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Sunset Confederacy

The elven government of the Sunset Isle. The confederacy united hundreds of years ago after an endless age of conflicts and wars between the elven tribes. After a devastating war, the various clans and ethnic populations united in a stable peace. Now, hundreds of years later, they remain an aloof but strong island nation.

Structure

Each clan is organized in its own cultural way, varying from warlords to bureaucratic systems. However, the clans come together in the capital of Nythillera, known as the Conclave. The Conclave is where a representative of each clan comes together to debate and oversee international policy—the mediation between clans and military decisions. Each member of the Conclave is called a "speaker" which represents their clan's interests. There is no chief speaker or higher title. However, the games of political intrigue do create "first among equals" from time to time.

Public Agenda

The Sunset Confederacy does not often engage in larger continental issues. Its most adherent policy is its trade routes with the Dwarven Reach and the Pax Nevarra. There is a mutual understanding of defence between the three parties, but it is tenuous if the elves would answer a call to war regardless of whether it was offensive or defensive in nature.

Assets

Elven fabrics are considered among the finest in the world and are highly sought after by nobles across many nations. Silks, wools, and cotton are common among shipping trades. Additionally, the confederacy boasts an impressive navy specializing in quick-moving brigandines and longships.

History

Whether the elves colonized the Sunset Isle or are from there originally is a highly debated issue. Elven ruins are dotted across the continent, suggesting a once-mighty elven empire. However, no records exist of an elven empire, and what art remains in the ruins is either damaged or too cryptic to understand.   What is known is that permanent elven settlements date back to -1500 Ancient and that the island became unified in -800 Ancient. The elves refer to the 700-year gap as "The Discord" and rarely discuss it outside the island.   After the establishment of the Conclave, the island began to open up to the wider continent. First, they traded with the few dwarven ports and eventually guided the proto-Nevarran people to enlightenment. Since this economic and political growth, they have remained a steady hand guiding the other races.   This guiding hand soon became a fist, as the Blight came from the south. The island was untouched but with Votendenes under siege and the continent burning, they brought a tranquil fury to the fore. Var elvhen claws tore through the beastly ranks, while the cyrill unleashed devastating magic onto the masses. The unlucky survivors who attempted to escape fell to glen arrows.   Since that time of unity, the elves and the confederacy remain as a distinct backdrop to wider politics. They are rarely the subject of discussion but always discussed.

Demography and Population

The island is the elven homeland and, as such, most of the population is elven. The clans, while distinct with their own ethnicities and rivalries, are still elves, and will aid each other before any other race. The port cities do have some dwarven and human districts, but they wisely stay far away from courtly intrigue.   Elf: 90% Dwarf:5% Human: 4% Other: 1%

Territories

The Sunset Confederacy unsurprisingly controls the Sunset Isle and its neighbouring islands. The largest neighbouring island is Avandor. This island is considered holy by the elves and is the place where one can make true contact with the gods. The elves also control a number of small islands that dot the surrounding main island. However, these islands are so small that they are barely sufficient to support anything more than a few small villages and the occasional pirate cove.

Military

The confederate military style of the confederacy focuses less on mass warfare and more on leveraging political power both internally and externally. War philosophies are varied between the different clans.  However, the average credo is to avoid large battles and either strike a flank, a rear, or a commander. Elven assassins and snipers are a very real threat for any aggressor against the Isle. This policy has kept the island safe for a long time, and only the boldest adventuring conquerors even dare to attempt traversing it.  
We were formed up for parade on the day before the supposed battle. Our commander was a real hot-head. Some crown-prince of the grand duchy of whatever. Wanted a nice shiny medal on his breastplate. He's giving some speech about how the elves refuse to fight us and they weak, cowardly knife-ears. His squire came up with the commanders sword. Gave it to him; and then shoved a knife into his throat! Some magic disguised the assassin I guess, but it was an elf. He turned, winked at us, stole the commanders horse, and fled into the woods. We sent search parties, but never found anything. We never did end up marching on the elves. No one wanted to take up command. - Sergeant Ferron, 4th Western Battalion

Religion

The gods are actively worshipped on the Sunset Isle. The most commonly worshipped of the gods are:  Pelor the Light Bringer, Hakkon MothersMilk, and The Morrigana as Selune.   Pelor Lightbringer is the god of the sun that provides crops and warmth to the island. He is depicted as a younger elf holding a solar disc. This depiction is contrasted to other images of him where he is viewed as a more senior god. Wandering clerics are the most common of worshippers.   Hakkon Mothersmilk is a wintery wargodess. She is provider of shelter, freshwater, and crafting materials, realistically making her less of a wargoddess and more of a protectress. Druids are more common among worshippers. Interestingly, oaths of office in the Conclave are sworn under Hakkon.   The Morrigana as Selune holds sway over the moon, magic, and transformative qualities. The bird aspects are downplayed while the moon aspects are played up. In some interpretations, she is the wife of Pelor and his consort. The var elvhen belief she is the one who created the blessing of lycanthrope, which they embrace.

Foreign Relations

The confederacy has a long-standing relationship with the Dwarven Reach and the Pax Nevarra. They all view each other amicably and hope for peace and cooperation, though some small rifts do exist.   The Nevarrans harbour some resentment over the lack of sanctions and action taken against the Radiant Empire, who continue to send spies and dissenters over Nevarran borders.   The Dwarven Reach, who continue to feel the burn of the Blight the most, remain bitter that the elves refuse to send expeditions into the Lost Kingdom and that they seem to know more than they let on about the origin of the Blight.   To the confederacy, the Radiant Empire is a distant curiosity, with no diplomatic channels and only the occasional shipping trade. It seems these two powers will remain mysteries to each other...or that would be the case if the Elves hadn't been sending scouting parties into the Radiant Empire.

Til All are One

Founding Date
-800 Ancient
Type
Political, Confederation
Training Level
Semi-professional
Veterancy Level
Trained
Demonym
Sunsetter, Islander
Government System
Tribalism
Power Structure
Confederation
Economic System
Mixed economy
Neighboring Nations
Notable Members

A Cyrill Elvhen Commoner

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