Vaankia

Vaanika is an incredibly unique region compared to the other regions in Prayden. Vaanika holds little sway with the other regions and is largely independent. This is in no part due to the raids Vaanika does, either towards each other or foreign cities. Vaanika is ruled by a series of Jarls and a High King.

Vaanika is the farthest nation away from the large font of magical energy, as such they have the least amount of adventurers from there. However, Vaanika is also the only nation that has an adventurer in a position of power.

Vaanika values strength above all else. This is not just focused on physical strength however, charismatic and mental strength are just as valued. Honor is not a real concept in Vaanika, trickery and deception are valid strategies when it comes to defeating your enemies. As such, Vaanikans have an incredibly high opinion of adventurers. To them, adventurers embody every trait they exalt.

Government
Vaanika is led by High King Harald. Controversially, Harald is an adventurer. Which by academy law he is forbidden to be in his current position. This puts the academy in a precarious situation in dealing with Vaanika. Currently, the academy is ignoring this breach in academy law and putting stronger measures in place to keep other adventures out of positions of power.

Harald's rise to power was a quick and efficient one. Being well liked for his adventurer status and his charisma, he quickly obtained the support of many Vaanikans and their clans. This led to a quick coup of the High King which Harald slew in a single blow. This clear demonstration of power immediately granted him the respect of the people and the title of High King.

Outsider Clans
Due to Vaankia's... unique outlook on life many mistreated or displaced (be it governmental or just by monsters) groups flee to Vaanika in search of freedom. Freedom which Vaanika will happily give, if one can prove themselves worthy of it. Groups of outsiders will commonly be harassed by native Vaanikans. This usually leads towards native Vaanika's clans absorbing this outsider group into forced labor. However, sometimes the outsiders are so impressive in fighting back against these attempts that they are left alone and treated as a clan.

Diplomacy
Vaanika is in a tense political relationship with its neighbor The Holy Dresvin Empire. This is made worse by Vaanikan clans occasional raids on Dresvin towns and villages. There isn't much Dresvin can do to fully stop Vaanika, they can only strengthen their defenses and hope the people are prepared for a possible raid. There are 2 reasons for this.

War with Vaanika is a horrible idea
Declaring a war on Vaanika is basically economic suicide for a nation. Vaanika views any declaration of war as a direct challenge towards their strength. As such ALL of Vaanika would band together to swing back at whoever challenged them. For Dresvin, while they have the number advantage, Vaanika has much more determination and will to fight. Rather than an average soldier fighting for a paycheck or patriotism.

Vulgaria would use it as an opportunity
If Dresvin focused their military on Vaanika, Vulgaria would have the opportunity to invade and retake their old land. This goes for Dresvin redistributing troops to the border of Vaanika or all out war on Vaanika.