Shilaranel Eldari (/ʃɪləɹəˈnɛl ɛlˈdɑɹi/)

Shilaranel Eldari, officially known as the Sovereign Enclave of Shilaranel Eldari, is a verdant realm located in the southeastern region of the Shimeran Isle. It shares its borders with Dur'Faelgar to the west, and Z'kallarja to the north, and has an extensive coastline along the Sundering Sea. Shilaranel Eldari has a population of around 1,200,000 million inhabitants, mostly comprising elves with a minority of half-elves, fauns, and fey creatures. Its capital, Foliren Elentirdor, also known as the "City of Whispering Leaves", is situated within the heart of the dense forests, built among the towering ancient trees. The architecture of Foliren Elentirdor seamlessly blends with nature and is renowned for its intricate and ethereal designs. The realm of Shilaranel Eldari has been continuously inhabited since the ancient times, well before the Sundering. Its history is a tapestry of lore and magic, woven through with the wisdom of its elven inhabitants. It has long been a sanctuary for scholars and druids, who study the ancient magics infused in the land due to its proximity to the Feywild. Governed as a theocratic magocracy, the Enclave is led by the Circle of Elders, an assembly of the most revered druids and mages. The Circle is guided by the ancient tenets of harmony between nature and magic. Shilaranel Eldari has historically maintained an isolationist stance, dedicating itself to the protection and preservation of its forests and the ancient knowledge that lies within. History
Before the Sundering, Shilaranel Eldari was known as the Ellisari Enclave. It was a sanctuary for all beings seeking knowledge and wisdom, especially in the arts of magic and druidic traditions. The Enclave was founded by an ancient elven druid, Ellisar Elynarion, who was said to have been gifted insights into the mysteries of nature by the fey. Under his guidance, the Enclave grew into a place where the natural world and the arcane were in perfect harmony. The denizens of the Ellisari Enclave revered the natural world and believed in a cosmic balance. As the conflict known as the War of the Mirror erupted, Shilaranel Eldari sought to remain neutral. However, as the intensity of the war grew and the use of Promethean shards by the Volion Lesethocracy and the Sarentek Federation escalated, the Enclave could not remain untouched. The magical energies that were being manipulated in the war started affecting the natural balance of the Enclave. Some elven factions wanted to intervene in the war to halt the reckless use of magic, while others wanted to protect their land from the conflict. The Circle of Elders sought guidance from Citron Meramin. Through an ancient ritual, they were warned of the impending disaster and the necessity to shield their realm. The elves of the Enclave worked together to weave a great spell, calling upon the powers of nature and the stars, to create a magical barrier around Shilaranel Eldari. When the Terminal Catastrophe occurred, the barrier around Shilaranel Eldari protected it from the most devastating effects. However, the Sundering cut the Enclave off from much of the world. The once vibrant connections to other realms dwindled. In the aftermath of the Sundering, Shilaranel Eldari renamed itself from the Ellisari Enclave to what it is known as today. They also began revering Citron Meramin as a protector deity, attributing their survival to her guidance. The Enclave’s barrier did not disappear after the Sundering, as the Circle of Elders chose to keep it maintained. This isolation allowed Shilaranel Eldari to thrive while maintaining the delicate balance of nature and magic. However, it also meant that the Enclave developed in isolation, with its residents knowing little of the outside world. As the world begins to rebuild, the barrier has weakened, allowing Shilaranel Eldari to establish tentative connections with its neighbors. The Circle of Elders, while cautious, acknowledges that a new age is approaching, and Shilaranel Eldari must decide its role in it.

Religious Beliefs

Shilaranel Eldari is renowned for its unique belief system which amalgamates the worship of the Merillian Decadivum, Aethys, the Flame of Creation in particular, and an extraordinary reverence for Citron Meramin. This unique spiritual framework has evolved over time and is rooted in ancient traditions.

Merillian Decadivum

The Merillian Decadivum is a pantheon of ten deities revered by many cultures beyond the Shimeran Isle. In Shilaranel Eldari, the worship of the Decadivum is deeply entwined with the natural world. The community reveres Veridian for the bounty of the surrounding forests and the symbiotic relationship with the creatures of the wilderness. The ancient groves surrounding Shilaranel Eldari are seen as sacred spaces, with shrines dedicated to Veridian. Elyndra holds special significance for the Shilaranel poets, artists, and dreamers. There are designated halls of reflection where individuals can meditate and interpret their dreams, believed to be messages from Elyndra. Aethys, embodying creation and knowledge, is central to the Shilaranel magical practices. Scholars and mages of Shilaranel Eldari see Aethys as the guiding flame leading them to arcane wisdom and knowledge.

Aethys, the flame of Creation

The Shilaranel have a particular affinity for Aethys, the Flame of Creation from within the Decadivum, whose worship is believed to have been introduced by celestials who visited the Shimeran Jungle in the distant past. Aethys's domain over fire resonates deeply with the Shilaranel, who are known for their celestial fire rituals, which are believed to cleanse the spirit and offer clarity of thought. The Celestial Library, one of Shilaranel Eldari’s most prized establishments, is believed to have been founded under the patronage of Aethys themselves.

