Mariarion

Mariarion is the second oldest kingdom of elves, having split from Darthorion following Laurana's Rebellion. As the elves became more and more isolationist, withdrawing from their dealing with dwarves and the other civilized races, other elves believed that lack of contact with the rest of the world would further the strife between the races. Those who could not bring themselves to shut out the rest of the world moved north along World's Roof Mountains and founded Mariarion, relying heavily on their relationship with the dwarves of Fellhem and the two gnomish nations of Kishpa and Cantavaria. The capital of Mariarion, and seat of power, is Skoverion, a city deep in the Mariarias Woods along the Modervand River. Travelling upstream into the World's Roff Mountains, we come to the alpine city of Isfelt. Further south within the mountains, the city of Tagelby sits astride the headwaters of the Langdrank River. And the last major city in Mariarion is Venorion, almost inaccesible except by travel from the Gulf of Calad, up the High Fjord, and up the Pocket River. There are passes leading through the mountains connecting Venorion with the rest of the kingdom, but they are high and treacherous, and closed by snow except in the height of summer.
Mariarion: The Kingdom of the Long Stride Mariarion, the second-eldest of the elven kingdoms in Nyverden, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Seldarine and the pragmatic wisdom of those who chose engagement over isolation. Founded by elves who could not reconcile themselves to Darthorian's withdrawal from the world, Mariarion, meaning "Land of the Long Stride" in ancient elvish, embodies a philosophy of cautious interaction and the forging of strong alliances. Nestled along the northern reaches of the World's Roof Mountains, its history is one of resilience, diplomacy, and a deep-seated commitment to its allies, most notably the dwarves of Fellhem and the gnomes of Cantavaria.
History: A Departure from Isolation
The seeds of Mariarion were sown in the aftermath of Laurana's Rebellion. As Darthorian, under the weight of betrayal and loss, retreated behind its borders, a significant faction of elves, led by the visionary warrior Lysehar Langskrid, argued for a different path. They believed that complete isolation would not only stifle elven culture and understanding but also breed further mistrust and strife among the races. Lysehar, a charismatic leader renowned for his strategic mind and unwavering commitment to justice, rallied those who yearned for connection and cooperation.
Leaving the ancient forests of Darthorian, Lysehar and his followers journeyed north along the formidable World's Roof Mountains. They sought a new homeland where they could maintain their elven heritage while fostering positive relationships with other civilized peoples. Their long stride led them to the fertile valleys and alpine reaches along the Modervand River, where they established the foundations of Mariarion.
From its inception, Mariarion embraced a policy of cautious engagement. Lysehar recognized the value of strong alliances, particularly with the steadfast dwarves of Fellhem, who shared a history of betrayal at the hands of rogue elves. This alliance proved crucial for Mariarion's early survival and growth, providing both military support and valuable trade opportunities.
Later, Mariarion forged an even closer bond with the enigmatic gnomish nation of Cantavaria, located within the same mountain range. Recognizing the gnomes' unique magical talents and their vulnerability to the outside world, Mariarion established a protectorate over Cantavaria, offering military defense in exchange for gnomish ingenuity and arcane expertise.
The Royal Lineage: The Kings of the Long Stride
The kings of Mariarion, tracing their lineage back to Lysehar Langskrid, have consistently upheld the kingdom's core values of engagement and alliance. Their history is marked by both wise diplomacy and martial prowess:
Lysehar I (The Founder): The great warrior who led the exodus from Darthorian and established Mariarion. His reign was characterized by exploration, the forging of the alliance with Fellhem, and the initial establishment of contact with the gnomes of Cantavaria. Anya Lyseharsson (The Diplomat): Lysehar's daughter, Anya, focused on solidifying Mariarion's alliances through shrewd diplomacy and trade agreements. She formalized the early protective relationship with Cantavaria. Torvin Stonefriend: A unique figure in Mariarion's history, Torvin was an elf raised in Fellhem as a sign of the deep bond between the two nations. He inherited the throne and ruled with a deep understanding of both elven and dwarven cultures, further strengthening their alliance. Elara the Wise: Known for her keen intellect and foresight, Elara navigated a period of increasing tensions between the human kingdoms, maintaining Mariarion's neutrality while subtly bolstering its defenses and its ties with Cantavaria. Thalion the Guardian: The current monarch, Thalion, is a skilled warrior and a staunch defender of Mariarion and its protectorate. His reign has seen increased cooperation with Cantavaria in the face of growing external threats. Economy: A Tapestry of Trade and Artistry
Mariarion's economy is diverse, drawing strength from its natural resources, the skill of its artisans, and its robust trade relationships:
