Mendarn
Mendarn (population 1,125,000) was first ruled by Avbron, the second son of the last Brandobian king. Heredity determines Mendarn’s rulership. The current ruler, King Aldorn III, is a pleasant, but vindictive fellow. Still angry with Pel Brolenon (see Vrandol), he constantly dreams up new schemes for invading his eastern neighbor.
Mendarn’s natural resources make it a rich nation. Crops grow abundantly in the warm wet climate and farmers take advantage of the long growing season by reaping two harvests each year. Large numbers of halflings farm the countryside, especially in the valleys along the Welpremond Downs and Dopromond Hills. There is ample pasture for livestock, and most farmers supplement their diet and income by keeping a small herd of cattle. Fishing is also a common way of life, especially along the coast and on the many rivers.
Prospectors pan gold from rivers running out of the mountains and mining towns and villages populate almost every waterway. Dwarves and gnomes in the Dopromond Hills and Welpremond Downs mine gems from deep within the ancient rock. They trade the precious stones to Mendarn merchants for food and textiles.
Mendarn jewelers are world-renowned for their excellence of craftsmanship and many seek their beautiful gem-encrusted jewelry. In fact, Mendarn jewelers have made crowns for almost every head of state on Tellene.
Mendarn merchants colonized many of the nearby islands. Though the islands have coral, pearls and other natural resources, the merchants primarily take Dejy natives from these isles and sell them to the recently acquired colony of Vrandol. Mendarn merchants trade freely with both Meznamish and Ozhvinmish and also with the dwarves and gnomes who reside in the nearby hills and mountains. Trading with Eldor is limited, as Eldor looks down upon Mendarn citizens for living with “impurities” (humanoids).
Mendarn is not as fanatical as Eldor with regard to racial purity and encourages access to their cities by humanoid merchants and farmers. Interracial marriages, however, are frowned upon and most races keep to their own groups and guilds when within city limits.
As might be expected, the Church of the Life’s Fire has a tremendous following among the Mendarn citizens. The House of Laughter, Temple of the Stars, House of Solace and the Assembly of the Four Corners also have significant numbers of worshippers within Mendarn. There are some small Temples of Enchantment, Houses of Shackles, Houses of Scorn and Temples of Armed Conflict.