Elten

The remnants of a former empire, the Elten people are proud, militaristic, and steadfast in their beliefs. They believe that their people are the inheritors of the old empire and that they have the lineages of warriors, conquerors, and heroes. Within their small alpine villages and ancient mountain keeps, the Eltens have very little unified government to speak of. Despite the conflicts that arise between petty kingdoms, however, the Eltens feel a strong cultural unity between one another.

The worship of the Vorläufer is the most common in the region of Elterlein, though the worship of ancient forest spirits and the Cult of the Archangel have been gaining a hold in certain regions.

 Overview

The Empire of Elterlein once spanned the entirety of northern Auros before its collapse. Now, however, the mountainous and heavily forested regions once controlled by the empire have small independent communities. The Thinning made traveling in Elterlein particularly difficult, compounding the already difficult travel through the mountains without the benefits of arcane technology. As a result, there are several distinct regions with differences in culture between them.

### The Heartlands

This region, making up the majority of central Elterlein, once held the most important cities and duchies of the empire. The people of the Heartlands are the most staunchly traditional and purely Elten. A common saying to describe the Heartlands is “*aup elke H’vel, en Konig*”, meaning, “*on every hill, a king*”. The Heartlands are governed by the Republican League, a loose confederation of noblemen who come together to avoid too much infighting. The nobles organize into Circles, loose alliances and power blocs to influence the League. Every so often, a noble ruler declares himself king and attempts to seize power in the League, but so far they have each been stopped.

### Gannzia Highlands

In the massive mountain ranges located in the southeastern portion of Elterlein lie the people of the Highlands. Occupying the massive and impregnable Elten mountain fortresses, the people of the Highlands found themselves beset upon by some of the worst of the creatures brought on by the Thinning. The Elten military leaders holding the forts managed to repel these creatures, but became exceptionally isolated. As a result, the people of the Highlands have become harsh, independent, and warlike. When they do descend from their mountains, it is usually as exceptionally efficient soldiers for hire, known as “Berkrieger”, or “warriors of the mountains”.

### Rhelsk Lowlands

On the western coast of Elterlein lies the region of Rhelsk, a marshy lowlands. Historically poor and ignored by the rest of the Elten, the people of Rhelsk have quickly become influential over the decades of the Thinning. Their ports and trade routes remained relatively unimpeded by the Thinning, allowing them to become the most important and secure port in the region. A collection of independent city-states, the people of Rhelsk are independent.

### The Isles of Archangel

Largely unaffected by the Thinning, the remaining imperial administration can be found in the Isles. The seas around the Isles are deadly and turbulent, making travel to and from them difficult, but the Isles themselves have continued on since the beginning of the Fourth Era as if nothing had happened. The government of the Isles mirrors that of the old empire, and the colleges and military remain in pristine condition. In spite of this, the people of the Isles have seen a drift from tradition, as the Cult of the Archangel has seen a massive resurgence here.

## History

**- Fandon's Conquest,** *2E 1682 - 1694*

Galen Fandon I begins a conquest of the Old Elten kingdoms. For twelve years the fighting rages, but eventually he is successful. The First Empire of Elterlein is established.

**- First Border War,** *2E 1801 - 1830*

The great Empire of Ulyssa notices the growing Elten Empire and attacks, attempting to conquer them. For thirty years the war rages, but eventually Ulyssa's conquest is repelled. However, Elterlein has lost a lot of territory. Elten raiding parties would continue to make attacks, despite the war being officially over. Slowly, over time, much of the lost territory is regained.

**- Great Rebellion,** *2E 2377*

Several of the Archdukes and old families band together to rebel against the Empire. The whole Empire is destroyed, with the Provinces each forming individual kingdoms. The First Empire of Elterlein falls.

**- War of Widow's Lament,** *3E 119 - 124*

Dorian Fandon I gathers force and walks in his ancestor's footsteps, beginning the bloodiest and most brutal conquest in Aevonhold's history. Opposing generals and kings are executed, villages are razed and burned, and any who stand in his way are killed. The war would later be named for the widows made during this conquest. In only five years, he retakes the entirety of Elterlein's lands and establishes the Second Empire of Elterlein, ruling with an iron fist.

**- Templari Crisis,** *3E 204 - 215*

A cultlike gathering of powerful mages gather, attempting to open Arcane Rifts between the realms so as to draw power from other realms. The effects of their power and meddling are felt all the way in Peramul, though southern Elterlein and northern Ulyssa take the worst of it.

**- Second Border War,** *3E 450 - 510*

Growing fed up with Ulyssa's small border attacks, the Empire declares war. The Second Border War begins. After sixty years of fighting, both forces pull back. No clear victor emerged.

**- Third Border War**, *3E 1144 - 1180*

The Ulyssian Empire, losing territory quickly to the Empire of Nobugo, decides to attempt to attack Elterlein. The Third Border War lasts for thirty-six years. It is the biggest defeat in Ulyssian history, with their borders being pushed back drastically.

- **Fourth Border War**, *3E 1199 - 1215*

The largest alliance in Aevonhold history is created to oppose the Elten expansion, leading to the Fourth Border War. The war is devastating on account of the First Silence, but eventually ends in a stalemate.

