The Empire of the Rune Keepers
After the settling, the Elven people looked to be as far away from the Dwarves as possible and turned their attention to the southern reaches of the continent; heading to the vast woodlands and rich greens to build up their magic; their resources and their understanding of the world around them. The Halflings joined them to seek out good fertile lands to create comfortable living and relaxing lives for themselves. Following both of them were the Dragonborn, wishing to learn more about their magical ancestry and heritages, they eventually separated to create their own land to the East of the Runekeepers which over time became known as The Dragonlands.
The Elven Lands is covered predominantly with dense forestry, rolling hills and small clusters of mountains; the land is segregated by a huge central lake which splits into numerous rivers and streams which streak out across the region and provides fresh water to numerous large and small settlements.
There was at one point a number of large sprawling cities in the Rune Keepers, with two capital cities ever vying for absolute power through playful games and sporting events, but following the Dragon War - the assault of the Kasarian Conclave upon the land - many of the cities were destroyed and a vast number of the population decimated. Though the Elves are slowly rebuilding they've had to make numerous changes to their way of life in order to compensate for that which was lost.
The Capital City of the Rune Keepers is now Tor Alyn, the central most city which sits upon the edge of Lake Gardiann. The City formerly known as Arborea now stands as the City of Rot, overtaken by fungus and nature during the War as a Myconid Colony rose from the death and destruction, the Sovereign of this Colony has aligned with the Elves and will be a valuable ally in the future. The City formerly known as Tor Malmo, was one of the dual capitals, but was so badly decimated in the War that it has been reduced to a town and renamed Malmos. Tor Uviel, the other former captial city, was far less physically damaged in the War and repairs are being undertaken far quicker. Gatewatch is considered abandoned for it is still under the control and domination of Murgenstein the Brute, one of Kasri's strongest and most fierce Dragon followers.
The Rune Keepers was once under a dual government, equal parts Arcane and Religion based. However, following the slaughter of the Mage sect of government, they have pivoted to a full Theocracy run by the High Clergy of Var'Bellenaris (the temple city and hub of the Seldarine Clergy which sits on an island in the middle of Lake Gardiann). A great many of the Clergy were killed in the War, but they are making strong efforts to reassert peace among the populace with everyone they have left.
Structure
The Empire of the Rune Keepers is run by a governmental force of the Seldarine Clergy based in Var'Bellenaris.
In the aftermath of the Kasarian Conclave's assault, the vast majority of the High Clergy (the highest mortal power in the Seldarine following) were killed or so badly traumatised they have stepped down. To the point where only the Twelve High Priests and High Priestesses of Var'Bellenaris remain. With this monumental loss, the High Clergy of the temple city now command the government of the entire Empire between the twelve of them, with the High Priest of Corellon being the figure head which has the final say on all decisions.
Military
With the fall of Gatewatch during the Kasarian War, the common guard is now trained on a settlement to settlement basis, relying heavily on the lingering forces from the Empire of Man and the Clockwork Battleaxe who stayed to aid the rebuilding process, to protect the streets until there are enough Elven guards to carry the weight once more.
There remains a severe lack of a standing army in the Rune Keepers, however it is suspected that this will change following the War.
A far lesser seen secondary "military" force exists within the The Empire of the Rune Keepers, acknowledged to oversee the command of the Fortress of Eternal Umbra and its prisoners, alongside the far more well documented duty of hunting dangerous mages who originated in the Elven Lands and have either gone to ground or fled to other nations. This sect of military might is a terrifying force, made up predominantly of mages capable of hunting and eliminating other magic users, or restraining and pacifying those of martial prowess. Known to the wider population of the Empire as the Arcane Reapers, these highly skilled combatants; trackers; hunters and slayers are not the sort of people to get in the way of, and behind closed doors however, these elite warriors are know by another name: the Undying.
Religion
The most recognised religion of the Elven Lands is the ancient traditions of the Seldarine, most if not all major settlements within the region host at least one temple dedicated to the Pantheon, though some small settlements host religious sites dedicated to the deity most keenly followed in that area. Many of the roaming Clans still follow the older traditions and worships to the Seldarine, occassionally paying homage at some of the old henges constructed in honour of their gods.
With the recognition of one side of the Elven Pantheon, comes acknowledgement of the other as well, and thus many Elves reluctantly know of the Dark Seldarine which dwells within certain regions of the Underdark, and potentially within some of the darker corners of the surface towns and cities.
Due to their Halfling population, the Halfling deities are often referenced in cultural conversations, and frequently have small shrines or temples built to them in the Halfling dense settlements.
Potentially, the most unique religion found to have gained traction within the Runekeepers is that of Oghma. While he only has one dedicated Temple Town in his name, it is a prominent one, as it boasts one of the Runekeepers few dungeons within its bowels, and is cared for by a large selection of priestesses who tend to the Temple.
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
Capital
Alternative Names
Elven Lands
Training Level
Trained
Veterancy Level
Experienced
Demonym
Elven
Government System
Magocracy
Economic System
Market economy
Executive Body
The laws of the land are enforced predominantly by the town and city guards of the Empire.
When things truly go awry the Arcane Reapers are called into ensure those who would break the laws are dealt with appropriately.
Official State Religion
Neighboring Nations
Related Species