The Elven Empire

Territories: The Elven Empire claims most of the continent of Valanthus.

Government: The Emperor and Empress have final authority on most matters, but the Council of Volkain (formerly known as the Althenian Council) control the judicial system of the Empire. The Council can also depose the Emperor or Empress with a unanimous vote. Council members are appointed by the Emperor or Empress and have also traditionally served as advisors. Below the Council the Emperor can also appoint Regents to control certain territories or large cities, but the Council must approve such appointments before they are final.

Population: Approximately 22 million citizens, 96% Elven, 3% Half-Elven, 1% Human

Military: The Elves have a long military tradition, dating back to their War with the Dwarves. Their forces are led by the elite Dragoons of Volkain, trained in ancient arts of combat and magic. Mages and priests all serve in the regular Infantry, though on the battlefield their ranks are usually held back. The Elven Navy has some of the swiftest ships in all of Fou Lu, though not many ships ready for heavy naval combat. Their Airfleet, however, is another story. The transport ships of the Airfleet are of the traditional design, lifted by a gasbag and maneuvered with propellers. The attack ships, which range from small hit-and-run vessels to large warships, are all magic-powered using crystal engines. They employ crystal as well as traditional cannons, and are extraordinarily fast.

History: Ages ago the Elven Empire was one of Fou Lu's greatest powers. Since then the Empire weakened and collapsed. At one point the Elven Empire had no real political or economic power at all, controlling only one or two cities but claiming authority over all Elves. Since the fall of the Red Empire, however, there was a resurgence in the Elven Empire.

Shortly after Rein's disappearance a girl came to Celeb Angrat and claimed she was of royal blood and the rightful heir of a royal line that preceeded the Elfking dynasty. The girl produced a metallic disc inscribed with a number of runes and she claimed that it was a favor from Volkain Himself to prove that she would be the next ruler of the Elven Empire. The Council, who had patiently listened to the girl, went into private recess for three days. When the Council returned the proclaimed the beginning of the reign of Empress Allayna Volinem, Ruler of the Elves.

Empress Allayna turned the entire Empire around. Her favor from Volkain was mounted on a staff, a relic she would pass down through her line, and she also had a crown crafted out of the finest white gold. Allayna's first order of business was a call to all Elven men, for she needed a strong husband to ensure the continuation of her line. This is how many of the greatest warriors, brightest thinkers, and richest merchants from among the Elven male population came to Celeb Angrat. Allayna chose a strong man of some military brilliance, and he took the young warriors that had also come and integrated them into the city's army. The new Emperor and Empress entertained the thinkers and merchants, and gained the funding for a war effort.

Emperor Mannev - who had taken the Empress's surname in marriage - led his army out into Valanthus and, by the grace of Volkain, brought Renum and the Citadel into the fold of the Elven Empire. The swept south and captured most of the rest of the so-called Valanthus Empire, ruled mainly by humans. Eriatarn fell to the Elves and their creator, the Sky God. The humans had enjoyed Volkain's favor for many years, but this was a time for the Elves.

For about 400 years Allayna and Mannev ruled, but Mannev swiftly approached his 1000th year of life, and the eventual end. Allayna went through the final ritual with her mate and they left their eldest son to rule. Emperor Narven Volinem has ruled since quite successfully. He has no wife or children yet, and is only just over 300 years of age. He has two younger brothers - twins at 212 years - Aram and Carvel, and a younger sister who is only 200 named Ellyn, all of whom are elligible to continue the Volinem dynasty.

Culture: The Elven Empire has deep cultural roots. Elves are highly religious, almost all worshipping their creator Volkain and some also worshipping the Mother, Althena. Volkain has been worshipped above all else most recently. Elves also love art and music, as does Volkain, and these forms of expression are the mostly highly valued in their culture. There is also a slight paranoia and xenophobia as a result of the Seeker Wars, though humans do still live alongside Elves inside the cities and laws of the Elven Empire and even serve in the military.

Advancements

Magical: Accomplished - The Elves have a love for magic and instruction in the magical arts is available to all citizens of the Elven empire. They are always interested to hear new thoughts and philosophies of magic, and to learn new techniques. The wisdom of great Elven magi is sought out by many as well.

Technological: Intermediate - Elves do not shun technology, but they do not openly seek it. They don’t understand the obsession with new technology, when things are fine just as they are. If something improves the current condition, then it is acceptable, but technology simply for the sake of innovation will be lost on the Elves.

Notable Achievements: Crystal engines and cannons, Public education (academic and magical), Advanced Summoning techniques