New Elven Union
The New Elven Union spans the regions of Glavenen, Nikel, and Northern Aestrum and is ran by a gerontocratic council of elves. It is a nation of mostly elves that reclaimed their homeland from human control several centuries ago. Elves of this land have revived the traditional way of elven life that ended many thousands of years ago when their civilization began to decline. While they took their land by force, they are mostly peaceful and show little aggression towards their neighbors. Defying stereotype, they even have an alliance with the Almaridian Empire, who helped them reclaim their land and have proved to be valuable allies with each other. When magic returned, a cache of magic artifacts was discovered in their capital, allowing the return of magic to happen more rapidly here compared to most other areas.
History
Post-Cataclysm
The story of the New Elven Union begins with the group they originated from, known as the Varwynn, translating from ellu as 'Delivering Wind.' For many years non-humans were oppressed by their human rulers. The majority of this oppression was done to elves, but dwarves, halflings, and other non-humans were also targets of it, specifically in the region of Nikelion, where humans and non-humans had been feuding since the Age of Mortals. The area was ruled by the Kingdom of Nikel when on the 29th of Valerum, 172 P.C., race riots erupted in the capital city of Kianthor after a wood elf was murdered by a group of humans in a tavern. The small elven community flew into an outrage for this was not the first time it had happened and the city refused to press charges against the men, one of which was a noble who is thought to have bribed the city. Those who raised arms against the city garrison were struck down, with local bandits also participating in the slaughter. The situation got out of hand when a guard killed a young elven family in front of others in the elven quarter, causing a resurgence of violence from them. However, after a week of violence, most elves had left the city searching for a new home, but this group was mostly wiped out by locals as they fled Kianthor.
Some survived though, and continued on, rage now guiding their lives. Other humans in towns and villages of Nikelion heard of this and began to fear of elves possibly striking out against them for revenge, and began to turn away all new elves to their communities, and being wary of those already present, fueling the mistrust and anger between them and humans. After a group of elves on the edge of the kingdom were killed for performing a ritual to Corellon, a group of elves formed the Varwynn on the night of the 6th of Simids, 1782 P.C. The group would massacre villages and small towns for nearly two centuries, doing so during nights with a crescent moon. Nikelion's response was to hunt down these elves and murder their sympathizers, opening the gateway for other elves, half-elves, halflings, dwarves, and others to begin joining the ranks. In 1825 P.C. the Virdamidian Republic took over the area and tried to calm tensions, but it was not very effective. By this point, the Varwynn no longer trusted the rule of humans, and sought the establishment of a new government where they were totally and completely in charge. Some elven senators were chosen from the area, but their requests for a totally free society were very unpopular, requiring most of them to remain silent about it if they wanted to keep their positions.
In 1912 P.C. Amon Alaris became the leader of the Varwynn. Alaris was a half-elf who was apparently one of the only people in all of Galledall capable of using magic during this time period. It was here when the Varwynn faced their biggest opposition, as did most of the elves and non-humans in the area. Seemingly overnight, some communities would begin to tear each other apart, leaving the non-humans dead in the streets. More attacks out of hatred and anger simply fueled they cycle, but the Varwynn were stronger than ever. Alaris was also loved by those around him, and even humans listened to what he had to say when he spoke. He went from village to village and to each remnant of shattered elves after an attack, asking them to join his cause. Most were convinced by his silver tongue.
In the year 1932 P.C., the collapse of the Virdamidian Republic began, and the Varwynn took the opportunity to strike the area of Nikelion, razing villages and towns, but the Republic was still strong in the area. Alaris saw he could not cede control yet, so he bided his time and waited to see if any interesting opportunities arose. Luckily for him, not only did the republic not recover quickly enough, but the collapse spread to the region of Durchen and beyond. In Durchen there was a noble named Sarland Varkus who was rebelling against the dying Republic. However, the area was very prosperous and was in many ways a lifeline for the Republic, which would continue to collapse without access to Durchen and the regions it was connected to. The Virdamids sent 15,000 soldiers to reclaim the region, and they would surely have succeeded. Amon Alaris saw that this was his chance, and met with the noble personally to discuss a deal. If the Varwynn helped Sarland Varkus' army, then he would in turn help the Varwynn carve out their own land as well. Pressed as he was, Varkus agreed. The Varwynn were very effective in their hit and run tactics against the army sent to Durchen, inflicting casualties, causing chaos, and causing the army to spend resources searching for them. In the end, the Virdamid army was forced into retreat thanks to the combined efforts of the Varwynn and their human allies, who would in time become the Almaridian Empire.
