Vandoria

Introduction

Vandoria is a picturesque city nestled in the northern borders of the Keraian Empire, near the elven kingdom of Zolirak. With a permanent population of 8,000 people, Vandoria exudes an air of refinement and exclusivity. The city is known for its high cost of living, catering to the empire’s elite, including some of the most prominent nobles. The elegant architecture, with its grand facades and stately buildings, reflects the city's wealth and importance.

Vandoria is a hub of diplomacy and culture. Numerous embassies line its pristine streets, serving as the center of international relations between the empire and neighboring realms, particularly the elven kingdom. The city is also famous for its opulent ballrooms and grand halls, where lavish events and gatherings of the aristocracy are frequent. The social life of Vandoria is vibrant, with a constant calendar of balls, concerts, and formal gatherings that highlight the city’s cultural sophistication.

Ivory Lances Crest

Despite its peaceful appearance, Vandoria is well-defended. The city maintains its own military force, known as the Ivory Lances, an elite unit renowned for their discipline and skill, tasked with ensuring the safety of its noble inhabitants and safeguarding the city’s strategic position near Zolirak. Governance in Vandoria is handled by a diplomatic council of nobles, each appointed by the empire. This council, composed of seasoned statesmen and influential figures, manages the city's affairs with a focus on maintaining its status as a bastion of wealth, culture, and diplomacy within the empire.

Vandoria’s blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and political significance makes it a jewel of the empire's northern frontier, where the elegance of high society meets the serious business of international diplomacy.

Goverment

Vandoria’s government is a diplomatic oligarchy, ruled by a council of nobles selected from the most prestigious houses of the Keraian Empire. This council, composed of influential aristocrats, governs the city with a focus on diplomacy, international relations, and the preservation of Vandoria’s status as a hub of high society and political maneuvering.

At the head of this council is the Grand Diplomat, the most powerful and influential figure in Vandoria’s governance. The Grand Diplomat is not only the foremost leader of the city but also a key player in the broader political landscape of the empire. This position is currently held by Aloria Rosecliff, a woman in her mid-40s with deep ties to the imperial family, as she is a cousin of the reigning Empress. Aloria’s influence extends far beyond Vandoria’s borders, making her a pivotal figure in the empire’s diplomatic efforts.

Under her leadership, Vandoria's council is focused on maintaining the city's role as a center of noble power and diplomatic activity. Decisions are made with careful consideration of both domestic and international implications, ensuring that Vandoria remains a beacon of stability and elegance within the empire. The council's governance is characterized by a blend of tradition, aristocratic privilege, and strategic foresight, reflecting the city's unique position at the crossroads of empire and diplomacy.

"The art of diplomacy is not about speaking. It is about knowing when to remain silent."

— Aloria Rosecliff, Grand Diplomat of Vandoria

General Information

Alignment
Neutral
Caster Level
12
Religion
Mainly Lilyore
Language
Various, mostly Common
Wealth
20,000gp
Allowance
5,000gp
Demographics
Humans 80%, Elves 15%, Dwarves 3%, Other Races 2%

Founding Date

179 ADA

Type

Town

Population

8,000

Included Locations

• Oakwood

Aloria Rosecliff

City Layout

1. The Ambassador's Quarter

The Ambassadors’ Quarter is the beating heart of Vandoria's diplomatic efforts, where the city hosts foreign dignitaries, emissaries, and envoys. The district's architecture reflects its purpose, with stately buildings draped in banners bearing the heraldry of allied realms, including the striking sigil of Zolirak Kingdom. Pristine cobblestone streets lead to the Plaza of Concord, a serene square dominated by the majestic statue of Lilyore, the goddess of grace and diplomacy. Surrounded by meticulously arranged fountains and manicured gardens, the plaza serves as a neutral ground for international meetings and celebrations. Quiet courtyards and secluded alcoves within embassies allow for private discussions, ensuring that the quarter hums with the constant activity of negotiation and alliance-building.

The Ambassadors’ Quarter is not just a place of formal dealings but also a venue for cultural exchange. Visiting delegations frequently host exhibitions and performances in their embassies, showcasing the art, music, and traditions of their homelands. Lantern-lit evening gatherings are common in the quarter’s gardened walkways, where treaties are forged over wine and whispered promises.

2. Vandoria Heights

Perched on the gently sloping hills of the town, Vandoria Heights is a district of unmatched splendor, home to the city’s wealthiest and most influential aristocrats. The terraced layout ensures that every manor enjoys sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, from the emerald forests of Zolirak to the golden fields of the empire's heartland. The grand estates feature intricate facades of carved marble, sprawling private gardens, and ornate fountains. At the center of this district is Cliffrose Hall, an opulent venue for the most exclusive gatherings, from noble councils to masked balls. Guarded streets lined with flowering trees add to the district's aura of elegance and security.

Life in Vandoria Heights revolves around social prestige and refinement. The district is alive with activity, from the gentle melodies of string quartets playing in private gardens to the chatter of high-society gatherings in gilded salons. For the residents of Vandoria Heights, every interaction, every evening affair, and every word exchanged carries weight, as their influence shapes the destiny of the empire.

3. Gilded Promenade

The Gilded Promenade is the soul of Vandoria's cultural and artistic life, where the city’s finest craftsmen, performers, and merchants gather to showcase their talents. The district’s streets are a sensory feast, alive with vibrant colors, melodies, and the scent of exotic perfumes and freshly baked delicacies. Artisan workshops line the Promenade, their wares displayed in elaborate window fronts, from intricate jewelry and fine silks to enchanted trinkets and masterpieces of sculpture.


Central to the district is Harmonia Plaza, a sprawling open space designed for grand concerts, festivals, and public celebrations. By day, it serves as a bustling market; by night, it transforms into a stage illuminated by lanterns, where bards and dancers captivate audiences.

The Crystal Ballroom, an elegant structure with shimmering stained-glass windows, is a prominent venue in the Gilded Promenade. Here, nobles and distinguished guests attend lavish galas, while local artists gain recognition by performing for the city’s elite. The district is also a gathering point for Vandoria’s common citizens during city-wide festivities, creating a rare mingling of classes through the shared love of beauty and celebration.

4. The Ivory Bastion

   The Ivory Bastion stands as a beacon of discipline and authority in Vandoria, housing the elite Ivory Lances and serving as the administrative core of the city. The district is dominated by the towering Citadel of Accord, a fortified structure where the city’s ruling council convenes under the leadership of the Grand Diplomat. Surrounding the Citadel are training grounds for the Ivory Lances, where soldiers drill tirelessly to uphold the security of Vandoria and its noble inhabitants. The gleaming white walls of the armory and barracks symbolize the unwavering vigilance and purity of purpose that define the city’s defenders.

   
   Despite its militaristic focus, the Ivory Bastion exudes an air of calm professionalism rather than intimidation. The district is meticulously organized, with broad avenues lined by administrative offices, logistical depots, and strategic watchtowers. The Obelisk of Resolve, a tall white monument, stands at the district’s entrance, engraved with the names of fallen heroes who safeguarded Vandoria through the ages. Citizens and visitors alike feel reassured by the order and strength emanating from the Ivory Bastion, knowing it is a cornerstone of the city's stability and prestige.