Vandole Empire

The Vandole Empire is a recurring antagonist group in the Mana series. Because the group is often relegated to backstory and/or lore, little is known of its origins and history, or even why it seeks to conquer the worlds in which it flourishes via the acquisition of mana. Vandole is typically ruled by an eponymous emperor, whose own backstory is at best vague and whose motivations vary between stories. Consequently, it is unknown whether each instance is related to another, or is part of a singular faction operating for generations.

Final Fantasy Adventure/Adventures of Mana
The Vandole Empire was an evil imperial organization who sought to bring the world under its control by tapping into the Tree of Mana's power. Decades before the events of the game, they managed to control the flux of Mana, and ushered in an era of fear and violence by destroying the tree of life. The leader of this group, Emperor Vandole, ordered the erection of the Dime Tower to reach atop Mt. Illusia, where legends would tell of a sacred tree granting omnipotent power. Inside the structure, they sculpted multiple stone tablets documenting their history and the effects of Mana onto the land. A group of warriors joined in retaliation, calling themselves the Gemma Knights, and began to confront this mighty empire. However, their men were few against the horde of imperial soldiers and the might of the power of Mana, and thus their hopes of winning the conflict dwindled rapidly. However, a maiden of the Mana Clan emerged from nowhere, filled their hears with courage, eventually leading them to victory. One of the Gemma Knights wielded the legendary blade and slew the opposing army. Unbeknownst to all, however, the last member of the imperial bloodline was brought beneath the Great Waterfall in hopes of restoring the great empire.