Undyr

Undyr is a large kingdom in the east-northern regions. It is well known for its very powerful magic and immense army, which makes it one of the safest part of the Riftgrounds from roaming monsters and other threats. This notable power is also well-known for being used to expand the country through conquest of others.

Structure

Undyr is ruled under a rigid structure, with the Vye holding absolute power over the kingdom and its affairs. This power is delegated through Vyrs, heads over large regions who answer directly to the Vye. Individual cities operate fairly standard, with dukes and mayors who answer to the Vyrs and are often overseen by their close associates. Dukes and mayors have little actual power, but simply serve as lower level authorities to deal with small civil matters.

History

Undyr has a long history, though not as long as some of the other major powers in the Riftgrounds. The capital of Northswain used to be a city state, a single settlement that through strong leadership and perseverance was able to weather the cold and prosper where many others couldn't.
This city state eventually expanded into other settlements and outposts in the nearby vicinity, having little resistance to their growth as few other civilized groups lived very near to Northswain. Eventaully, one of their outposts was raided by a large band of frost orcs, angry that their territory was being encroached on. Rather than back away, the duke of Northswain organized a counter attack with his small military force, and managed to not only beat back the attackers but capture their own stronghold in turn. Instain of wiping them out, the orcs were offered safety and providence inside a different settlement in the north of Northswain's land, in exchange for some of their resources and their forging secrets.
This makeshift alliance increased the meager might of Northswain's army, and under the clever leadership of their ruler they were able to coerce their western neighbor, and rival, under their rule, officially forming the kingdom of Undyr.
From their their expansion continued, constructing additional cities and filling out the frozen northeast. During this expansion, a new Vye came to power, one who saw their potential for conquest and was very happy to pursue it. Their expansion didn't slow when they reached far enough to have new neighbors, but rather expanded as they conquered everyone around them. Over the years this conquest slowed, as the weaker city states in the area had already all been assimilated, but it was too late. They'd obtained enough secrets of forging and magic, and enough men, to become a true military might.
They conquered their first major opposition, the Kingdom of Olence, fully cementing their status as a feared power. From their, with a new Vye taking over shortly after the conquest was complete, focus was shifted to security and strengthening both their industry and the defense of their borders. However, their growth never stopped, and they've made more than a few conquests since, eventually spreading far enough south to border Galayin, with whom their war still now rages.