Elven Nation of Arandor
One of the elder nations of the Crystal Sea and in all likelyhood the eldest, Arandor arose as a kingdom more than ten thousand years ago (-9534 A.R.). Furthermore, the foundation of its capital Anthalas dates back to more than fourteen millennia past (-12500 A.R.?), even pre-dating the emergence of the empire of Lankharh (fall: c.a. -10000 A.R.) but most likely having become part of that very same empire during its time. Arandor is a highly populated elven nation comprised largely of vassaleny elves, with a smaller proportion of valoreny elves. Thasselany elves also live in Arandor, but they are found exclusively in the woodlands of the nation (known as the Woodlands of Arandor). In addition, numerous half-elves of either valoreny or vassaleny stock populate this nation.
The name of Arandor is derived from that of fabled Aerandor (founded: -30000 A.R.?), the legendary capital of the equally fabled aereny kingdom of Toristaerenylan (proclaimed: -27000 A.R.?), reputed as the first elven nation on Anarym. Incredibly, the kingdom survived the terrible and legendary two millenia-long War of Light and Darkness of some twenty thousand years ago, which resulted in the Great Sundering the Aereny (i.e. the hateful schism between the quetzaleny and their other elven cousins), in the Great Sundering of the Duhelarym (i.e. the hateful schism between the duergar and the dunedarym, or "true" dwarves), and in the disintegration of the near-mythical civilizations of Neklaar and Shandyr. However, Toristaerenylan was not so fortunate seven millennia later, when it's lands and forests were somehow obliterated (along with the fabled first duhelarym undercity of Shimmerstones) near the end of the Great War of the Empires (c.a. -13000 A.R., when Telluria and Macremia mutually destroyed each other), leaving in its wake the Great Wound (a several hundred feet-deep and several mile-long and -wide fissure in the earth and stone). The few surviving vassaleny, thasselany and valoreny elves of Toristaerenylan then scattered, with some of the vassaleny migrating west of the newly-formed Great Wound to eventually reach the shores of the Crystal Sea. It was these same elves who would found Anthalas.
Although recognized as an idyllic and peaceful nation, the borders of Arandor are closed to anyone except for elves (but not shadow elves!), half-elves, merchant caravans (but not from any city or nation - see below) or those with special dispensation (such as emissaries, invited visitors, diplomatic dignitaries, etc.). The same rules apply for the docking of ships in the ports of Anthalas or Nimas (founded: c.a. -8971 A.R.). Such policy has ever disappointed many mages, sages and scholars from other cities and nations, for Arandor's advances in knowledge, magics and arts is a subject which remain shrouded in mystery and speculation. However, one thing is certain: Arandor possesses the knowledge of dangerous technomagic sciences and devices from the long lost times of the lankharhan empire, knowledge that has been largely lost today by the rest of the world and which remain protectively guarded by arandorians - some say for the security of those younger and more "unstable" nations and cities surrounding Arandor.
Today (1396 A.R.), and in truth ever since its advent, Arandor is without question a genuine super-power - both economically and military (on land and sea). To this effect, the territories of Arandor are well guarded by magnificent, heavily fortified citadels of defense that have been constructed along its borders - the most notable ones being Valanas (constructed: c.a. -5752 A.R.), Rivenlas (constructed: c.a. - 7865 A.R.) and Kalinas (constructed: c.a. -3497 A.R.). A typical arandorian defense citadel is composed of fortified high spires and towers, which are manned by troops numbering in the thousands and boast of incredible technomagic weaponry from ancient times (such as energy-projecting magical bombards and canons). In this respect, the equally fortified cities of Anthalas and Nimas also boast of such powerful weapons for their protection and defense. It is therefore not surprising that Arandor has ever remained unconquered, invincible and whole, despite having to deal with the millennia of stryfe, turmoil and change in the region since its advent.
Arandor entertains friendly relations with Wateredge, Valaduur, Crescendel and Allaranth, as well as cordial relations with the Shield Lands - however, being essentially isolationist, the elven nation rarely interferes in (or seeks to influence) the affairs of these cities and nations. Arandor also welcomes trading from the Azure Coast, mainly from Lakefar and Orlindor. However, it keeps a very close watch on the all-to-often belligerent and/or expansionist Tanduur, Chrysopruur and Bandit Kingdoms - to this effect, Arandor restricts its trade with Tanduur while maintaining a "no trade" policy with regards to Chrysopruur and the anarchic Bandit Kingdoms. Furthermore, Arandor must often defend its borders against humanoid incursions from the Marshes of Sorrows and the Broken Lands.
Ever since the fall of Lankharh, Anthalas (and later on Arandor, as the nation) has been ruled with benevolence and wisdom by the old dynastic vassaleny house of Illsarak. The current arandorian monarch is the reputably beautiful Queen Sarryl Silvermoon (ruling since 913 A.R.).
Lastly, it is of note that Arandor seems to entertain some sort of close relations with the ancient, mysterious and reclusive nation of Anuria, which lies to the east of Valaduur and the Crystal Sea. The exact nature of this relationship remains shrouded in mystery, especially since neither Arandor or Anuria will speak of it, let alone acknowledge it. Nonetheless, every year on the first light of the eve of Sunhold's Festival, a small fleet of magnificent and awe-inspiring anurian flying ships glide over the Crystal Sea to gently settle on the waters and dock at the ports of Anthalas, presumably for trade and perhaps more. The flying ships then leave on the first light of the day after Sunhold's Festival to return home - until the next year.
Arandor is yet to constitute a part of the adventuring locale of a Realmz scenario.
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