Vector

The Empire of Vector occupies the southernmost region of the Pactlands, its territory encompassing a diverse landscape of dense jungles, expansive savannahs, and sprawling wetlands. Vector's borders are defined by natural barriers: the rugged Serpentspine Mountains to the north and the winding Gilded Vein River to the northeast, which separates it from the Disputed Lands, where Vector is actively expanding its control. To the south lies the Shimmering Coast, a series of fertile deltas and sandy shores along the Azure Sea. To the west, the land transitions into the the Republic of Rasza. This strategic position makes Vector a resource-rich but highly contested empire, balancing agricultural abundance with military necessity.

Geography

Vector's terrain is a mix of fertile lowlands, rocky plateaus, and tropical rainforests. Its heartland, the Jade Basin, is a lush region fed by tributaries of the Snakestongue River, making it ideal for agriculture. The western edge is dominated by the Savage Marches, a dry savannah broken by rocky outcrops and scattered thickets. The Emerald Canopy, a vast jungle that forms the empire’s southeastern frontier, is home to ancient ruins and serves as a natural defense against intrusions. Along the coast, the Verdant Deltas provide prime agricultural land but are prone to flooding during monsoon seasons.

Ecosystem

Vector boasts a vibrant and varied ecosystem shaped by its diverse biomes. The Jade Basin supports aquatic and terrestrial life, from river fish to migratory birds. The Emerald Canopy is a biodiversity hotspot, with towering trees, rare orchids, and predators like jungle cats and venomous serpents. In contrast, the Savage Marches support hardy grasses and drought-resistant plants, with grazers such as antelope and herds of domesticated beasts used for labor. Wetland areas near the Verdant Deltas teem with amphibians, waterfowl, and a vast array of insect life, forming the foundation of local food chains.

Ecosystem Cycles

Vector's ecosystems are highly influenced by a tropical climate that alternates between wet and dry seasons.

Wet Season: Heavy rainfall during the monsoon months replenishes rivers, swells marshlands, and triggers lush growth in the Jade Basin and Emerald Canopy. This period sees migratory species arriving in droves, while aquatic life thrives in flooded lowlands.

Dry Season: Rivers recede, and savannahs turn golden as plant life conserves water. Wildlife migrates to permanent water sources, leading to fierce competition among predators. The dry season is also the primary harvest period for crops like rice and millet in the Jade Basin.

These cycles create a delicate balance that sustains Vector’s agriculture and wildlife.

Localized Phenomena

The Glassing Winds: Hot, dry gusts that blow across the Savage Marches, scouring the earth and polishing exposed stones until they gleam.

The River of Shadows: A tributary of the Gilded Vein, this river reflects an eerie, black hue due to volcanic minerals upstream. Locals avoid it, believing it cursed.

The Blooming Abyss: A sinkhole in the Emerald Canopy that seasonally erupts with rare, bioluminescent fungi, creating a glowing spectacle visible for miles.

The Verdant Tides: Seasonal flooding in the Verdant Deltas brings nutrients to farmlands but also displaces wildlife, forcing them into nearby villages.

Climate

The Empire of Vector has a tropical climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. The wet season brings torrential rain from spring through mid-summer, swelling rivers and flooding low-lying areas like the Verdant Deltas. During the dry season, temperatures rise, and savannah regions experience arid conditions. Coastal areas benefit from sea breezes, keeping them cooler than the inland territories. In the highlands near the Serpentspine Mountains, temperatures drop at night, creating a cooler microclimate.

Fauna & Flora

Vector’s biodiversity is as vast as its landscapes.

Flora: Giant kapok trees dominate the Emerald Canopy, alongside medicinal herbs, colorful orchids, and thorny scrub bushes in the Savannah. Rice, yams, and sugarcane thrive in cultivated fields near the Verdant Deltas.

Fauna: Notable wildlife includes razorback lizards, prized for their durable hides, and jungle striders, relatives of the brightstrider, but prized more for labour than swiftness. Predators include shade panthers in the jungle and golden jackals on the savannah. Swamps are home to venomous amphibians and massive river serpents.

Natural Resources

Vector is rich in natural resources, which bolster its economy and military power:
Minerals: Iron and gold are mined in the foothills of the Serpentspine Mountains, while jade deposits in the Jade Basin are highly prized.

Timber: The Emerald Canopy provides hardwoods for construction and trade.

Agriculture: Rice, sugarcane, and tropical fruits are staples, with rice paddies dominating the Verdant Deltas.

Wildlife Products: The jungles supply exotic animal pelts, feathers, and medicinal extracts.

Water: Rivers and wetlands are essential for irrigation and transportation.

History

The region now known as the Empire of Vector was once an untamed frontier. Before the Concordance, it was sparsely populated by nomadic tribes and early settlers who relied on the fertile land of the Jade Basin and the natural defenses of the Serpentspine Mountains. Early conflicts over these resources were common, leading to the rise of fortified settlements that became the foundation of modern Vector.
During the Vorrath’s incursions, Vector’s southern location made it a critical stronghold. The Empire’s survival and eventual consolidation stemmed from its strategic position and abundant resources. After the Concordance was signed, Vector’s Emperors transformed their once-isolated territory into a militarized dominion with a reputation for discipline and ambition.

Type

Territory

Location under

The Pactlands

Included Organizations

• Empire of Vector

Owner/Ruler

Caius Kaen

Ruling/Owning Rank

Emperor of Vector

Owning Organization

Empire of Vector