Ibrezar Dynasty

The cold wilderness of Northern Astiria is an inhospitable place, where few seldom venture. Despite the harsh condition, there are a few civilizations that can be found surviving in this desolate part of the world. Off the western coast of the Northern Wastes is a large island, known as Cothatis.
A vast, icy island, Cothatis is roughly 130,000 square miles in area. Most of this is unliveable and barren, with the freezing temperatures meaning only a select amount of plants and animals adapted for the conditions can even hope to survive there. Despite this, a civilization has managed to endure for thousands of years: The Ibrezar Dynasty.
Nestled within the Shadow Peak Mountains that stretch across Cothatis, the Ibrezar Dynasty covers roughly 20,000 square miles. Most of this is in towns and cities that stretch to the sky in twisted spires, the architecture a reflection of the fallen kin that live there. Underneath magical domes that shield the inhabitants from the severe weathers of the north, it is the Dark Elves that call this place home.
With the echoes of the past permeated throughout their society, dark magics and Demonology are used freely across the Dynasty. These are essential for the survival of the Dark Elves, keeping their cities safe and extending their lifespans far beyond that of other species.

History and Formation

The Dark Elves of Ibrezar are descendants of the Elves of Auraiddmir, a once powerful Elven empire that covered a large part of Astiria. Around 3100 BA (Before Arden), an event known as The Sundering of Auraiddmir shattered this civilization, dividing Elvenkind for all time. Those that bought about this cataclysm had dabbled in forbidden magics and summoned demonic entities to the world. With the fallout, these Elves were banished to the northern reaches of the world.
The exiled Elves had been fundamentally changed already with their dealings with Demons and dark energies, becoming the first Dark Elves. Amongst these were several prominent families, and it is them that established the early governance of a new civilization.
Leaning further into the dark magics that had warped them, society was forged and great barriers to ward off the elements were created. The Ibrezar Dynasty was formed, the Dark Elves claiming their own lands and creating a culture based on shadow and secrecy. For three thousand years, the Dark Elves have kept to themselves n this cold wilderness, becoming a mistrusted and dangerous nation.

Government Structure

Due to their exiled location and isolation, the Ibrezar Dynasty resembles a series of smaller city-states than a sprawling empire like other countries. Governance revolves around key noble families that can trace their lineage back to the Sundering. These each have their own settlement that they will rule, which vary in size from a small town to a large city. At the head of each family is the head of the household, an individual who is a respected figure that holds considerable influence and authority.
Each of the noble families will also have a number of secondary bloodlines sworn to them. These pledge their loyalty to the nobles, providing security and power, as will as a means to diversify the genetic pool to prevent inbreeding. Despite this commitment, plotting and betrayal are common and a degree of political intrigue is found throughout all of Ibrezar's upper class.
Each noble family is free to govern as they see fit, although with the smaller population of the Dynasty it is always paramount that survival of the Dark Elves is put first. In times that decisions must be made for the entire nation, a Council of Elders is formed. Comprising of the heads of the noble families, they will convene to make major decisions. These could be external threats, magical regulations or even punishment of unruly nobles.

Religion

The Elves of ancient Auraiddmir worshipped many of the Elven Gods that are till followed today. The Dark Elves of Ibrezar consider themselves abandoned by these deities, and instead have turned to darker powers. Various forms of magic, including blood magic and Demonology, are found throughout society, and many of these include intricate rituals that could be mistaken for worship.
Despite this, no official state religion exists within the Ibrezar Dynasty, and the thoughts of worship of Gods or Goddesses is alien to the Dark Elves. Even the Demons that are used are not idols to worship, but instead are beings that grant strength and power. Some sects do have a more spiritual connection to various Demonkind, but to openly express this as a religious belief is frowned upon.

Societal Structure

Society is hierarchical with the Ibrezar Dynasty. The noble families are in the highest position, with their sworn bloodlines below. A level of specialised roles within society also finds themselves well-off, often comprising of magisters, warriors and demonologists.
The lower class is made of Dark Elves that provide more basic living needs; food, crafting, traders. Despite being more akin to commoners, these Dark Elves still enjoy a high standard of living, with the nobility they work under ensuring that no Dark Elf is found wanting. Being a civilised species with a small population, low birthrates and a lifespan that can reach into thousands of years, each Elven life is treated with respect and importance to the survival of the Dynasty.
Few outsiders are welcome to the spires of Ibrezar, but it is not unheard of. The Dark Elves see the outside world with the same distrust that others see them. It is also uncommon for Dark Elves to venture away from Ibrezar to find other places to settle, although given the age of the nation, this is also something that has occurred from time to time.

Economy

Much of Ibrezar's economy is influenced by the rest of the world rather than from internally. No official coinage is used, or required. The residents will often trade in favours or simply give what is required to others that need it. A desire to see the species flourish underpins all of this, and food and supplies is given freely when it is required. The noble families will ensure this continues, and any debates in regards to needs or requirements are settled by those in positions of power.
Trade is rare with other countries due to the mistrust for Dark Elves, but some agreements have been made throughout the years. Dark magic, alchemy and enchantment are all sought out by other nations for their own needs, but these deals will often favour Ibrezar. Spies, assassins and espionage are all skills that Dark Elves are naturally skilled at, and many other Kingdoms and countries have made secret pacts for these services from the Ibrezar Dynasty.
With their advanced magic, food is hardly in short supply. Traditional agriculture is all but unheard of, as magically grown plants and fresh water is created easily enough. This has meant the Ibrezar Dynasty has been more or less self-sustaining for quite some time.
Although they could potentially live quite easily with enough supplies and shelter, this has not stopped the Dark Elves from seeking other resources that cannot be found in their isolated location. The influence of Demonkind has provoked a luxurious lifestyle for many of the residents, and exotic goods are in high demand. With limited trade agreements, the Dark Elves quickly turned to raiding and corsair expeditions to sate this need for a life of luxury.
Black ships with spiked sails are a feared site along the coasts of Astiria, and the corsair fleets of the Dark Elves have terrorised lands for millennia. Many settlements that are targeted soon turn to providing tribute to the raiders, to stop the attacks on their lands.

Founding Date

~3100 BA

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Demonym

Ibrezari

Government System

Oligarchy

Economic System

Barter system

Location

Northern Astiria

Official Languages

• Elvish

Related Species

• Dark Elves

Related Myths

• The Sundering of Auraiddmir