Western Marches

The Western Marches are a region consisting of several small Kingdoms and principalities between the larger Daulerim Empire and the Empire of Illodia. Dominion over these smaller states has shifted throughout history and they are frequently a source of conflict. Life in the Western Marches varies greatly. The northern regions are important trading centres, while the southern borders are ridden with poverty. While the great powers struggle over influence in this region, its inhabitants are additionally threatened by barbarian incursions from the south.

Derain

The Kingdom of Derain used to be a power in its own right. In the previous age it was a flourishing trading route between the dwarven states and the states in the delta of the Nostire, where now Malaral lies. They were conquered and integrated into the Daulerim Empire eventually. During the Wars of the Crownless they regained much of their autonomy, yet remained loyal to the capital. After the Fall of Ebelan the Tyrant however they chose independence. They prevailed for a while and even regained much of their former wealth. During the Reformation of the Empire by Irian Dauler, they chose to ally with the Daulerim, but did not rejoin the Empire, yet stayed on friendly terms.
Their ultimately decline came eventually by getting involved into the conflict between the Daulerim and the Illodian Empire. In the war of 550 they lost almost half their territory and were reduced to the status of a mere vassal. Since then they haven't recovered.

Korund

The region of Korund is among the poorest of the Western Marches, albeit it is not as poor as the Matanay. Nonetheless many problems, which plague the Matanay are also present in Korund. Most settlements are close to the rivers and its large open southern border is prone to be attacked by barbarians. The large river however connects to a mountainous region in the east and allows trade with the dwarven state of Shomok
What Korund lacks in natural ressources, its Lords make up in ambition. The current Lord of Korund has a grand plan of expansion, which includes the integration of Epelesh and Olusya. For this matter, bonds of marriage were made to form an alliance of the tree Lordships. Tallirer Abin, Lord of Korund has married the daughter of the Lord of Epelesh. His own niece sits on the throne of Olusya as Princess.

Olusya

The Principality of Olusya used to be part of the Kingdom of Derain, but gained independence following the decline of the former. Geographically Olusya consists of two parts, the fertile north and the southern swampland formed by the Low Kessin. This swampland also forms a natural border to Korund and Epelesh.
The current Princess of Olusya, Etinie Merdim is the daughter of the sister of Tallirer Abin, Lord of Korund. Despite these bonds and their alliance, Etinie has her own ambitions, which do not include the inclusion into Korund. In fact, personally they despise each other.

Epelesh

Epelesh was newly formed after the War of 550, known as the Second Illodian-Daulerim War. It was cobbled together from various territories belonged to its neighbors once. The nobility of this new state however gained a compromise and were allowed to have an overlord of their own choosing. Thus they elect one of their own. Their current Lord has however become senile and wed his young daughter to the ambitious Lord of Korund. Many of the nobles of Epelesh see this decision very sceptical, while others want the alliance with Korund dearly.

Naptal

The southern province of Illodia, now called Upper-Illodia, was once a collection of multiple small petty Kingdoms, Naptal was one of them. For some time even they could be considered a regional power. This period ended quickly and abruptly with the expansion of Illodia. Naptal had to recede to the region it itself considered a borderland. Although the Lords of Naptal are bent on taking back their lost territory, there is little hope of recovery.

Southern Marches

The region of the Southern Marches is actually just a part of Upper-Illodia cut off. While small, it harbord fertile land and access to most waterways in the region, allowing to a strong controll of the trade. It was separated from the Empire of Illodia following the last great war and the peace treaty. Daulerim forces are stationed in the Southern Marches, but the economy of this region is still dominated by the Illodian Empire.

Matanay

The southernmost region is the Matanay. The name is synonymous with the large barren area directly to its south. Most civilisation in the Matanay clings fearfully to the river in its midst. Beyond this the landscape of the Matanay consists mostly of steppe and desert in the south. It is of all regions among the Western Marches the poorest and most dangerous.

Name
Mennul Abilim (Western Border) (Daulerim)
Olmak Menool (Emat)
Kessinei Gedzin (Southern Kessin Province) (Illodzin)

Location under

Illangar

Contested By

• Daulerim Empire
• Empire of Illodia