The Bounty of the Land: The fertile valleys and alpine meadows of Mariarion support agriculture, providing grains, fruits, and livestock. The unique flora of the World's Roof Mountains, particularly around Isfelt, yields valuable spices and herbs prized for their culinary and magical properties. Elven Craftsmanship: Mariarion's elves are renowned for their exquisite artistry. Their textiles, woven with dyes derived from mountain flowers and the silk of river worms, are highly sought after. They also produce intricately carved wooden instruments and furniture, elegant pottery, and jewelry crafted with gems mined from the World's Roof Mountains. The Modervand River Trade: The Modervand River serves as a vital artery of trade, connecting Mariarion's settlements and facilitating commerce with other nations. Graceful elven riverboats carry goods downstream and bring back essential resources. The Fellhem Alliance: Trade with the dwarves of Fellhem is a cornerstone of Mariarion's economy. The elves exchange spices, fine woodcrafts, and textiles for dwarven metalwork, including weapons, armor, and tools. This mutually beneficial exchange strengthens the bonds between the two nations. The Cantavarian Protectorate: The relationship with Cantavaria fuels a unique economic exchange. The elves provide the gnomes with grains, fish, and fabrics, while the gnomes offer intricately crafted mechanical devices, exquisite jewelry, and, most importantly, magically enchanted items and illusions that enhance Mariarion's defenses and daily life. Politics: A Kingdom of Alliances
Mariarion's political structure is a monarchy, with the King or Queen holding ultimate authority. However, the monarch traditionally relies heavily on the counsel of various bodies:
The Council of Elders: Composed of respected elders from each of Mariarion's major cities, this council advises the monarch on matters of law, tradition, and internal affairs. The Guildmasters' Conclave: Representatives from the prominent artisan and merchant guilds provide input on economic policies and trade agreements. The War Council: In times of conflict or potential threat, the War Council, consisting of military leaders and strategic advisors, guides the monarch on matters of defense. The Gnomish Envoys: Cantavaria maintains a permanent delegation of gnomish envoys at the royal court in Skoverion. These envoys serve as advisors on matters of magic, technology, and the security of the protectorate, highlighting the deep integration of the two nations. The Protectorate of Cantavaria: An Invisible Bond
The relationship between Mariarion and the gnomish nation of Cantavaria is a unique and vital aspect of the kingdom's identity. Cantavaria, known as the "Invisible Kingdom," is nestled within a hidden valley in the World's Roof Mountains, its existence concealed by powerful and permanent illusion spells cast by its master illusionists. This magical shroud renders the entire valley as an untouched wilderness to any outside the spell's effect, providing unparalleled security for the gnomes.
Mariarion's protection of Cantavaria is absolute. Elven patrols discreetly guard the approaches to the hidden valley, and any threat to the gnomes is considered an attack on Mariarion itself. In return for this unwavering defense, the gnomes of Cantavaria offer invaluable services and goods:
Magical Items and Enchantments: Gnomish illusionists and artificers create potent magical items for Mariarion's military and elite, including cloaks of invisibility, enchanted weapons, and devices that enhance elven magic. Technological Marvels: Intricate clockwork devices, self-adjusting tools, and ingenious mechanisms crafted by gnomish engineers are integrated into Mariarion's infrastructure and daily life, particularly evident in the waterworks and automated systems of Isfelt. Art and Knowledge: Gnomish artisans produce exquisite trinkets, jewelry, and works of art, often incorporating subtle illusions and enchantments. Their scholars also share their unique perspectives on magic and the natural world with their elven counterparts. Strategic Intelligence: The gnomes' mastery of illusion provides Mariarion with invaluable intelligence-gathering capabilities, allowing them to monitor potential threats without detection. The bond between Mariarion and Cantavaria is one of mutual respect and interdependence, a testament to the benefits of inter-racial cooperation. The elves value the gnomes' ingenuity and magical prowess, while the gnomes rely on Mariarion's strength and unwavering protection. This unique protectorate has allowed both nations to thrive in the often-hostile world of Nyverden.
Culture: A Blend of Elven Grace and Pragmatic Alliance
Mariarion's culture reflects its history and its close ties with its allies:
Elven Artistry and Learning: The traditional elven appreciation for beauty, art, and knowledge remains strong in Mariarion. Their cities are filled with graceful architecture, intricate crafts, and centers of learning. Respect for Allies: Unlike the isolationist stance of Darthorian, Mariarion's culture emphasizes the importance of trust and cooperation with its allies, particularly the dwarves and gnomes. Inter-racial gatherings and celebrations are not uncommon. Pragmatism and Resilience: Having carved their kingdom from the wilderness and maintained it through alliances, the elves of Mariarion possess a strong sense of pragmatism and resilience. They are not naive about the dangers of the world but believe in facing them through unity and strength. A Love of the Mountains and Rivers: The dramatic landscapes of the World's Roof Mountains and the life-giving Modervand River are deeply ingrained in Mariarion's culture, inspiring their art, music, and spiritual beliefs. Mariarion stands as a beacon of cooperation and resilience in Nyverden. Its history of forging alliances, its thriving economy built on trade and artistry, its pragmatic political structure, and its unique bond with the invisible kingdom of Cantavaria define a nation that chose engagement over isolation, proving that even in a world fraught with conflict, trust and understanding can build a strong and enduring realm.