Palnoré

A realm of seclusion and wisdom. Palnoré is a small island kingdom made up predominately of impossibly tall trees and magic. Settled long ago by Elves and Aarakocra, the realm of Palnoré has become home to the Elves of Efaanu as well as the Aarakocra, all in serve of their god named Palnor.
The worship and following of Palnor is widespread in Palnoré, to the point it infuses the culture and government of the island nation. The Elves of Palnoré are seen as the guardians and intellectuals of the nation, while the Aarakocra are the spiritual leaders due to their closer inherent connection to Palnor, who is often depicted as a giant owl.
The land itself is also tied to Palnor, and amongst its massive trees live the Palnori, giant winged creatures that resemble the god Palnor in that they look like massive owls. The Palnori are intelligent and wise, and are often used as mounts and physical strength when it comes to building the massive tree-settlements of the Elves and Aarakocra.
Outsiders are only allowed to visit the coastal city of Melai, the original settlement of the Elves. Here Palnoré trades with the outside world and handles all foreign business. Very rarely are outsiders allowed into the upper areas of the Palnoré tree-cities, and they rarely return from such a visit.

Structure

The people of Palnoré are split between the Elves, the Aarakocra, and the Palnori. The Palnori are an intrinsic part of society in that they form bonds with certain Elves and help with flying physical labor, but have no interest in the politics of the Elves and Aarakocra.
The Elves and the Aarakocra in the meantime represent the physical and spiritual aspects of the country respectively. The Elves handle all matters related to defense, diplomacy, trade, and non-religious magic. Whereas the Aarakocra handle all matters spiritual and elemental, and commune with Palnor directly (or so it is said).
To this end, the Elves split into various Haladendrins, or "Callings of Need." These Haladendrins include the Haladendrin of Diplomacy, the Haladendrin of Guardianship, and so on. They are essentially segments of the practical ruling of the country. All of the Haladendrin leaders then report to the Yedrin, or "Needed." This man or woman represents all of the Haladendrin and also, by default, represents the Elves of Palnoré.
The Aarakocra in the meantime are in charge of the Haladetari, or "Calling of Spirit." Unlike the Haladendrin of the Elves, the Haladetari is just one large grouping that handles the spiritual matters of the state. While this includes some smaller organizations, it mostly encompasses the worship of Palnor, and the resulting temples, charities, and even leadership of smaller communities. This all reports to the Yetari, or "Spirited."
Together the Yedrin and Yetari rule Palnoré, though Yetari tends to have an unspoken authority above the Yedrin due to communing directly with Palnor. Though at the same time there's an unspoken understanding that the Yetari won't use this seniority unless true agreement can't be reached.

History

Much of the history of Palnoré is shrouded in mystery. What the stories say is that the Elves of Palnoré left the Faeane Galarturie at some point before even the Atkorian Empire arrived in Efaanu, after a supposed war/dispute/mass migration (sources are unclear).
When the Elves arrived on the island they met the Palnori and Aarakocra. At first there was tension, but a leader of the Elves named Fildrinel supposedly magically sprouted wings to treat with the Palnori and Aarakocra, opening up communication between the peoples.
By the time the Atkorian Empire arrived Palnoré had more or less settled into where it was today. The Atkorian's tried to invade the island but found themselves fought off by the Elven Knights atop Palnori and fierce Aarakocra. After a few more attempts it was determined the effort to conquer the island would not be worth the trouble, so instead the Atkorian's left the island alone.
Carlegn didn't make the same mistake the Atkorian's did, and instead sent peaceful envoys to Palnoré and a mutual understanding was reached, though the actual nature of this agreement remains unknown.
For the most part, Palnoré has kept to itself and as a result has avoided the limelight of history.

Demography and Population

Palnoré is made up entirely of Palnoré Elves, Aarakocra, and Palnori. Outsiders are only allowed into the city of Melai, and they are not permitted to stay more than a year and are most certainly not allowed to settle on the island.

Military

The exact nature of the Palnoré is unknown. The Haladendrin of Guardianship is understood to be the "organization" responsible for defense, and Elven warriors can be seen in Melai by visitors. Additionally Palnori-Iral, or "Palnori-Bonded" Elves who ride on the backs of their Palnori companions are known to be some of the fiercest and most dangerous combatants in the skies. Finally there are The White Owls, renowned Knights and guardians of the island.
The Aarakocra don't play much of a roll in the islands defense, but since they handle the spiritual nature of the nation its conceivable they have clerics or even possibly Paladins in their service.
How these forces combine is unknown.

Religion

The Elves, Aarakocra, and Palnori all worship Palnor. Palnor is said to look like an owl (like the Palnori) and created the island to hide and protect his followers. Little is known of day to day worship or even what the Owl God's tenants consist of.

Nór-ari o'i Sair (Land of the Wise)

Type

Geopolitical, Country

Alternative Names

Land of the Giant Owls

Demonym

Palnorian

Government System

Theocracy

Power Structure

Unitary state

Economic System

Mixed economy

Legislative Body

The Yedrin and Yetari are responsible for the creation and implementation of laws.

Judicial Body

The Haladendrin of Guardianship is broadly responsible for both fighting and sentencing criminals.

Subsidiary Organizations

• The White Owls

Controlled Territories

• Melai