Avril — The Land of Trees

Nation-State of the Pridarian Federation

Avril is a democratic hill-and-forest nation in southeastern Pridaria, famed for its woodcraft, its tree-shaped architecture, and its role as home to one of the legendary Seven Libraries of the Sages. Formed from ancient gnomish farmlands and dwarven enclaves, it is now a diverse and civically active member of the Pridarian Federation.

Basic Information

Type: Nation-State
Location: Southeastern Pridaria
Borders: Northern coast along the Crescent Sea
Demonym: Avrili, Avrilians
Government: Direct democracy + Parliament + Council of Mayors
Capital: Etan
Major Cities: Tradebell, Sword Hollow, Oaktown, Willow Falls
Languages: Gnomish, Dwarvish, Common, Sylvan (in rural regions)
Population: ~32% Gnome, 28% Hill Dwarf, 2% Other Dwarves, 15% Halfling, 13% Elven (mixed varieties), 18% Human, ~2% Other
Notable Institutions: Mage Academy, Library of the Sages (Avril Branch)

Geography & Climate

Avril lies southeast of the Great Valley, occupying a region of rolling hills, shallow river-cut ravines, and enduring woodlands. Though not as densely forested as some regions of the continent, Avril appears heavily wooded due to the intentional integration of farm, forest, and settlement.

• Forests are shaped rather than cleared.
• Gnomes cultivate living trees into functional farmland boundaries.
• Hill dwarves terrace the hillsides for mixed orchard and grain farms.
• Human and elven settlements gradually blended into this system after early conflict.

The climate is mild seasonal, with cool, wet winters and warm summers moderated by the Crescent Sea winds. Wood thrives here—both natural and cultivated—which directly shapes Avril’s culture and economy.

Early History & Settlement

Gnomish Farmland Hidden in Forests

The first large-scale settlers were gnomes migrating from Fey-touched regions, who created sprawling farm networks disguised as natural forestland. Outsiders later believed these forests untouched, unaware that they were destroying entire farmsteads when clearing land.

Dwarven Arrival

Hill dwarves descended from the eastern mountain range bordering the Great Valley. They built stone terraces, breweries, workshops, and farmholds that complemented (and occasionally clashed with) gnomish organic designs.

Misunderstandings & Conflict

When humans and elves arrived centuries later, they unknowingly disrupted these camouflaged farmlands, sparking periods of:

• Tension
• Skirmishes
• Border feuds
• Short but bitter wars

From this conflict emerged the first political structures that would one day unify as the nation of Avril.

Government & Political Structure

Avril is one of the most democratically active states in the Pridarian Federation. Its system has three primary branches, each functioning cooperatively but independently.

Popular Vote (Direct Democracy)

Large civic decisions—education policies, land use mandates, taxation changes, and internal trade matters—are settled through direct voting. Election days are holidays, and civic participation is considered a cultural obligation.

Parliament

A proportional body representing population centers.

Responsibilities include:

• National budget
• Legal changes
• International cooperating measures
• Infrastructure
• Oversight of inter-city disputes

Parliament also must approve the selection of the Chief Executive.

The Conclave

Each incorporated town or city sends one mayor (or equivalent). They operate as a balancing branch of government, representing local autonomy.

Duties include:

• Municipal coordination
• Local protections and resource allocation
• Acting as a check on Parliament
• Electing the Chief Executive

Chief Executive

Chosen jointly by:

• All sitting mayors
• Parliament representatives

This position is taken on reluctantly; leadership in Avril is viewed as service, not ambition. Most daily town matters fall to:

• Deputy Mayors
• City Councils

Culture — “The Land of Trees”

Avril’s title derives not from forest density, but from how trees are used and lived with.

Architectural Traditions

• Gnomes shape homes within or around living trees.
• Dwarves combine wood and stone, emphasizing durability and beauty.
• Some villages appear carved from forests without harming a single tree.

Arts & Craftsmanship

Avril is internationally acclaimed for:

Master Woodcraft:

• Bows rivaling enchanted elven designs
• Sculptures with uncanny detail
• Architectural carvings
• Wooden tools valued even by metalworkers

The Wooden Armor Legend

One famous tale tells of a dwarven blacksmith who abandoned smithing to become a tree farmer, cultivating a species of wood with unmatched durability.

From this wood, he crafted:

• Armor that outlasted adamantine chain
• Shields that absorbed impact like stone
• Tools that remained sharp for decades

The secret technique is believed lost to the Cataclysm or passed secretly among Avril’s master artisans.

A common saying in Avril:
“There are two types of adventurers—those who mock wooden gear, and those who own Avril craft.”

Library of the Sages (Avril Branch)

Avril is home to one of the legendary Seven Libraries of the Sages, ancient centers dedicated to:

• Collecting written knowledge
• Preserving originals
• Producing copies via arcane printing engines
• Distributing texts to scholars worldwide

Avril’s library survived the Great Cataclysm with minimal loss. Its sister library, once located in U’dranda, vanished entirely—leaving behind only speculation.

This library makes Avril a center of scholarship, diplomacy, and arcane research.

The Great Cataclysm & Modern Avril

During the Cataclysm, Avril’s forests shifted violently, and portions of ancient farmland resurfaced.
Yet Avril remained more stable than many states. Its Library stayed intact, and major settlements endured.

In the post-Cataclysm age, Avril became a regional center of trade, learning, and magical education, especially due to the Mage Academy.

Major Settlements

Tradebell

A vibrant town near the Crescent Sea, known for:

• Merchants from across Pridaria
• Access to both lev-train and snail-rail routes
• Artisan guilds
• Seasonal markets and festivals

Mage Academy

Located just outside Tradebell, the Academy attracts:

• Arcane scholars
• Young mages
• Researchers from all traditions

Its presence reinforces Avril’s identity as a place of learning, discipline, and magical innovation.

Economy

Avril’s economy is heavily influenced by forest products and scholarly trade.

Major Exports

• Fine wooden tools
• Master-crafted bows
• Books and copied manuscripts
• Art and sculpture
• Specialty agricultural products from forest-integrated farms

Imports

• Metal ore (beyond local dwarf operations)
• Arcane components
• Federated infrastructure materials

Demographics

Gnome: 32%
Hill Dwarf: 28%
Other Dwarves: 2%
Halfling: 15%
Elven (varied): 13%
Human: 18%
Other: ~2%

This diversity is foundational to Avril’s cooperative political culture.

In Popular Understanding

Avril is widely viewed as:

• A place of civic pride
• A land where tradition and innovation meet
• Home to unmatched woodcraft
• A sanctuary of knowledge
• A nation defined by trees, not consumed by them

It stands as a peaceful, creative, intellectually vibrant state within the Pridarian Federation.