By 1941 P.C., the western border of Durchen was secured from future incursions, allowing Sarland Varkus to keep his word, which he did to the elves' surprise. He sent an army to help the Varwynn reclaim their land, and on the 1st of Ozzeldondum the city of Kianthor surrendered. Finally, by the coming of spring the following year, it became clear that the Virdamidian Republic could not survive the combined onslaught of the elves and Durchens. A truce was signed between all of them on the 3rd of Ekeros, 1942. The elves finally had their own place to settle and call their home. The capital was chosen to be Ashared, an ancient elven city built during the golden age of elven civilization during the Age of Immortals, naming their new home the New Elven Union. Later when they came into contact with the Ancient Elven Dominion, they were encouraged to adopt old ways of life, including the language Pananum which was adopted several years later. Since then, it has also been known as Ašrena Ser Ašared, or Kingdom of Ashared.
Age of Restoration
By the time magic returned on the 1st of Ekeros, the New Elven Union had been flourishing for some time. The return of magic marked a point in which the magic of the capital city returned, allowing access to an old vault of magical items long forgotten. This caused a surge of interest in the study of magic in the community, and many raced to unravel the mysteries that had been hidden for so long. Open borders with the Ancient Elven Dominion helped them decipher many of these secrets as well, allowing a resurgence of magic in the area that is rivaled only by the magic found in Midiiz, Senatoc, and Salandi.
The Almaridian Empire continues to be one of the greatest friends of the New Elven Union, and the two are military allies. During the War of the Warlocks that began in 14 AoR, the two attacked and ceded the land of the Aestren Republic, the remnants of the Virdamidian Republic, with the New Elven Union taking Northern Aestrum. After the war, the New Elven Union absorbed the land of Glavenen as a new region, the latter of which had rebelled against their rulers in Shiminore and were seeking protection.
Social
The New Elven Union is one of the few countries in all of Galledall that has more non-humans than humans. This was mostly caused by the initial reaction to elves flocking to the nation upon its founding, in tandem with many humans leaving for lands ruled by their own kind. The tension between the two races has caused the society to be mostly segregated simply by choice. Human settlements in the New Elven Union are not dissimilar to those one would find in Middelgemard, the Almaridian Empire or the New Golden Alliance, while most elves live with their own people as well. Despite this the two interact quiet often, and most human families that have lived in the area for generations since the Union's founding have gotten used to the new dynamic. Still, the distance they keep from each other keeps tensions at a certain level of mistrust, though not violence. Other non-humans are typically split between living in human dominated or elven dominated settlements, with about half choosing one or the other, with the exception of gnomes deciding to mostly keep to themselves or living in elven settlements.
Many of the elves of the New Elven Union originated in other nations, travelling far to reach a land they felt like could be a true home to them. Most nations have a sizable elven population that may live among the nation's dominant race, but most prefer to live apart in their own towns secluded from others. This is flipped on its head in the Union, and has caused some complications among the elves. Many of them grew up in human dominated cultures and have since adopted at least large chunks of that culture. Because of this, the New Elven Union is not too unlike other human nations, therefore simultaneously alien and familiar. Despite human culture being adopted by most elves, many hallmarks of distinctly elven culture remain. For instance, the elves of the union have an affinity for living within and in harmony with nature, and valuing grace and age. Though having similarities with the values of other races, elves are still known for having their priorities in an order many consider unusual. Overall, the culture is familiar enough for most to work with, but still odd enough to be off-putting to some.
Upon the founding of the New Elven Union, it was decided that the old ruined city of Ashared would become their capital, a daunting task as little was known about how the city was initially laid out, or what it looked like. To the surprise of everyone, they were helped by the Ancient Elven Dominion, who were glad to welcome another elven nation into the world. The architects of the Dominion had never lost the skills or knowledge of the ancient elves, and helped them reconstruct the city back to its original state. It is the only place in all of Vadovass one can go and see an authentic ancient elven settlement. The architecture is delicate, blending seamlessly into the natural surroundings. The city has no walls, resting on the cliff side of a multi-tiered waterfall. The structures are made of either finely carved wood or smoothed stone, both having ornate carvings with enough minute detail to make a dwarf's life work feel lacking in comparison. Large towers are spread throughout the city, and are often the first thing one can see when travelling to the city. Within, there are a multitude of gardens and open spaces to socialize, eat, drink, and meditate. There are no alleyways or slums, and every inch of the city and slab of stone is a masterwork by itself. The stench that is present in so many other cities across the continent is also notably absent. The natural surroundings somehow appear more beautiful with the city in view, and is not at all hindered by its presence.
Political
The New Elven Union is ruled by a council of the eldest elves of the union, similar to their brethren in the Ancient Elven Dominion. However, unlike them this council serves as the advisers to a king who is elected from one of their ranks. When one of the members of the council dies, the next eldest elf in the union is found and invited into the council. When the king dies, the council convenes until one of them is promoted to be the next king. Though monarch, the king agrees to abide by certain rules, and does not have complete and total authority. The king is more a domestic and foreign representative of the union. During times of war, the king is to lead the rest of the elves into battle, commanding them and even participating in the fighting. Meanwhile, the council acts as administrators in the union and at times ambassadors and emissaries to other nations. So far, there have only been two kings of the Union, the first being Valanor Elidad who was killed in the War of the Warlocks. The current king was elected shortly after, that being Siirist Haell, who has been the king since. Non-elf settlements are granted the right to mostly govern themselves, selecting their own representatives and administrators who report to the council.
