Valor
Valor considers itself the First of the Free Nations, a cradle of modern civilization. However, like the others, the shadow of the fallen Raithar Empire still darkens the country's border.
Government
The government of Valor has three parts: the Monarchy, headed by the Valor Majestic, which largely directs the course and conscience of Valor; the Parliament, which debates and decides the particulars of law and taxation; and the Valorian Temple, which sees to the defense of Valor and enforces the will of the other branches (where that will does not contradict their own).
However, most areas of the country are largely allowed to self-regulate so long as peace and prosperity continues.
Assets
Abundant and fertile farmland as well plentiful lumber, fishing, hunting, and grazing have ensured that Valor is always well-fed and apportioned. There is also a good deal of mining, though mostly to sustain the country's own needs--few mined materials are exported. Instead, along with harvested food and materials, they export crafts and manufactured goods. Their central geographic location also allows them to tax trade between Deeproots Elidian and the other nations.
Valor's political and economic stability as well as their well-trained and respected knights are also potent assets.
History
Like the other Free Nations, Valor was founded at the fall of Raitharis, its borders determined by treaty with the others contributing to Raithar's fall. It has remained mostly peaceful and stable since then, apart from a few skirmishes with the other nations.
A major historical incident, still in living memory, is the Battle of Arlickson's Field. Though most see the incident as a last gasp of the empire's legacy, some view it as a sign that the Forsworn Lands are still a threat.
Demography and Population
The people of Valor are mostly human. They vary widely in terms of skin and hair color. On average, they trend taller than the surrounding countries; the (perhaps earned) stereotype of a Valoran is tall, muscular, large-nosed, loud, and boastful human.
There are also other races established across Valor, including fauns, field and mountain goblins, and dogfolk. Much smaller populations of sphynx and naga are present, primarily in Albion as diplomats and visitors rather than as permanent residents.
Military
Valor's standing military consists of a small number of full-time professionals filling the higher ranks, and a large number of part-time reservists filling out the rest. This is, of course, supplemented by the Valorian Knights, who handle internal matters, monsters, and anything that doesn't merit mustering the regular army.
Religion
Worship of their ancestor's gods was banned under Raithar's rule, and their temples and texts destroyed. Nonetheless, Valor has done its utmost to resurrect the ancient religion.
It has been a difficult road--building enough mythology for people to engage with the pantheon, without any appearance or accusation of building fictions--but the new temples are now well-established, and exist comfortably alongside the quiet vestiges of Raitharan spirit-worship.
Education
Education is Valor is managed primarily by the guilds. Even the universities, which are nominally independent of the guilds, are primarily funded by them. Wealthy families may hire a private tutor for their children and/or fund their attendance to a university, but for the rest of the population and even some with means, education is fundamentally linked with their occupation.
Maps
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Valor
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The Free Nations
Valor and the surrounding countries.
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