Ehlanui

Home of the Ehlen

Ehlanui is the name given to the belt of rivers and forests running through the center of the Worldspine that comprises the Ehlen home territory. The territories here have been referred to as such ever since the creation of Amaranthine by the first generation of Ehlen. The border lines can be traced from Dianden to Ehlusava and down around the forest south of Amaranthine. Although Findolyr lies in a bubble outside of this and closer to La Patrian territory, it is still considered a disconnected piece of Ehlanui.
Ever since The War of Magi Ascension took place, the borders have been strictly policed and enforced, particularly around Amaranthine. Ehlanui possesses an intolerance for outsiders, unlike other countries due to the damage caused to the forests during the conflict. The sole exception to this is the city of Ehlusava to the north, which maintains an open and friendly relationship with travelers. Punishments dolled out are harsh, with any who willingly cause damage to the forests or beasts typically executed. Simple trespassers in the Ehlen forests are often arrested and extradited to their home territory through diplomats.

Forests of Wonders

The forests within Ehlanui are the largest throughout all of Nora and possess the largest and oldest trees in the world, the Amaranthine Oaks. Named for the Ehlen capitol, the Amaranthine Oaks are believed to be immortal and ever-growing. Some of these near the city of Amaranthine predate the city and even the Ehlen themselves. Many of these have been shaped and molded to create various structures in Ehlen cities, ranging from housing and storage to living walls on city borders.
A large number of Magickal Beasts are also uniquely native to the forests here. Most notable would be the Ehlekk, great stag-like beasts that possess great arcane powers, both destructive and restorative. These are often attributed to ensuring the natural cycle of life and death within the forest for fauna and flora alike. The Otso is also found exclusively within the forests of Ehlanui and is considered a partner to the Ehlekk. An Otso resembles a bear but is often twice as large with a great set of wooden horns that resemble the antlers of the Ehlekk. Whereas the Ehlekk oversees life and death within the woods, the Otso is seen as a guardian to all intruders from outside their territory. Trespassing Risen and beasts alike are often disposed of by Otso if not caught first by Ehlen agents.

Haven of Beauty and Fine Arts

Ehlen are known for their love of beauty and the finer things in life, and Ehlanui displays this in every way it can. The buildings of the Ehlen are carved out of natural rock and arboreal formations and often feature living gardens on their roofs and fountains from their walls like small waterfalls. Even the most unnatural facilities and designs are meticulously crafted to still seem fitting amongst the landscape. The inside of these buildings is filled with silver filigree, oil paintings, and sculptures of all varieties.
Held in even higher regard than the visual arts would be the performing arts. In Ehlanui, theater and opera are seen as the epitome of talent and entertainment. Performers will be trained from their early childhood to master their craft, some training for several years exclusively to fit a single part in a famed production. There have been instances throughout Ehlanui's history where the ruling king or queen has declared a temporary holiday for the opening night of a new show. On rare occasions, these performing troupes will venture out beyond Ehlanui to perform in foreign countries, though always accompanied by a heavy guard.

Ehlen Royalty and Bloodlines

Ehlen royalty is often incorrectly referred to as a matriarchy due to its abnormal amount of queens for a standard monarchy. In the royal family, the eldest heir will take over the rule as king or queen as standard. It is due to Ehlen biology resulting in more female births than male. How names are passed on in Ehlen society often follows the monarchy as well; while a king is on the throne marriage and children take the father or husband's name, while a queen results in the mother or wife's. While commonplace for Ehlen now, this results in difficulty tracing family lines whenever the monarchy changes from king to queen.

Silver Smiths

While not credited as highly as their Dwehrlen neighbors, the Ehlen are well-known for their skill in smithing silver. Their silver craftsmen produce some of the greatest silver fineries found throughout all of Nora. To support this, they hold a near-monopoly over silver ore exports from the Stoneroots in exchange for medicinal herbs to their Dwehrlen allies. Jewelry from Ehlanui is highly sought after and comes at a high premium due to their disposition against visitors.

Fae Affairs

Ehlanui's forests are the most common place to encounter one of the Fae throughout the world. Due to the relationship founded between Elanaah and the Fae Courts in the Age of Creation, the veil between the two realms runs especially thin here. Doors between them can appear and disappear on a whim, resulting in a high number of sightings and incidents of accidental crossings. Amaranthine remains the only place within Nora where the Fae Kings and Queens have visited the Realm of the Gods.