The Imperium Divinum Vonderuense or in vonderuan basic, the Divine Empire of Vonderu is a theocratic nation spanning over a thousand worlds, located south of New Saharia. Vonderu is an empire ruled by the ancient race of man, its inhabitants title themselves as the “Derunian” people, and unity for this nation has only recently been acquired, following the conquests of its legendary founder.

Vonderu is nominally ruled by its patron god Volarius, however all matters of actual governorship is delegated and handled by the hereditary title of Sanctus Vicarius, who acts as the “true” emperor of Vonderu. Though it is a monarchy, Vonderu is not a feudal nation, rather, its government is more aptly described as imperial, resembling those of the ancient and bygone Roman or Byzantine Empires, under the imperial Dynasty of Leotrius are sixteen noble estates who vie for the Vicarius’ favor in appointing their house members as Legates and Proconsuls to govern and rule the Provincias that make up Vonderu.

The Sanctus Cultus Volarii (The state church) also holds significant power in Vonderuan politics due to their connections to Volarius, and are considered co-rulers of Vonderu alongside the Leotrian Dynasty, though they legally hold no actual power within the state politics and affairs, having only the power of Influence.

Demographics
The Inhabitants of Vonderu are known as the Derunians, they are devout believers in the cult of Volarius due to the influence of Volarius in their history. Within Vonderu there are two widely used languages, them being Vonderuan Basic, which is essentially no different than terran english and other being High Vonderuan, again, being no different than terran latin. The latter is usually only used for important and official titles, declarations and documentation, ranging from Imperial decrees to birth certificates and doctors notes.

Culture
The Derunian culture is highly religious, to most Derunians, all that matters is the will of Volarius, and following the conquests of Carolus, ideals of glory, honor and renown have become widespread.

History
The Derunian people, despite their technological prowess, were tribals and existed scattered across their many worlds, their only unifying force was the Church, however the church, due to the tribal infighting, was too divided. At this time their only taste of unity was when Volarius himself had united them to fight back an outer alien threat.

This was until Carolus, after being betrayed and exiled from his homeworld came across the ambitious Sancte Magister Honarian the fourth, Honarian was tired of Vonderus disunity, and wished to unify the lands as Volarius had desired Vonderu to be. As such, when Carolus came across Honarian, Honarian promised to make him and his heirs powerful as long as they could unify Vonderu in the name of their God.

The following years were spent amassing an army on the world of Pravarum, which is now the capital of Vonderu, and waging war on the many tribes. After just a decade of war, Vonderu was unified under the rule of Carolus “The Great” and the Divine Empire was officially formalised, marking the first year of the Carolian Calendar.

Economy
The Argentaria Centralis or Central Bank was established by imperial decree in the year of 5 to manage the enormous Vonderuan economy. Before the establishment of the central bank, every derunian tribe traded in their own way, some minted their own coins, others used a barter system. After the conquest, The Varius Carolus, wanted to centralise his power and to ensure the continued existence of his nation, would centralise the economy, establishing the Central Bank and minting a new coin, the Solar.

Government
Church and State are extremely interlinked due to the way Vonderu was both founded and legitimised. The head of state of Vonderu is both the Emperor of the Empire and also the High Priest of the Church, and this title of Imperator Divinus is held by the Sun God Volarius. However, Volarius does not truly rule the nation and church, rather, he delegates his authority and responsibility to two regents, one to rule the church and the other to rule the empire.

The Sanctus Vicarius (The Holy Deputy or Holy Regent) is a hereditary title given to the dynasty of Carolus due to their role in conquering and unifying the empire. The Vicarius is de facto the emperor of the empire, and rules with absolute authority.

Administration
The Administration of Vonderu is imperial in nature, there exists 16 noble families who are recognised to have authority and power. These 16 noble families are charged with producing competent generals and rulers for the emperor to choose and appoint as Proconsul or Legate of one of Vonderus eight Provincias or legions.

State Religion: Sanctus Cultus Volarii
Church and State are extremely interlinked due to the way Vonderu was both founded and legitimised. The head of state of Vonderu is both the Emperor of the Empire and also the High Priest of the Church, and this title of Imperator Divinus is held by the Sun God Volarius. However, Volarius does not truly rule the nation and church, rather, he delegates his authority and responsibility to two regents, one to rule the church and the other to rule the empire.

The Sancte Magister Sancti Cultus Volarii (The Holy Master of the Holy Cult of Volarius), or more commonly abbreviated as the Sancte Magister and just the Magister is the supreme bishop of the church, he is the head of faith for all devout believers in Volarius and holds significant influence.

Administration
The church was reorganised in the year of 20 by Imperial decree of Volarius himself, to somewhat follow the model that the imperial government was using, rather than a thousand separate dioceses for each world, the church was organised into 8 dioceses known as Episcopates, governed by aptly named Episcopuses.

Previously, the Magister was elected by a small group of Cardinals located in the holy Cathedral, but this was abolished, and the Magister was instead elected by the a congregation of the Eight Episcopus. After the election, he is legitimised by Volarius, though Volarius may override the election and appoint a Magister himself.

Military
The army of Vonderu is organised into eight legions, each led by a legate, and each located within one of the Provincias. These Legions have the goal to protect the provinces they are located in. They are composed of at least two thousand and five hundred battle ships, and an army of half a million.

Though, each planet within Vonderu is expected to be able to sustain a rudimentary planetary guard, to, if anything, buy enough time for the arrival of the Legion. In times of war, the Vicarius may amass more legions and legionaries to invade and or defend his territories.