Nome of the Ancient Shadows

Between the forests of the Towers of Wood and the fringes of the Elysian boundary, lies the grim territory long known as the Duchy of the Ancient Shadows. Once a place sacred to the terrible Elemental Princes who created the Genasi through dark magic in the early years of the mortal age, this forest retains a dark reputation, and is said to contain gateways to the Malificences of each of the elemental planes beneath its shadowing canopy, while its twisted vegetation and miasmal air speak of ties to the Grim Plain. The closeness of the elemental boundary shields the region from the setting sun which might otherwise burn away the mists.
The Dukes and their court are the guardians of this place; more its goalers than its protectors. Mostly Elf-blooded genasi with strong ties to the Primal Wild, they lead their people in the endless cycles of rites that keep the evils of the Malificences, the Grim Plain and The Abyss itself from pouring into the world through the wounds which still fester beneath the temples of the Elemental Princes. The ducal seat lies in Threshold, the sole city of the nome, a grim, walled conurbation.
In addition to the ducal palace and the usual trappings of urban life, Threshold is the home of the House of Abjured Flame, one of four Houses of Abjuration in the region. These institutions guard places of great and ancient magic, and maintain the complex magical workings that are said to be the keys to the binding of the Princes in the Elemental Maleficences. Half-dynastic house, half school of defensive magic, their officials -known as shield mages, although their formal title is 'binder' - wander the nome and the Federation as a whole acting as exorcists and monste hunters.
The Grand Duke - as with most titles in Caino, it is applied without gender; the 'grand' was added to the title for emphasis when the duchy joined the Federation in CY22.1 - has been the hereditary nomarch of the Ancient Shadows since time immemorial. The electors are the Arch-Priest of Threshold (usually a priest of the Archon, but always the senior cleric at the Temple of Foundation in Threshold;) the Grand Chancellor, right hand to the Duke; the High Binders of the Houses of Abjuration; and the Duke's Fool, an office of surprising power and importance.

Type

Geopolitical, Province