Economic
The New Elven Union trades frequently with both Middelgemard, the Almaridian Empire, and the Dominion of Tilliden. It also trades by sea with the United Clans of Midiiz. Elven crafted goods are highly valued across Vadovass, and those made by the craftsmen of the union are highly prized, being made by some of the best on the continent. This is especially true for the Almaridian Empire. Elven jewelry, clothing, literature, and food are all highly prized by many of those hoping to appear more sophisticated and higher class across many nations, and the elven wine made in the union is the only that competes with the wine of Charmonte in terms of quality. Many individuals are also hired out of the union as teachers and tutors due to their age and perceived wisdom, with wealthy families from Midiiz, Viltanor, Charmonte, the Almaridian Empire, Middelgemard and even Soldern. Despite a high demand for elven goods, few in the union have capitalized on it as the money from the craft is secondary to the craft itself, and is further stifled by the elves' stereotypical lack of ambition. Most craftsmen who make many of these goods do so in their free time more for fun and personal betterment than profit, and almost none are interested in turning the process into a mindless quest for wealth. However, this unintentionally keeps supply low and demand high, benefiting those selling elven products.
Religious
Most elves follow the Seldarine to some extent, though there was little official worship for them outside of the Dominion of Tilliden until the founding of the New Elven Union. Now a small but devoted priesthood has been established in the city of Ashared. The religion has grown greatly, with temples in Ashared and shrines in outlying areas. Non-elves continue to follow and worship the Wizgaran Pantheon that was popular in the region before the founding of the union, since almost no non-elves worship the Seldarine. In addition, the elves also have a large number of druids and followers of nature worshiping groups, though many of them tie back into the Seldarine.
Military
"...We found the corporal stuck to a tree, with at least ninety arrows pinning him to it. Wouldn't have even recognized him if it weren't for our insignia on the shield he dropped, that had about another twenty stuck in it. Poor sod was more arrow than man in the end."
-Aestren war veteran giving an account of his time on the front against the New Elven Union during the War of the Warlocks
The elves are no strangers to war, and some study battle like any other art. In addition to the use of many weapons, elven marksmen are considered some of the best across all the nations of Vadovass. Similar to the Ancient Elven Dominion, elves who devote their lives to war as soldiers are trained extensively for years, as a dead elf cannot be replaced quickly enough to affect war. This is made even more important to the union, as it is an inevitability that the number of other races will soon outnumber the elves, something that many fear will lead to revolts. Because of this, each elf's life is highly valued, with great lengths taken for preservation. Many units made entirely of elves will either fight at a distance with their bows or are deployed in small elite forces. The union also makes use of their non-elf forces, organized in more conventional formations. While the elves do have extensive knowledge and skill over magic, they have not employed it into their forces in large numbers, preferring not to risk their mages lives for the time being. Once magic is implemented into their armies, many believe they will go from being an average military to an above average one, but this is speculation.
Foreign Relations
The New Elven Union is very neutral in its foreign relations, mostly keeping itself isolated and out of the affairs of others. This was untrue when the region of Glavenen rebelled against the Kingdom of Shiminore. Busy with fighting raiders, the region's large population of elves asked for protection by the union, who reluctantly agreed knowing that if they did not they would most likely be slaughtered. Later, the region was absorbed into the union after its rulers agreed it would be appropriate, winning them admiration from Glavenen's people but also earning the spite of the Shiminorans, who have since sworn vengeance. Many mistrust the New Elven Union, who invaded the Aestren Republic on a whim and have thus earned the suspicion of the Middelgemardians, Khallador and the Federation of the Dwarven Lords. On the other hand, they have cordial relations with Charmonte and Tilliden. Finally, they are such good allies with Almaridia that the two have many pacts and treaties together. Their people intermarry and get along surprisingly well despite the differences between them.
Magic
Most elves have a natural affinity to magic that is far beyond what other mortal races have. This alone did not allow them to maintain extensive magical knowledge that was otherwise lost in during the cataclysms, but it did help them in recovering it. In addition to being naturally skilled with magic, the return of magic gave the elves access to a large underground vault of ancient texts and artifacts in Ashared, long forgotten and inaccessible until the city was once again filled with magic. This gave the union a head start in rediscovering magic, making it rather common in places like Ashared. All elves are encouraged to learn magic to some degree, seeing their affinity towards it as a gift that should be cultivated and used as much as seen fit in everything from the arts they practice, the buildings they make, the food they cook and the tactics of war.
Type
Geopolitical, Kingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
Ašrena Ser Ašared, The Kingdom of Ashared
Demonym
Ašaredi
Leader
Government System
Gerontocracy
Subsidiary Organizations
Comments