Ancient Elven Dominion
The Ancient Elven Dominion is the oldest mortal empire known to exist on the Material Plane. The remnants of the first elven civilization, it exists exclusively on the landmass of Secaré, far away from all other nations. However, they once ruled nearly two thirds of Galledall, until the cataclysms weakened them and forced them to retreat in order to prevent collapse. Experts of magic in previous eras, it is thought they will soon reclaim their title as the most magically developed land on the material plane. Little is known about the nation, since it is very isolationist and secretive causing many on Vadovass to view the dominion with distrust. They have open borders with the New Elven Union, but only allow certain people to sail to it.
History
Age of Mortals
Although an exact date is unknown, the Elven Dominion is said to have been formed at the city of Sol Sothun in the year 1392 during the Age of Mortals, shortly after the Dragon-Giants Wars began to slow in that region. Though initially formed as a military coalition to rid Secaré of dragons, it formed into a complete governing body that lent it's trained and experienced soldiers to free other groups of elves that were being oppressed by dragons, giants, or even other humanoids such as humans or dwarves.
After the fall of their draconic overlords, the dominion had conquered all of Secaré, and had united them under one banner. Their attention turned towards Vadovass, to continue their goal in freeing and helping any elves that were being oppressed by others. However, the formation of new humanoid empires would prove troublesome for the dominion, particularly those of human dominance. Despite this, great progress was made into the mainland of Vadovass. Occasional wars were broken up by periods of peace that were short to elves, but long enough for humans to view the peace as genuine. Still, many groups opposed the dominion and would coordinate their efforts in fighting them. The dominion had special trouble in the region of Hadar, where it seemed that fighting the elves was the only thing that could unite the locals. Instead, the elves continued to move directly west, into the Archaism Mountains.
Moving into the Archaism Mountains put the dominion in direct conflict with the local dwarven kingdoms. Unlike humans, dwarves lived long enough to not be fooled by temporary peace, and held strong grudges for wars that had been fought against them. It was here where the dominion reached its largest extent. Though further pushes were made into the region of Hadar, none would be successful due to combined efforts of human and dwarven Kingdoms. Instead of land expansions, some expeditions were sent to the other side of the continent by sea, but the exact fate of these groups is unknown.
Post-Cataclysm
It appears that the temporary loss of magic to the elves cost them greatly when fighting against the inhabitants of Vadovass that didn't previously rely on magic. Though little land was lost in Vadovass during this time, many of the Elven Dominion's soldiers were killed. Even greater issues arose when monster attacks in Secaré became more frequent, requiring soldiers fall back to the homeland. This diminished troops available in eastern Vadovass left surviving settlements vulnerable to attacks. It is believed that during this age, more than a dozen cities were completely destroyed. Once magic finally returned, it proved little use in retaking lost territory due to a lack of living and experienced magic users, so a defensive strategy was adopted.
Though many of the Archaism Dwarves were shut into their own cities, a new threat arrived in the Archaism Mountains in the form of orcs, who were migrating east from the continent of Uth. These creatures were alien to the lands of Galledall, but they had quickly established themselves in the mountainous regions, putting even more strain on the dominion's forces.
With the total loss of magic, the dominion's forces fell back even further into the plains and valleys of eastern Vadovass. Finally, a total retreat of all elves was called on the 9th of Ekeros, 1519 P.C. when the Kingdom of Hadar (later the Hadaran Empire) destroyed the fortress of Aršra Duri, the only major stronghold between the Hadari and the dominion's less defended cities. No buildings were left standing, and the earth was salted as the elves retreated back to Secaré. Many who did not evacuate were massacred, with only a few elves surviving the conquest.
From 1528 P.C. onwards, the dominion adopted a defensive, isolationist strategy. Though some incursions onto Secaré were attempted by the Hadaran Empire, none were military or strategic successes. Nearly all contact from Vadovass was cut off, and even elves who sailed across the Schism Sea later are said to have been killed or imprisoned. Most explorers who ventured to Secaré never return, though some returned to tell of their experiences. However, these accounts vary.
