The islands of the Elf Kingdoms lie in The Great Ocean between the Old and New Worlds. They consist of a large, ring-shaped island, Ulthuan, surrounded by a number of lesser isles. The entire area is one of outstanding natural beauty, which the Elves take great care to maintain. Of the four Elven kindreds, only the Sea and High Elves make their homes here. The Elves were first transported here some 8,500 years ago by the Old Slann and the High Elves date their history from this time. Few non-Elves have seen anything of the islands other than the city port of Lothern, from where the Sea Elves guard the sea routes between the Old and New Worlds.