Darleone Island

Darleone Island, located to the west of Eyropa, is the homeland of the elves. It is linked to Eyropa via an archipelago. The island is very insular and limits the number of and type of people who may live or travel to it. It is also an important trade hub for all of Pal Tahrenor, with many goods imported and exported to other countries.

Geography

nlike the homogenous nature of its inhabitants, the Island of Darleone has a varied topology. From volcanic craters to stretches of accessible shorelines, Darleone is a natural paradise with many mixed foliage forests. The elves of Darleone passionately protect and revere the land from which they hail.

At the center of the island lay two lakes, the Sol Jhajaer os Tyl Pasaeli, formed within a dormant volcanic cone. The water is said to have restorative properties and is a primary source of fresh water for the island. Other fresh water lakes mark the landscape as well, but the largest of these are the Sol Jhajaer os Tyl Pasaeli.

The ocean is subtropical in climate. Average annual rainfall increases from east to west and ranges from 700 to 1600 annual millimetres (27.6–63 in) on average, keeping the island verdant and green. Numerous bays along the coastline provide excellent harbors, from which terraced fields can be seen. On the south western corner of the island are unusual rock formations, which the elves refer to as Theogios’ Causeway. The site is a place of strong magic, with a high concentration of ley-lines indicating a possible point of entry from the astral plane or perhaps the source of Theogios’ Seal. Many stories exist regarding the place, most regarding the origin of elves and the great Seal. Despite its location, the oceans surrounding the area are treacherous and the causeway is considered accessible only by approach from inland.

Major Cities

Most major cities sit on harbors intended to be entry points into Darleone.

• Thyrsaer eindral Maelaesaer sits on the south-eastern corner and is the primary point of entry and exit for imports and exports from Semerkhet.

• Salylor Thysaer eindral Salylor sits on the south-western corner and is the primary point of entry and exit for imports and exports from Tzalxochitl.

• Thysaer eindral Eilae sits on the west and is the primary point of entry and exit for imports and exports from Ayana, if any.

• Aelali sai Aesydae is the primary harbor and point of entry from the Eyropan archipelago.

Other Cities

• Saendror Thysaer is a fort that guards the area at Theogious’ Causeway.

• Bolandri Shira si Sharaes is a tiny village near the center of the island. The people are superstitious and very secluded.

Economy

Farming and fishing are key industries that support the island; however, as noted artisans and craftsmen the Elves also do steady trade with the rest of Pal Threnor via the archipelago linking Darleone to Eyropa.

Conveniently located between Ayana, Eyropa, Tzalxochitl, and Setkhantos, Darleone Island is the perfect place to trade both imports and exports. On each of it's four corners sits a major port city that deals in such items that may be coming or going. Darleone's ports are considered to be the points of entry onto the island, and as such they are heavily monitored by the central Darleone government.

Demographics

Access to Darleone by non-elves is strictly monitored. Non-elves are rarely allowed access to the interior of the island and especially to Theogios’ Causeway.

Culture

Darleone elves are known for being xenophobic.

Major Holidays

Four times per year, in conjunction with the equinox, festivals are held to celebrate the land. Twice per year, a pilgrimage is made by the elves to Theogious’ Causeway.

For an outsider to witness the events of the pilgrimage is extremely rare. It is said a mysterious stranger with dark eyes appears at the pilgrimage once every fifty years. Elves do not speak of the pilgrimage to outsiders; therefore the rumors may be unfounded. Rumors indicate madness is guaranteed should a non-elf experience the events of the pilgrimage

Politics

The government of Darleone is parliamentary in nature, with representation from each of the Island's provinces. The Island is divided into four provinces, with a fifth area designated as owned by all Elves. The fifth area is the central province containing the two lakes, the Sol Jhajaer os Tyl Pasaeli. These lakes formed within a dormant volcanic cone. The water is said to have restorative properties and is a primary source of fresh water for the island. Other fresh water lakes mark the landscape as well, but the largest of these are the Sol Jhajaer os Tyl Pasaeli.

Each province has a capital city, referenced below. An equal number of representatives (6) come from each of the five provinces and comprises the Darleone Parliament. A head of state is elected through run-offs from the elected provincial representatives. The parliament is composed of 25 members. The remaining four are run-off representatives and act as alternates should an elected member be unable to fulfill his or her duties.

Parliamentary sessions are filled with debates that could last decades given the opportunity. Thus, each session is required to resolve debates within three sessions to ensure decisions are made timely. Sessions occur quarterly and last for one full month, with sessions being hosted annually within a rotating schedule in each of the four major cities.

The core foundation of Darleone's government is equality and representation. Because of the long lives of its people, the potential for one area to dominate another is kept in check only by each provinces participation in the electoral system.