Dhul Mabran

Dhul Mabran or the Grey Kingdom is a province of southwestern Verrin, home to the Mortal Elves. Politically, it is united into a single Kingdom, ruled by an absolute monarch. However, in some areas, the King's control is weak or perhaps non-existent. This is due to the constant power struggle between the three major powers in Dhul Mabran- The Great Houses, the Yirr Graveth and the King himself. This tug-of-war between the factions results in disorder and conflict but also ensures that no single entity dominates the others.

Geography

Dhul Mabran's climate is harsh and arid steppe, although it is not quite as dry as the deserts of Sab Qhua. Primarily, the landscape is dominated by grasslands and rocky outcroppings, around which cities are usually built. Several large ravines split the landscape, one of which now plays host to Vardalan, the Hanging City- as the name suggests, a city that hangs precariously from the interior walls of a ravine. A more temperate climate exists along the coast, where water and greenery are less scarce, but storms and enormous destructive waves are common. A mountain range separates Dhul Mabran from its northeastern neighbours. To the south lie the Dwarven deserts.
The main plant types include the famed Black Benarus tree, which is hardy enough to survive in almost any conditions and bears bitter fruit, and a variety of shrubs and grasses, some of which are edible. A particular favourite of the Mortal Elves is the Rocknettle, which can be brewed into a strong tea or eaten whole.
Dust storms and intense heat are the primary dangers during summer, whereas flooding and disease are common during the short but intense rainy season. The Elves are well adapted to their home, but outsiders must travel with extreme caution.

History

Prior to the legendary migration of the Mortal Elves, the land of Dhul Mabran was sparsely populated by a few isolated Giant and Dwarf tribes. Very little of note happened here during the world's first ages, probably due to the relative lack of resources and the harsh, arid climate.
During the Third Age, when the Mortal Elves came into being by way of a Dwarven curse, three among their number ascended to godhood and led them in a great migration across Verrin to Dhul Mabran. The scattered and disorganised tribes who lived on the steppe were easily routed by the Elves. Settling their new lands, the Mortal Elves themselves became tribal due to the scarcity of resources. They also began to develop their own language and arcitectural techniques, influenced by the hardships of living in newly-christened Dhul Mabran.
Over the centuries, Dhul Mabran was ravaged by constant infighting as well as attacks from outside- Giants and Dwarves often led vengeful campaigns deep into Mortal Elf lands. Some Elves become so downtrodden due to the constant warfare that they migrated once more, to the Dwarven lands of Sab Qhua, where they became the barbarian Grey Ones, also known as the Hordes of the South. At one point, Dhul Mabran was even hit by a falling meteor, decimating the population and causing widespread panic. Despite feeling abandoned by fate, the Mortal Elves soldiered on.
Eventually, a prophet arose- Ideth Darivar, also known as Ideth the Golden and the Mother of Mortals. Taking up her now famous sword, Hope of Khelkeroz, she quickly gathered a loyal following and purportedly fulfilled prophecies that were issued centuries earlier by the god-kings themselves. She managed to persuade the tribes of her prophetic gift, and eventually the fractured realm became whole as they set their differences aside. Under Ideth's leadership, the marauding Giants and Dwarves were driven from Dhul Mabran once and for all in a bloody and protracted conflict. Thus, Dhul Mabran became a Kingdom, with Ideth as its first queen. On her deathbed, Ideth purportedly issued another cryptic prophecy which many believe points to her reincarnation in the future when the Mortal Elves' need is most dire.
Since then, the tribes reformed into the Great Houses, and the Yirr Graveth has only grown in power. On several occasions, the Great Houses have fought openly for the throne. The most recent and most devastating occurrence of this is known as the Crown War, and Dhul Mabran still bears the scars of this conflict.

The sigil of the Kingdom of Dhul Mabran depicts Hope of Khelkeroz, the sword of Ideth Darivar on a red field. It is a sword in the traditional Dark Elf style and it serves as the badge of office of the incumbent monarch along with a crown that was once stolen from the High Elven Hierarchs.

Type

Geopolitical, Kingdom