Vanguard Bandits - Nations

Nations

Vanguard Bandits focuses on the interactions between the nations and individuals on the Continent of Eptina. There are seven different nations that are allied or in conflict:

• The Pharastia Kingdom: Commonly referred to as The Kingdom, this is the remains of the Kingdom Army who are working to restore Pharastia to its former glory. The Kingdom is portrayed as the good side of the story, at least nominally. They are allied with the Avalon Principality.

The Kingdom is involved in a long-standing war with the Empire, which has conquered parts of the Pharastian Kingdom, including its capital. The Empire supposedly started the war in order to seize Prince Bastion, the only person who can unlock Ultragunner.

• The Junaris Empire: The Empire was formed by a citizen named Degalle who spoke out against the fighting taking place. However, Degalle became corrupt with his newly acquired power. Its army is led by the calculating General Faulkner, and the Empire is laid out as the evil, antagonistic element in the game. Its army in particular is often associated with pillaging and looting innocent towns, even their own (although the Kingdom is also said to commit similar atrocities).

• The Avalon Principality: This small nation was formed by Duke Zeira and has a principle of hard work. Avalon supports the Kingdom but is engaged in its own conflict with the Muspel Nation to the south.

• Nordilian Forest: This large country is filled with vast forests and is ruled by a fierce warrior named Duke Logan. It is allied with the Empire, although it is assumed that Nordilain is being taken advantage of and used for the Empire's own purposes. Often in conflict with the Duchy of Hibernia.

• Muspel Nation: A desert country that became rich by using its resources and raw materials. Although it claims to be neutral, it constantly attacks the Avalon Principality and may secretly be allied with the Junaris Empire. The majority of the nation is considered poor, while its oppressive, scheming leader Duke Radcot lives in his own palace with his army, setting the stage for a revolt within the country.

• Duchy of Hibernia: This is a snow-covered nation in the north, ruled by the man known as Lord Alden the Ice Wolf. Originally, Hibernia was created by a Pharastian king who partitioned off some of its territory and gave it to one of his brothers. Hibernia's purpose is to watch over events in the Kingdom, and to step in to intervene in times or crisis. At the start of the game, Hibernia has taken no action in the conflict, although it does go to war with the Empire eventually.

• Dionne-Lehve: This country is ruled by warrior mercenaries who lend their services to any group. While they have no formal alliances at the outset of the game, they are at war with the Empire. Their leader, Marquis Dionne, is one of the most powerful warriors on the continent.

• Southern Alliance: A country on a peninsula to the far south. Interestingly, the player never travels there and it is mentioned by name only once in the entire game.