Age of Restoration
As of 28 AOR, the Elven Dominion appears to continue its long silence and isolation despite the return of magic. However, they were responsible for returning a small group of explorers from the University of Whystoll. In 7 AOR, an expedition by the university crashed onto the shores of Secaré before being rescued and watched over by some of the elves. They were taken care of and given a ship to return to Vadovass several days later.
Some have associated the group The Gwenoch with the Ancient Elven Dominion, though no official connection has been made by either the group or the dominion.
Social
The dominion is composed of almost all elves, both wood and high elves. Though other races do make up some of the population, they are expected to fully conform to the elven culture. This culture is designed to be nearly identical to the way the first elves lived. Those who are born in the Elven Dominion and find themselves unable to conform are typically allowed to leave for Vadovass. What little is known about them is thanks to their interactions with the New Elven Union, and ancient texts from before and during the cataclysms.
Like most surface dwelling elven groups, the dominion is known to be totally hostile towards drow.
Political
The Elven Dominion is ruled by a council of fifteen elder representatives of the population, with five from each of the regions. These elders are the oldest from the three regions of Secaré, and were born in whatever region they represent. When an elder dies, the next oldest elf from that region is invited into the council. The five councilors from each group also meet once a month in their own region to discuss matters that pertain specifically to them.
Economic
Unlike most other nations of Galledall, the Golden Mountain Trade Guild has no connection with the Ancient Elven Dominion. Thus, the official currency used in the dominion is completely unique to it and can't be used to spend it anywhere else. The lack of contact with those inside the Elven Dominion has made discerning the exact economic level of the average citizen impossible.
Religious
Like most of the details of the Ancient Elven Dominion, little is known about their religious practices. It is believed that all worship the Seldarine, even the few non-elves who inhabit the land, but it is unknown if this is because of theocratic practices or simply because there are no other known religions on Secaré. It is likely at the very least that the Seldarine are the state religion. To what extent the population revere or adhere to tenets of the Seldarine is unknown, but it is believed to be at least somewhat strict.
Military
Due to elven families having children from only once every few years to around a century, each elven soldier is very expensive, in terms of population and time. With elves reaching adulthood at a century, there is no time to rely on the population for new soldiers during a war. An elven soldier must make the most out of their service. Because of this the Elven Dominion will train and drill their soldiers for decades before sending them out onto the battlefield. Wood elves were often trained as scouts that use hit and run or ambush tactics to avoid casualties, while high elves used their abilities with magic to attack their enemies from afar in great force and are known to use their intellect in strategic planning. The dominion still made use of traditional marching formations and infantry when needed, but this was typically only the case when invading an area or marching towards a target such as a city or fortress.
Foreign Relations
Currently, the only nation with open borders to and from the Ancient Elven Dominion is the New Elven Union. Even then, only elven citizens of the New Elven Union are allowed to travel to the dominion, and those who forsook their citizenship to the Elven Dominion are prohibited from returning. All other nations have a closed border policy with the dominion. The history of hostilities between the dominion and those who live on Vadovass has led to lingering suspicions from the latter. The most notable example is the Hadaran Empire, which occasionally raids or sinks ships travelling to or from Secaré. The only other notable example is the Republic of Viltanor, which many who forsake their dominion citizenship set sail to for their start in Vadovass, which the Elven Dominion regularly expresses their thanks towards.
Magic
In the past, the Ancient Elven Dominion made great use of magic, and were perhaps one of the most magically literate empires in existence. However, this gift was temporarily lost after the First Cataclysm, and again after the second for at least hundreds of years. Though they lost their ability to use magic, it is unlikely they lost their knowledge about magic. If this is so, it is very possible that the Ancient Elven Dominion will once again become the center for the most adept users of magic in the entirety of the material plane.
Toil Until Galledall Is Once Again Whole. Then, Peace.
Type
Geopolitical, Empire
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