Found this mildly interesting and decided to see what I could find...
SPOILERS BELOW
From Kerrigan of Asura's awesome History of Vanadiel:
So I mined through all the item descriptions I could think of and found this:Hints of the "Eastern Empire" run rampant in the game. Until an expansion reveals this location, here is what we know:
-It is currently being enveloped by the empitness from the south, while barbarian hordes are now able to cross the rivers into the Empire.
-Tenzen is just an envoy of the Empire, and his real "role" is unknown. The Empire itself is ruled by an emperor and princess.
-The Empire has officially declared war on Jeuno by the end of CoP.
Elder Branch
Description: A branch taken from the Elder's Tree, located in a far off land.
Northern Fur
Description: An animal skin covered with thick, long fur. Import is prohibited to protect the local industry.
SOUTH
Taffeta Cloth
Description: This soft, lustrous cloth has been woven using extremely complex techniques originating from countries in the Far South.
Damascene Cloth
Description: This cloth was woven using a long and complicated process. It is traditional cloth woven in a land far to the south.
Damascus Ingot
Description: An veined alloy ingot. It is wrought in a manner taught in a land far to the south.
Garhada Teak Lumber
Description: A processed piece of lumber made from a rare tree only found on the southern island of Garhada.
Rheiyoh Leather
Description: A square of leather made from the skin of a variety of sheep found in countries to the south.
Curry Powder
Description: Over eleven herbs and spices have been blended to form this pungent powder. The mixture is said to have originated in a land far to the south.
Southern Mummy
Description: Advanced mummification techniques have been used to preserve the body of this strange creature. It is considered a hazardous item and its import is strictly prohibited.
Tsahyan Mask
Description: Said to resemble the spirits of the jungle, this ornamental mask was carved on the island nation of Tsahya, far to the south.
WEST
Cheviot Cloth
Description: This soft cloth is woven from a rare type of wool, using techniques originating from an island in the Far West.
Galateia
Description: Bleached white, this durable cloth is used in garments popular in the Far West.
Salsa
Description: A zesty sauce used by chefs specializing in dishes originating in the Far West.
EAST
Shakudo Ingot
Description: This variety of blood-red copper is found in the Far East.
Sarcenet Cloth
Description: This finely textured cloth has been woven using extremely complex techniques originating from countries in the Far East.
Tama-Hagane
Description: A lump of steel wrought in a manner taught in a land far to the east.
Kunwu Iron
Description: An ingot of kunwu iron, smelted using a traditional Far Eastern method.
Damp Scroll
Description: This scroll of far-eastern origin is a little damp.
Eastern Paper
Description: This high-quality paper has been made with advanced methods known only to those living in the Eastern empire.
Eastern Gem
Description: These flat, round jade stones are treasured in lands to the Far East.
Eastern Pottery
Description: This pottery is world-renowned for its color and texture. Import is prohibited to protect the local industry.
Black Bubble-Eye
Description: As its name implies, the area around the eyes of this freshwater goldfish from the Far East is round and swollen.
Lionhead
Description: This freshwater fish from the Far East is plump and difficult to scoop. It is easily recognized by its lack of a dorsal fin.
Tiny Goldfish
Description: This red, minuscule freshwater goldfish from the Far East is often the dinner of larger carnivorous predators.
Ground Wasabi
Description: Eat too much of this Eastern spice and your sinuses will be clear for months.
Rice Vinegar
Description: A traditional Eastern vinegar made by fermenting rice.
Sticky Rice
Description: This grain is imported from a land far to the east. When cooked, it has a consistency slightly more glutinous than normal Tarutaru rice.
Koma
Description: A wooden "top" from the Far East.
Urushi
Description: Originating from a country in the Far East, this black coating, made from the sap of the lacquer tree, is often used on wooden crafts.
Cashmere Wool
Description: This lustrous wool is found on a rare variety of sheep bred only in Near Eastern nations.
Garlic Cracker
Description: A traditional cracker from a land far to the east.
Spicy Cracker
Description: A traditional cracker from a land far to the east.
Bream Sushi
Description: Sliced, raw bream served on a small portion of sweet vinegar rice--a popular dish in the eastern empire.
Carp Sushi
Description: A traditional fish dish from a land far to the east.
Dorado Sushi
Description: Sliced, noble lady served on a small portion of sweet vinegar rice--a popular dish in the eastern empire.
Sole Sushi
Description: Sliced, raw sole served on a small portion of sweet vinegar rice--a popular dish in the eastern empire.
Sole Sushi +1
Description: Only a master chef could have produced such a fine display of Eastern cuisine.
Squid Sushi
Description: Sliced, raw squid served on a small portion of sweet vinegar rice--a popular dish in the eastern empire.
Tuna Sushi
Description: Sliced, raw tuna served on a small portion of sweet vinegar rice--a popular dish in the eastern empire.
Moon Ball
Description: In far-eastern countries, these rice dumplings are made as offerings to the moon.
Festive Fan
Description: Use this large paper fan to cool off when it is hot outside. The Far Eastern character for "festival" is printed on it.
Summer Fan
Description: Use this large paper fan to cool off when it is hot outside. The Far Eastern character for "summer" is printed on it.
Kongou Inaho
Description: A firework from a land far to the east.
Konron Hassen
Description: A firework from a land far to the east.
Ouka Ranman
Description: A firework from a land far to the east.
Vermilion Lacquer
Description: This variety of stunning red paint originates in the Far East.
Viridian Urushi
Description: This variety of blue-green urushi is widely used in the Far East.
Habu Skin
Description: This molt comes from the deadly habu snake found in the Far East.
Kejusu Satin
Description: Made from a blend of wool and cotton, this Far Eastern cloth is extremely smooth and lustrous.
Kadomatsu
Description: A festive bamboo display popular in the Far East.
Banishing Charm
Description: A charm made in a land far to the east. It is believed to banish evil.
Cloud Evoker
Description: A stone once used in Far Eastern rainbringing rituals.
Oriental Steel
Description: Scrap iron forged in a method from a far-eastern country.
anyone have any more on stuff like this from Quests/Norg/whatever? Not item descriptions per se but more like NPC speech etc...
Chances of the Eastern Empire not being in the next expansion are slim to none, IMO.