Ruler: His Peerless and Imperial Glory, Emperor Owenden, Prince of all the Meridians, Grand Duke of Primus, Sovereign of the Realm (CN male human [Aldari], Wiz 19)
Government: Independent feudal empire with hereditary rulership; emperor has autocratic rulership within his domain
Notable Figures: Kaelwyn, Chancellor of the Imperial College of Magecraft (N male human [Aldari], Wiz 15); Lammert, Grand Prince of Meridia (N male human [Aldari], Wiz 9/Brd 3/Rog 4); Zanzildar, Imperial Mage (N male human, Wiz 19)
Rule of Law: Lawful Neutral. Strongly ordered and regimented society with many written laws. Traditions and organization are greatly valued often with strict interpretation of the "letter" of the law. The value of order often outweighs morality.
Capital: Primus (pop. 94,600)
Major Towns: Fairfield (pop. 24,100), Meadowshire (pop. 34,900), Midmeadow (pop. 29,200), Sureford (pop. 37,300)
Population: 874,300- Human 85% (AZjfzs), Halfling 5% (greenthumb 60%, fleetfoot 25%, stoutheart 15%), gnome 4% (hill 80%, tinker 20%), elf 3% (fair 60%, wood 40%), half-elf 1%, half-orc 1%, other 1% (includes a few dwarven settlements along the Vanguard Hills and the Ironhorn Mountains)
Major Religions: Anu, Khorda, Oldred, Thera, Celinia, Endorie, Galadine, Galdor, Jocasta, Maya, Vestra, Arcanus, Cabel, Hrungnir, Jaladhi, Johvi, Khorsa, Sedna, Suomi, Halfling pantheon, Gnome pantheon, Elf pantheon
Major Resources: Foodstuffs, gold, silver, textiles, timber, copper
Military: 36,100 (includes light, medium and heavy infantry, light and medium cavalry)
Allies: Cyndane, Glathion, Helacar
Enemies: Westorlin, Paragon, Sutherlin, Faridune, Celairia (sometimes)
Coinage: Platinum crown, gold castle, silver gate, copper common

Meridia was once the most powerful human nation on Hyerune until a series of civil wars known as the "Sundering Wars" tore the empire assunder leading to a number of secessions from former vassals including the Dukes of Westorlin and Sutherlin, the Princess of Paragon and the Baron of Faridune. The emperor now strives to maintain what is left of his Imperial holdings like a greedy child.

The empire was founded by the ancestors of the barbarian tribes that once roamed these plains many ages past. These barbarians were collectively known as the "Meridians" for they had settled in what is the central heart of southern Aldaria. Originally a land of petty principalities each squabling with the others, Meridia was finally united under a mighty warrior prince from the city of Primus, even then a beacon of culture and learning. This prince took the subsequent titles of "Grand Duke of Primus" and "Prince of all the Meridians" as symbols of his sovereignty over all the rest and these titles were past down the Imperial line. Under this unified banner, the lands of Meridia grew in both power and prestige as more of the surrounding princelings fell under the overlordship of the emperor.

During the height of its power, Meridia was a greatly feared foe known to drive its armies across neighboring borders and annexing more territory to hold an expanding populace. The emperors of the land have always held to the notion of the "Divine Right of Kings." They believe to this day that they were given their right to rule by the gods themselves and through this divine providence no mortal may take that right from them or deny their commands. The emperors were further aided by the legendary knightly order of the Celestial Knights, rare and powerful warriors possessing strong psionic abilities, who helped enfore the emperor's will.

This power mongering and the increasing chaotic and hostile natures of the Imperial line is what led to the eventual split of the empire. The more lawful fiefs declared an open rebellion and united to gather an army to break the Emperor's hold and protect their sovereign borders. Now these former allies, as well as the neighboring states, view the Empire as a sleeping giant. The forces behind the throne are busy licking their wounds and recovering their strength before striking out once more. Whether or not this is Owenden's actual intention remains to be seen. In any case, the surrounding states have some cause for concern.

The vast metropolis that is the capital city of Primus lies along the confluence between the Greatwater River and the beautiful Silvertine. The city has a very cosmopolitan outlook with a liberal view. The city folk are more open and accepting of different cultures than the serfs living in the more remote corners of the Empire. Primus holds many wonders as well including the Imperial College of Wizardry. The Imperial Palace complex itself is a sight to behold. The palace rests atop the highest hillock within the city's massive stone walls and is surrounded by the various lower levels of the main city districts. Ambassadors from most every major nation on Hyerune are quarted within the capital.

Rumors: Aside from the constant threat of the former vassal-states to the West and South, Meridia is rumored to have a number of problems. Famine in the northwest provinces has been severely damaging to the population. Peasants dwelling in the affected areas have been threatening to take up arms if something is not done to alleviate their trouble quickly. Rumors have began that a powerful, yet evil, druid of the Marchwood is to blame for this food shortage. Two of the junior members of the Celestial Knights were found murdered within the city walls. Few clues if any were left and attempts at divining the person or persons responsible have proved fruitless. Who would be powerful enough to have even attempted such a feat has the orders leadership concerned. For now, they are keeping the crime buried and away from the ears of the emperor. Farmers along the eastbanks of the Silvertine River have sworn that their lands are being haunted by some kind of vampiric creature. The creature is said to live in the nearby Tower Hills but no positive identification of such a being has been forthcoming.