Oialea Endien

About: Endien, the ancestral home of all Elf-kind and believed to be the birthplace of sentient life on Alden Rhun. It is the oldest kingdom on the face of the entire world, assailed countless times through the eons and countless times rebuffed its would-be conquerors. The very land itself is saturated with magic, mysterious and awesome in the variety of mythical beasts that inhabit it, and megaflora the likes of which exist nowhere else. From floating islands that kiss the sky to caverns gleaming with crystals the size of towers, the beauty of this land cannot be understated, and the elves that dwell there protect their homeland with sword and spell against any who would presume to tread upon it uninvited. Rule of Law here is very broad and general; don’t steal, don’t murder, don’t harm the environment, ect, but these simple edicts are strictly enforced, and any free citizen witnessing a crime may detain a perpetraitor through force if necessary. The elves of Endien are distrustful of strangers, and many lived to see the horrors of the last war against the kingdoms of men who do not accept the peace between the two races. Despite their unwelcoming and xenophobic tendencies, those named “Eldandil” (Elf-friend) will find no friends more loyal or self-sacrificing than among the Eldar (Old word for Elf-kind).

Capital: Armenelos

Government: Monarchy

**Warfare:** Endien is the unquestioned lord of the sky, and has long since been the undisputed masters of the arcane, both are why Endien has never fallen. While known for graceful flowing bladework and hand-to-hand combat, Endien soldiers are prodigious bowmen capable of delivering death from hundreds of yards away unseen. Every free citizen in Endien is required to be proficient in archery not only as a matter of security but as a matter of culture. Because of their incredibly long-lives, elven warriors have all the time in the world to hone and perfect their skills until it is second nature. Skirmishes start at range, with archers and mages working in tandem to bring down high-value targets before picking off the rank-and-file grunts. On the open battlefield, ground troops march under the shadow of the Ëarohir (Eagle Riders) who target siege weapons and supply wagons with destructive magic, sowing chaos before the vanguard showers the enemy with arrows. Elven generals use augury and telepathy to move troops and transmit strategies to officers, making the armies of Endien almost impossible to out-maneuver.

State Religion: Both Shelyn and Nethys are patrons of Endien and have huge followings among the populis. Callistria, Desna, and Erastil are also widely worshipped. Gorum and Pharasma have followings of note, but the lords of evil and darkness are not openly worshipped, though laws don’t expressly forbid their observation, many of their rites cross the line.

Rulers: Queen Telandia Edasseril, bearer of the Laegrî (Viridian Crown)

* A progessive queen even by elven standards, Lady Edasseril rules to protect the interests of her subjects and uphold the beloved elven virtue of individual freedom. Crowned not long after the peace brokered between men and elves, she has sought to further bring the two races closer together and made great strides in that direction, namely the founding of the port town of Greengold where many non-elves also call home. At the same time, progress has been slow, because she cannot simply ignore the feelings and concerns of her nobles, many of whom favor isolationism from the outside world. Amid the entanglements of court, she is also looking for a suitable marriage candidate (male or female), but is hedging her prospects carefully to avoid a scandal.

Chief Exports: Spell components, Composite Longbows, exotic trained war-mounts, Adamantine, & rare hardwoods.

Climate Type: Temperate

* Endien has four sharply distinct seasons, warm humid summers, clear crisp autumns, dreary rainy (snowy at higher elevations) winters, and mild drizzly springs. Though the country’s name means “The Realm of Eternal Autumn” this is purely symbolic of a race that is ancient but will never die, the foliage of Endien however goes through dramatic and colorful changes.

**Castles:**

* Minas Aicassë
* Minas Fallë-Falassë
* Minas Einior
* Minas-lais-Geledhion
* Minas Celduin
* Minas Orome
* Minas Aivor
* Amon Dirnen
* Amon Claur

Notable Settlements:

* Amon Haudh
* Opelë Wingil
* Durandir Farnë - *A relatively new settlement that appeared to grow out of the very ground. Situated at a lonely crossroad in the north of the country, Durandir Farnë used to be a lonely apothecary few ever passed by. A mere 80 years later, it is now a fortified trading post with world-class accommodations. Because of it's position between the capitol and the port-town of Greengold, wealth flows into Endien with renewed vigor. Jilnalore Helendir and her adventuring mage husband, Ro'an, are the founders, and can often be found in town as hands-on leaders.*
* Greengold
* Ruthlitalf
* Vinyamar
* Nasaravan
* Tarwairin
* Lond Daer
* Urundil Farnë
* Marinand
* Anor Sigil
* Nûrmáne
* Gwarestrin
* Cathedral of the Eternal Rose
* Cathedral of Attenement