Ethasadril

A physical map of Ethasadril.

The frosted northlands are covered in a dense spruce forest, in which multitudes of eladrin go about their lives. It is said that the Godyr first passed sorcery to the eladrin race on the shores of Loch Lorck.

The populace of Ethasadril is the most taciturn of the three elven kingdoms, and their cold nature is perhaps due to their surroundings. A year-round winter's night is disturbed only briefly by the annual arrival of the migrant forests, bringing a few days of light, a warm spring, and a breezy autumn into the southern and eastern reaches of the land.

Ethasadril only rarely receives immigrants from other lands, but holds no bias against the other domains. The kingdom treats with the mountain dwarves that tunnel beneath the region, as well as the few frost-tempered dragonborn that brave the frozen land to learn magic from the Court of the Winter Fey, or eke out a subsistence living in harsh conditions.

Organization

Ethasadril is the largest cohesive nation on Mondevai. It is separated into 9 governances: the central, royal governance (Echolst) plus two minor lands are ruled directly by the Pale Prince. Six other governances are overseen by stewards appointed by the Prince.

Governances

Echolst [Purple]

A political map of Ethasadril.

A terrain of high peaks sharply dropping to taiga and finally tundra bordering Loch Lorck. Several dwarven cities lie beneath the high mountains, connected by winding underground roads. These cities form a minor nation, but have tithe and settlement treaties with Ethasadril allowing for their continued existence. An uplift at the beginning of the Tines (river) allows some rare commerce from Tiban and the Marran Empire. Many universities for magic, history, and art are found here, as well as the Grand Orphanage.

Major cities: Echolst, Ravens’ Peak (dwarven), Hoardwelve (dwarven).

Tundra [Pink]

A Royal Territory. Expansive tundra, the Shambling Plains, Loch Lorck, and large beasts rivaling Krace are the only notable thing about the Tundra. Little life exists here. Some internment camps. An old downfall exists under the lake, but the surface is frozen year-round. Generally inhospitable, all things considered.

Concessions [White]

Royal territory. Many cities here are multicultural (though kept to strict population control to maintain winter). Bright Door was briefly held by the Marran Empire a few hundred years ago, but was returned to Lexing control after the completion of Enclave excavation. The portal is still active at certain times of the year. Dwarven cities deep underground here provide much of the Fahrstone to the kingdom.

Blique [Grey]

Steward Wittin. Former capital of Haelcin, the major city here is the remnant of the conquered kingdom. Strong influence and trade with both Echolst and the Concessions has driven nearly all dissention from the region. Ports here send and receive exotic trade from Marran, Arkhosian, and Zantaashi explorers who search nearby wandering islands for Enclaves. A small, well-organized army defends the forests from fluxan threats.

Doveland [Yellow]

Steward Cerric. The northern island (as well as the western Tundra) is overrun with stateless dragonborn. The southern island is less intensely winter and has some farmland. Central Doveland is full of sharp mountains, fjords, and lakes from rapid glacial and shift episodes. The governance was peacefully annexed by Echolst in the year 1463, and has been a core realm of the kingdom ever since. Many notable scholars, including the healer Avecin, originated here. The dwarves in the fjords (there are three major cities of mountain dwarves) are noted for their distinct speech and clothing (knee-length suspended breeches). Their defense in the past against potential conquerors was fierce. Bards known for the range and power of voice brought down avalanches of snow and rock with words alone. In the present time of amiable peace, these bards provide communication between the difficult-to-traverse terrain.

Haelcin [Orange]

Steward Joerin (resides in Blique). The largest governance in the kingdom. Throughout history, Haelcin has been its own kingdom of varied seasons many times, and still holds a very strong nationalist view. Similar in culture to the nation of Ginwil, the Hael population tends to a simple life in small villages. They differ, however, in the rapid response to threats and means of communication. Many wild flux monstrosities dwell in the vast forest, and each small hamlet has a militia and contact with nearby populations ready to respond. Messages can traverse the entire forest in days if need be. Echolst severed centralized leadership when it conquered this area, gradually converting the mixed seasons to winter over the course of four hundred years. The seasonal Migrant Forests still travel this realm every year, despite the machinations of the capital.

Redport [Red]

Steward Milet. Warm foothills. The only non-winter governance in Ethasadril, and as such looked down on by the traditional West. This small region on the east coast is where the Migrant Holds arrive every spring and fall to travel Haelcin. For the rest of the year, seasons pass normally. Redport City is the regional capital.

Oulouk [Teal]

Steward Kvain. The oft-forgotten breadbasket of Ethasadril. Some towns, few large cities. The people of Oulouk are capable agriculturalists, clearing forests for the few species of crops that grow between the passings of the Migrant Forests. The division of the region into Oulouk and Invasse is recent and tensions are not settled between the two. Small skirmishes between border lords occur regularly along the borders and coasts of the realms.

Invasse [Green]

Steward Naurarrna. After the Second Desert War, Turathi refugees fled across the world. Some ended up on ships, taking them north to the islands of Oulouk. At first welcome, they disregarded the restrictions on population control set by the Steward and the population quickly burgeoned, destroying the seasonal lock. Sanctioning, deportation, and finally culling was undertaken, but the refugees were determined to hold on to their new home. Echolst demarcated a new realm, Invasse, encompassing the rebelling lands. Strong military action ended both the refugee uprising and seasonal disturbances. The new government remains (debatably) strict in enforcing population controls, but its pro-refugee stance causes tumult with the northern governances.