Nidal

Nidal is one of the oldest surviving countries in Avistan, having been founded during the uncounted years of the Age of Darkness. Even though it is now beholden to the neighboring infernal realm of Cheliax, it retains significant autonomy to pursue its own shadowy goals.

Government

Nidal is run by the sinister Umbral Court, the shadow touched aristocracy who have ruled Nidal almost since the Earthfall. In ancient times the rulers of Nidal made a dark pact with a shadowy deity, and ever since then their descendants have reigned, using their powers of darkness and shadow to ensure their rule is unquestioned. Few have the courage to stand against the whims of even the most minor member of the Umbral Court, for to do so normally means death in the most horrific manner.

Unbral Court 

Formed at the dawn of the Age of Darkness, the Umbral Court rules Nidal with an iron fist. During the struggle for the Chelaxian crown, the Court lent its support to House Thrune, and was rewarded with sovereinty for Nidal when Cheliax withdrew its agents. Meeting three times a year in Pangolais, the Court rules by the divine decree of Zon-Kuthon and strives to maintain that mandate by opposing the local Desnans, diabolists and any others that would dare challenge the authority of the Midnight Lord.

Geography

Nidal sits on the western coast of Avistan, on the coast of the Arcadian Ocean. To the south lies Cheliax, Nidal's infernal master; to the north across the Mindspin Mountains lies the frontier lands of Varisia and finally to the east lie the warring kingdoms of Molthune and Nirmathas. Nidal is quite cut off from its neighbours being surrounded by the Mindspin Mountains to the north and east and the Menador Mountains to the south. Its main route to the outside world is via the sea with most of Nidal's sea traffic coming through the heavily policed port of Nisroch. The main geographical feature dominating inland Nidal is the Uskwood, a vast shady forest and the subject of many dark rumours. Beneath the Uskwood's boughs lies Nidal's capital city of Pangolais. In Pangolais it is said that the trees of the Uskwood grow so dense that it is impossible to tell day from night.

Inhabitants

The inhabitants of Nidal live beneath the shadow of a pact made in the dark days of ancient history. The people of modern Nidal still pay for the ancient pact made by their distant ancestors and to this day live in fear of the dark powers Zon-Kuthon grants the Umbral Court. While the Umbral Court, the decadent nobles of Nidal, rule the land using divinely granted shadow powers the peasants of Nidal live much like the peasants of any other land except with a far greater fear of their noble lords. In addition to the human inhabitants as the favoured kingdom of Zon-Kuthon Nidal boasts many fearsome beast of shadow hiding within it benighted borders. The Menador Mountains are particularly infamous for the fell beasts which lurk beneath the mountains shadows including several umbral dragons.

Major Cities

Nisroch is the largest city in Nidal and also the most open. For most of the port's visitors though, that isn't saying much. The few ships that do dock here are closely inspected, and the streets are heavily patrolled. Finding little in the way of traditional port entertainment, most foreigners don't spend any more time in the company of the suspicious inhabitants than they have to. Recent reports, however, indicate that pirates form the Shackles moor at the city's docks with increasing frequency. The reason for this increased traffic isn't known, but is likely to strain Nidal's relations with Cheliax, which is in constant conflict with the pirates of western Garund.

Pangolais is the capital city of Nidal. Located deep within the Uskwood, the trees' heavy canopy makes even the brightest day nearly as dark as the blackest night. Visitors to the city must seek permission to enter, and once inside must seek the services of a local guide. These guides come at great expense since visitors can easily become lost in the darkness of the city, and because it is illegal for outsiders to roam about unattended.

Ridwan, Situated in the foothills of the Menador Mountains, Ridwan sits on a hostile volcanic plain. The small city is the religious center for the faithful of Zon-Kuthon, and it is said that the Midnight Lord first emerged upon Golarion from the smokey rift that dominates the city's square. The rift itself is believed to be a gateway to the Void. Apart from being a religious center, it is also home to Nidals military training camps.