- **The Blood of the Eagle**, *3E 1342*

Following the Second Silence, Ulyssa sees that Elterlein is weakened. They begin to put pressure on the southern border, causing massive fear in the empire as people dread the prospect of fighting an all-out war without magic. The capital and many other cities have only just begun to rebuild following the Astral Surge. Growing tensions in the capital lead to a military coup. Knight-Commander Nikolaus Braunn leads the coup. As things turn south, he orders the destruction of the palace to ensure the consolidation of power. This causes the death of most of the Fandon family, though rumors have since spread that some survived. Braunn declares himself protector of the empire.

- **Fall of the Second Empire**, *3E 1349*

As the Scholars of Eventide declared the beginning of a new Era, the Elten nobles grow weary of Braunn's illegitimate government. The empire's infighting is halted by the Astral Awakening, and many provincial lords declare independence. The empire is officially dissolved with the assassination of Nikolaus Braunn.

## Culture

### **Overview**

The Elten people are proud of their culture and heritage, believing their history gives them a unique prestige not found in any other culture in Aevonhold. Their traditions go back millennia, and many families can trace direct lineage over countless generations to notable heroes. Military skill is seen as a crucial trait for every Elten to hold, from the lowest peasant to the highest lord. As a result, every Elten is trained in arms from a young age to some degree. In times of war, every peasant is expected to defend their home.

### **Appearances**

The Elten people are typically of average height and moderate build, though this varies greatly at times. Most Elten have pale skin and brown hair, though lighter colored hairs are also somewhat common. Their eyes range from brown to greys. Most have neat hair that fall under certain, specific styles. Being dirty or unkempt is a sign of a commoner, and as such is disliked. Having an orderly appearance is seen as a sign of intelligence and status.

### **Language**

The Common tongue spoken in the regions of Elterlein and the Western Kingdoms is said to have originated from the ancient Elten tongue, known as “Talverian” or “Old Talverian”. The Talverian tongue is spoken only by scholars and the wealthy elite, seen as a symbol of status and Elten lineage. The vast majority of Elten people speak only Common.

### **Naming Conventions**

Elten have names following these conventions: [1]

The people of Rhelsk, on account of their relative isolation, have slightly odd accents and naming schemes: [2]

### **Clothing**

Eltens favor darker colors and functional fashions. Nobles and wealthy Elten wear clothes that are expensive and lavish, while still being able to move in fight in them if necessary. Among the elite, the more lavishly adorned an outfit can be while still being completely functional, the better and more impressive. However, in many smaller communities, extravagant outfits are seen as eccentric. Every Elten believes in displaying their status through their garb, and the elite want to stand out from the masses.

### **Marriage**

In Elterlein, a couple wishing to be married will first find a legally ordained officiant. Typically, once one is found, the couple is officially wed on the spot, at least legally. The real ceremony is held about a week later, though most Elten, surprisingly, prefer to have small ceremonies. Weddings are seen as very intimate and, for once, not a chance to show off one's wealth or status. Close friends and family are invited as witnesses, and a small feast is held afterwards. These feasts are traditional, dating back to the Old Elten kingdoms. The guests at the feast break plates and other tableware, save crystal and glasses. The newly married couple cleans up the pieces, showing that they are able to work together. It's said that it brings good luck to the couple.

An Elten engagement ring is a simple gold band worn on the non-dominant hand. It symbolizes the fact that a couple is serious, but not in its finality. Once married, the couple each wears a lavish, expensive wedding ring on their dominant hand.

### **Folklore**

The most common folklore in Elterlein are stories of legendary heroes and battles. Because the Elten culture puts a big focus on military strength and prowess, those who distinguish themselves are made into legendary figures of history. The most popular tales date back to the War of Widow's Lament and the Fandon's Conquest, of heroes who fought valiantly and battles that were won against all odds.

The most popular and widely known tale is of the Battle of Rorinburg. According to history, Galen Fandon's force was still recovering from a previous defeat. They took refuge in the small town of Rorinburg, when a Talverian force located them and marched. The town of Rorinburg had only one entrance, by bridge. Galen Fandon and his healthy men lined up on the bridge, armed only with crossbows and shields. They formed a shield wall and managed to hold off the entire force, only by firing in perfect form.

In addition to this story, there are several others similar to it. Of course, history has warped the details, but many Elten generals and noblemen still try to base themselves off legendary figures. It is common for families, even peasant families, to claim lineage to some hero or another. Often, small communities will all claim lineage to the same local hero.

### **Death**

Death varies between social castes. The noble castes are more often than not interred into a family crypt, or even a family graveyard depending on wealth and influence. The upper classes tend to also have family crypts, however this is not always the case. Regardless, these classes are given proper burials and funeral services.

Rulers give warriors as much honor as they can upon death, interring them in crypts above their regular station. The lower classes are either given a bare minimum graveyard burial or are cremated en masse to save space for those deemed “more deserving” of proper burials. Regardless of the deceased’s place in the social structure, if they die outside of Elten territories, they are often brought back to their motherland for a funeral. Elten do not take the murder of other Elten lightly, and will often swear long-standing oaths of vengeance.

### **Magic**

Magic is widely acknowledged and utilized by many Elten, being seen as a potent and important tool for both military and civil applications. Because scholarship is seen as a respectable occupation, there are many Elten centers of magical learning within the ancient cities. Elten are renowned for their ability to combine magic and martial prowess, possessing some of the most skilled spellswords Aevonhold has seen.