Reverence for Citron Meramin

Citron Meramin, the Telluric Seraph, holds a special place in the hearts of Shilaranel Eldari’s inhabitants. Her reverence is rather unusual as it’s rare for mortals (including fey) to be subjects of worship. However, her status as the Telluric Seraph and protector of the Shimeran Isle have earned her a place in the spiritual fabric of Shilaranel Eldari. Citron Meramin is seen as the embodiment of harmony between the Feywild and the Material Plane. Her wisdom and serenity are revered, and her words are often sought in matters of spiritual significance. A statue of Citron Meramin stands at the heart of the Celestial Library, and an annual festival known as the Meloraelin is celebrated in her honor, featuring songs, dances, and storytelling.

Governance

The power structure of Shilaranel Eldari is deeply rooted in tradition and wisdom, and is governed by a Council of Elders. The Council of Elders is a central institution that has upheld the values, customs, and laws of Shilaranel society for countless generations.

Council of Elders

The Council of Elders is composed of venerable citizens who have been deemed to possess great wisdom, experience, and understanding of the nation's history, traditions, and culture. The number of members in the Council varies but generally stays within a range that ensures that decisions can be made efficiently, without the bureaucracy becoming too unwieldy. The Elders are usually chosen based on merit, often after serving the community in various capacities and demonstrating a deep understanding of Shilaranel values. The Elders are typically the eldest members of the community, but age alone is not a criterion; the selection is more focused on wisdom and contribution to society.

Roles and Responsibilities

The Council of Elders has several roles and responsibilities, including:

Legislation: The Council is responsible for creating and upholding the laws of the land, which are often based on ancient customs and traditions.
Conflict Resolution: They mediate disputes and conflicts within the society, ensuring that resolutions are in harmony with Shilaranel values.
Cultural Preservation: The Council has a vital role in preserving the culture, traditions, and history of the Shilaranel, ensuring that the younger generations are imbued with the knowledge and values of their ancestors.
Foreign Relations: Although Shilaranel Eldari is an isolationist society, the Council takes charge of the rare interactions with the outside world. The Shimeran Isle's isolation means that such interactions are infrequent, but when they do occur, the Council ensures that the nation’s interests are protected.
Spiritual Guidance: The Council of Elders also serves a spiritual role, guiding the religious practices and rituals of the society.

Demographics

Shilaranel Eldari has a population of above 1.2 million inhabitants. It is predominantly inhabited by elves, but is also home to several other races including kitsune, treants, and faeries among others:

Elves: Elves make up about 60% of the population. The elves of Shilaranel Eldari have various shades of skin, eye, and hair colors, with some even exhibiting traits like antler-like horns or glows. They live harmoniously with the environment and are responsible for the governance of the society through the Council of Elders. Due to the Shimeran Isle's connection to the Feywild, there are numerous Eladrin among the elf population.
Kitsune: Kitsune make up around 20% of the population. These fox-like beings, with their ability to shape-shift into human form, have a deep cultural significance on the Shimeran Isle. Kitsune are revered for their magical abilities and are often considered as keepers of ancient secrets; some are even part of the Council of Elders. They are often involved in teaching magic and spirituality to the younger generations.
Treants: Making up about 10% of the population, Treants are ancient tree-like creatures that live in the vast forests of the Shimeran Isle. They are guardians of the forests and are respected by the elves and kitsune alike. They rarely get involved in the society's governance but are consulted in matters concerning the forest or nature.
Faeries: About 5% of the population is made up of faeries. These small winged creatures have a strong affinity for magic. They are known for their mischievous nature and play a significant role in folklore and stories. Though not actively involved in governance, they are often seen helping in the cultivation of magical plants or taking care of magical creatures.
Other Races: The remaining 5% of the population is composed of various other magical beings, including nymphs, halflings and genasi. They are generally welcomed into the society. Their roles can vary, ranging from simple laborers or militiamen, to advisors on magical affairs.

Integration in Society

Integration among the different races in Shilaranel Eldari is quite fluid. While elves form the governing majority, they are deeply respectful of the knowledge and abilities of other races. The kitsune, in particular, are integrated as equals with the elves. The other races, though lesser in numbers, have specific roles and niches within the society which they are respected for.

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Capital

Foliren Elentirdor

Demonym

Shilaranel

Government System

Theocracy

Power Structure

Unitary state

Economic System

Market economy

Currency

The official currency is the Verindilinor. These coins are minted from heartwood, and embody the essence of Veridian, the Wild Heart, giving them shades of verdant green and iridescent hues reminiscent of a pearl. The obverse side of the coin features Veridian's triquetra. On the reverse side, the Celestial Library is shown in intricate detail.

Official State Religion

Merillian Decadivum

Deities