A map of the Empire and it's direct neighborhood can be found here:
http://imgur.com/A9EoJdj (Red lines are borders, as we recognize them. Blue lines are rivers. The green, yellow and black marks represent woodlands, fields and mountains respectively. The town in the Northwest whose name is cut off is called Loghdar)
HistoryThe history of the Saeddid empire goes back 80 years, to when the kingdoms of Avon and the kingdom of the Talemids were united by Uvure the Conqueror. Since then, the history of the Empire has been characterized by infighting between Princes, Counts and dukes of varying levels of influence, as well as religious tensions between the Musharan north and the Ustavran south. However, under the 5 year reign of the now late Emperor Nichel the Just, the empire experienced a period of relative peace and prosperity.
ReligionThe Musharan and Ustavran religions both recently split off of the old Viviran religion, which is still influential in some small towns. Both religions believe that the world was given form when the Holy Wind spread the ashes of the Primal Fire throught the Eternal Night. However, they disagree strongly, and sometimes violently, about the role of fire on Earth. The Musharan belive that the remains of the Primal Fire resides in Nigre and followers are strongly encouraged to go on Pilgrimage to the Temple of Holy Fire to light a sacred candle and bring it back home. The Ustravan, staying closer to their Viviran roots, believe that a piece of the Eternal Fire resides in each person and that through dedication and introspection, everyone can call on this spark to light a Holy Flame which will give them guidance. Unsurprisingly, both religions think that believers in the other religion are pompous blasphemers.
Economy and TechnologyThe Saedid empire is first and foremost an agragian society. Trade is discouraged on religious grounds as profitting of your fellow citizen is against the will of the Primal Fire. Nevertheless, small trading caravans can often be seen traveling the protected roads. Technology wise, the Empire is known for it's skilled metalsmiths and woodworkers, who create excelent crafts and weapons (primarely crossbows, swords, spears and ringmail armor). Pottery and glasworking is a largely unknown art and what little is used in the Saedid empire is imported from the Kaval empire. Most buildings are created out of wood, with some buildings erected from limestone mined from the mountains.