Nations

All Four Nations have embassies within Horizon-- this is a clause in the Last Treaty.
Another clause gives them Registered Spies in Horizon, but these spies have to wear brightly-coloured ribbons identifying themselves, have their names recorded, and give the Speech each time they strike up a conversation.
Therefore, there are few Registered Spies; they're mainly used as mouthpieces.
Unregistered Spies get to do the James Bond thing, and if caught their embassy will deny all knowledge.

This is a dry and harsh land where magic and science are a high art-form considered a noble pursuit.
There is something in the middle of the desert that no one knows any details of. (the citadel)
Has a university rival (but smaller and more insular) than that in Horizon.
The Caliph has a fairly stable rule based upon good politicking and iron rule backed up by his personal guard. Underhand dealing is expected.
Big Drugs exporter.

Before Empire, were factionalised, feuding tribes of mad, vicious, faintly Nordic/Celtic barbarians.
Empire settled things, and they turned out to be good at steamworking
Threw Empire out on Chalrimas Day on a rebellion organised by Count Wolfson III
Still very factionalised, but all unite against an external threat, currently ruled by King Olaf Wolfson.
Capital city, Uthelm (Oot-Helm) is in mountains near a waterfall, with lots of waterwheels powering the whole thing. Lots of steam now, too.

Human-looking shapeshifters, turn into 'killing form' (stronger, long-legged, bigger teeth, harier) at cost of exhaustion later.
Mostly nomadic, hunt on Ghouls and other animals in Treacherous Lands, except for in Kessereth where they have an iron-age Aztecesque society.
Unknown to people at the moment, Kessereth was converted to worshipping the Emperor as a divine figure by Imperial troops.
Now controlled by Kraeling priests; would be powerful if they attacked anyone, but high priests more interested in paranoid introversion.
Prohibition on eating humans has lapsed considerably. The Cult of Versinya in Kessereth eats human and Kraeling flesh.
Many Kraelings have moved to this side of the Wall since; some assimilate with humans, some just prey on the poor, beggars, etc.

Weird, inconsistent geography; sometimes reachable from the True Lands.
Born of all the powers, though Fire is their favourite parent. Few fixed quantities, don't bother with material form if they don't have to. Sometimes go to True Lands to play tricks on humans (child-swapping, etc.)
Don't use 'magic', just aren't so closely bound by physical laws. This is a fairly weak power. Also are immortal.
Fae Queen has done deals with Gods; they don't worship them except in mockery, though. Is awaiting the return of her husband but nobody knows that her husband is the Emperor.
Fae Knights keep borders of the country free from denizens of Treacherous Lands, armed by the Smith.

One of the first races to be conquered by the Empire; small rural communities farming and living on carrion.
When sheltered from harshness of Treacherous Land became pacific and hard-working, and were granted a place in Horizon; back in Treacherous Land now live in walled communities and elect mayors.
Many worship Soldier; many under protection of the Mutilated one.