Urd, Empire of

The Empire of Urd, far across the Eastern Ocean, established a substantial colony on the island of Corvis as well as several smaller colonies nearby shortly before the Empire itself fell. The governor of the primary colony on Corvis, Thalus Dane, promptly declared himself the new Urdish Emperor. Thalus Dane's descendants still rule an empire of one island, where the people live as they always have... under the strict domination of the Emperor. The prosperity of Urd is due to their superior farming techniques, in combination with their rich emerald mines. Emeralds are sold for high profit, as the mine-owners create a false shortage by hoarding most of the production of their mines. It is said that the "emerald barons" are even richer than the Emperor himself... though such is not said in the Emperor's hearing. Urd is the primary consumer of slaves in the Western Lands, as well as all sorts of luxury goods. Some pirates are recognized as "traders" by the Urdish port authorities (in return for substantial bribes).