Elkinir

> *"Refuge of the Rohelians."*
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*Ekhiniir* (formerly *Elkinir*) is located in Southern Sparwood, within the Kingdom of Ecclesia. Ekhiniir serves as the refuge for the Rohelian population upon their self-exile from Rohel— currently occupied by Maravilla. The primary settlement in Ekhiniir is called *Eirenthorn* (formally *Ironthorn*), located in the northern part of the province. Ekhiniir is currently ruled over by the King of the Rohelians, Manjinius T. Thornrose.

## History

### Self-Exile Period

Due to rising tensions in the Kartek-Rohelian war, Vashonn Thornrose decided to take the Rohelian population and move it to an unsettled province of Ecclesia, under the watchful eye of Pontius Kasperismad. The exodus of Rohel was officially announced on January 9th 2022, and there was a rapid migration of willing Rohelians that moved to Ecclesia, any remaining individuals of the Rohelian population were merged with the Kartek population. Upon settling the territory, the Vashonn Thornrose dubbed the land *Elkinir*, meaning "*Nation Reborn*" in the Rohgaln language.

### Decline of the Duchy

With the declaration of the Kartek-Ecclesia war, the Rohelians formally declared their support for the Ecclesians, sending out a message to Kartek and all of Rathnir that would never be forgotten -- the Message of St. Gilbert. Despite this rallying war cry, Vashonn Thornrose fell deathly ill, and granted authority of the duchy to be placed in the capable hands of Komui Phoenix. This departure of the king was a demoralizing blow for the Rohelians themselves, and many fled the war that was to come. Elkinir saw itself fall on hard times, its population long-since exhausted from the constant war that they had fought with Kartek for all of their existence. It would not be until well after the Kartek-Ecclesia war drew to a close that the duchy would see its streets filled with life again.

### Reformation Era

Finally, after decades of the territory being virtually abandoned, a missive was sent out from the late king's surviving son, Manji Thornrose. He summoned what few Rohelians remained to return to their refuge and see it rebuilt, dubbing the territory the Reformed Duchy of Ekhiniir. This revival brought with it a revitalization of the Rohelian spirit and culture, and the territory sees itself being gradually rebuilt today.

## Geography

Ekhiniir's geography is composed solely of one biome, an old growth pine taiga. This ancient pine forest extends past the borders of the duchy and fills most of the Ecclesian crownlands. To the west, Ekhiniir is bordered by the Bay of Ambros, serving as a watery expanse that separates the territory from the frozen tundra that is modern Luscovy. The northern expanse of Ekhiniir sits atop a flatland, dotted with spruce trees and painted with podzol, mossy cobblestone and course dirt. The southern part of the province is still densely forested, with an increase in elevation and a variation of valleys and hills.

Ekhniir also includes two islands to the south-west of its mainland, the first of which is called Thornrose Isle. This is where the royal family's estate rests, initially constructed by the former queen, Freya Astaseul-Thornrose Wolf, and has since been in the process of being rebuilt by the duchy's current steward, Vashonn Andirsk.

The second isle is named Tulihn. Much of this island is currently barren, having once held a small settlement, but efforts may yet be made to see the isle resettled.

## Culture

### Rohelian Customs

The customs of Rohel have still survived despite the move from their homeland. The traditions and customs given below were created by pagan Rohelians, but are still celebrated today. Most are celebrated annually.

* Rohelian Wedding Rites - Performed during weddings
* Alskadia Festival - February 14th
* Craftsmas Celebrations - December 25th
* Halloween Festival - October 31st
* Talvi Solstice (Winter Solstice Festival) - December 21st
* Alska Solstice (Spring Solstice Festival) - March 20th
* Kesa Solstice (Summer Solstice Festival) - June 21st
* Siksi Solstice (Autumn Solstice Festival) - September 22nd

### Ekhiniir Customs

With the arrival at this new province hailed in the creation of new customs and traditions. Upon the baptism of Vashonn B. Thornrose and the Rohelians that followed him into the Ambrion religion, the majority of the province celebrates the major festivals of the Ambrion religion. Certain old gods of the Rohelians have been retained in their mythos, though have since been demoted to figureheads within the religion known as the Farashim, who are servants of Ambros, the head deity.

## Notable Figures and Houses

### Royalty

#### House Thornrose

> *Current Members: Manji Thornrose and his daughter*
> *Former Members: Vashonn B. Thornrose, Sinnon Thornrose, Freya Astaseul-Thornrose Wolf, Testy Thornrose, Mica Thornrose, Tarlach Thornrose*
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The current *Kaviŕ* of the Rohelians and the ruler of Ekhiniir is Manji Thornrose, son of the late Vashonn Thornrose.

### Noble Houses

#### House Phoenix

> *Members: Komui Phoenix, Tito Phoenix, Iaera Phoenix*
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House Phoenix is comprised of its founding members, brothers Komui Phoenix and Tito Phoenix. After marrying Komui, Iaera Phoenix is now a member of the noble house.

#### House Svardrake

> *Members: Hodelia Svardrake, Octavian Svardrake, Sylvania Rosewood-Svardrake*
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