Ioheim

A nation closed off to strangers. It's a small nation, run by tribes of elves. Their borders are closely guarded, and even elves not born in Ioheim are considered with a certain level of suspicion, though not nearly as much as people from other races. Ioheim is on the very edge of Ivaenni; the people of Ioheim themselves don't count themselves as Ivaennians, as their land is a large near-island connected with only a few strips of land to the rest of Ivaenni. The other side of Ioheim is likewise only barely connected to the continent Giutone, which also counts Ioheim as part of their land mas, while the people of Ioheim does not consider their land part of Giutone. People are not allowed to pass through without permission, and those without permission can walk around Ioheim on the wooden bridge that circles the nation on either side. They're two-file if you're by foot, single-file if there are horses involved, and carts need to be very careful during the long trek. The people of Ioheim are always prepared to set the bridge on fire if it's needed, and they have craftsmen who are capable of quickly repairing it if that does happen. All inhabitants are given a magical marking upon birth that serves as a passport of sorts, allowing the bearer of it free passage into Ioheim. The location of the mark depend on local traditions. This tattoo-like mark can be concealed and revealed with a specific incantation only known by the border watch and the elders granting the mark. It is a permanent mark, and if a citizen is banished from Ioheim, their mark is altered, rather than removed. The mark is usually left visible within the country, so that others know that they have permission to be there, though it can be concealed at will. Guests are given a similar though slightly different mark, that can be removed. The marks can not be transferred between people.