, the Kingdom that we are now familiar with did not truly begin for centuries afterward. In those years preceding the founding of the Kingdom in 612, the island was controlled by various noble families and barbarian clans. After the establishment of the Kingdom by Tarius Nimaruun, there was a rapid consolidation of the remaining noble lands into the kingdom proper. With the exception of the Crownless Secession, Vaelorn has remained in the same political state since its founding.

Politics
Ever since its establishment in 612 under the noble house of Nimaruun, Vaelorn has been a staunch, absolute and incredibly stable monarchy. Asides from a single secessionist civil war in the last century, the kingdom has found itself free of any major conflicts or other schismatic events to it's political system. Because of this, the nobles are mired in apathy and it's king, currently a boy of eight, is unable to excite the passions of the populace in the same way his predecessors managed. Ruled now by Stevran Athrikor, Lord Regent, Vaelorn has entered into a more peaceful and diplomatic era in regards to its foreign policy. Though still self-assured and childishly willful, Athrikor has managed to mediate several conflicts on the other islands as well as increasing Vaerlornian presence in the world-renowned Academ Vindicarii.

Culture
Vaelorn has, or rather had, a very warrior minded society for much of its history. However, given the opulence and high standard of living that has become normative in the last few centuries, this has changed rapidly. Now, art and hedonistic enjoyment have taken precedence over the martial culture of Vaelorn that was. Plays, paintings and even orgies are not uncommon among the richer inhabitants of the Kingdom, though the monarchy has made it a point to condemn pleasure cults, there is little that they can actually do to stem the flow of it. From this decadence has emerged many famous painters and playwrights, however, some of whom have railed against the lavishness and irresponsibility of their contemporaries.