Alothlien, an expanse of smooth forested land, is a bastion of stability and culture. Dotted along the many rivers are settlements of varying sizes. The smallest are cosy and homely villages integrating themselves into the landscape, the few families living there in harmony with nature. The biggest are bastions of artistry of any form, filled with music and light and bustling entertainment.
Direct democracy
There is a council of 100 elders, each new member elected after the passing of one of them. This council debates policy changes and proposes new legislation. About once per year, these proposals are gathered and put to vote. Anyone elligible can then register their vote at a local municipal office. Any proposals that have 75% approval are passed and integrated in Alothlien law. Proposals that fail to meet this approval, are reconsidered for the next vote. At first glance this may seem like a highly inclusive governing system. However, the law states that electorates are older than 100 years and registered Alothlien citizens for the last 50 years. This automatically excludes most sentients with shorter lifespans.
Stability
All Alothili land is owned by elven families. Ground is leased to others, who might own the buildings built upon it, but still have to pay rent to their elven landlords. Any new projects have to gain their blessing first, and elves tend to consider such matters carefully over the span of years. Therefore citizens in Alothlien find that their surroundings rarely change. Crime and disruption are punished severely, so that most communities enjoy a peaceful and serene existence. Elves thrive on this, while some shorter lived or more energetic sentients might find this too boring or stifling.
Artistry
Especially the bigger cities are masterpieces of sophistication and wellfare. Even those of the lower classes tend to live happily and in good health. Nature and magic both find a place within the architecture. The many cultural halls are filled with music and theatre, literature and poetry, paintings and sculptures, and any other form of art. Fashion is a domain of discovery and experimentation, going far beyond the practical, although in daily life the Alothili tend to wear comfortable, flowing garments with simple jewelry.
Common (sub)races
Although elves form the majority of the population, there are also many forest gnomes, satyrs, centaurs, and shifters.
