HVEL'XIREN

"Hail The Krakenlord, Hear the ocean Sing!"

- National Warcry

Hvel'Xiren, officially the Kingdom of Hvel'Xiren, is an Elven nation located within an archipelago in the North Sea called the Singing Isles. It is an absolute monarchy ruled by the Krakenlords, and much of its culture and history revolves around the great Krakens that call the seas home.

In recent years, since the War of the Dawn and the beginning of the Third Age, the Hvel'Xiren people have been angered by the human Kraking trade, and have attacked many Kraking ships patrolling the Northern Strait.

The Waters around the Singing Isles

History

Hvel'Xiren was founded around the year 1100 of the 2nd age by the first of the Krakenlords, a rare title bestowed upon an elf who has successfully tamed a kraken, one of the magnificent and mysterious sea creatures that call the waters of the North Sea home. Originally, the purpose of the Krakenlords colony on Hvel’Xiren was to oversee the banished sirens who inhabited the seas nearby. Over the ages, as the Sirens where integrated back into society, and as more elves were drawn to the archipelago in their pursuit of a closer connection to nature, the culture of Hvel'Xiren became increasingly more intertwined with the oceans and the mighty krakens.

The "sea elves," as they are commonly referred to by mainlanders, have developed a culture characterized by resilience, adaptability, and a profound connection to their natural surroundings. They are often seen as hardy and weathered people, more rugged than their mainland cousins, yet deeply in tune with the essence of the sea and its creatures. Krakens, which are revered as symbols of strength and guardianship, play a pivotal role in their culture and history, shaping the very identity of Hvel'Xiren.

Geography

The realm of Hvel'Xiren sprawls across a network of islands, each contributing to the kingdom in different ways. The archipelago's strategic location in the North Sea subjects the land to colder temperatures for much of the year. However, the resilient elves of Hvel'Xiren have long adapted to the sub-polar climate, finding ways to harmoniously coexist with their surroundings.

NOTABLE LOCATIONS

Hvel'Norður

Kyarvilna

The capital of Hvel'Xiren, is nestled on the largest island of the nation: Hvel'Norður, and it is renowned for its expansive harbor. The City is known as Kyarvilna. The cityscape is a blend of rugged elven architecture and rustic modern buildings from newer times, a mark on the city's encounters during the War of the Dawn. At the heart of Kyarvilna rises the Tower of Tides, it is adorned with intricate elven carvings and topped by the eternal "Flame of Thalas". This magical flame, never extinguishing, serves as a radiant lighthouse guiding ships through the northern sea. Beneath the waves, a network of underwater caves cradles the city's mighty Krakens. These caves are hidden from the surface. Kyarvilna stands tested but unbroken, a beacon of elven culture and resilience.

The Flame of Thalas outside of Kyarvilna

Chael'dora

Situated on the island of Chagrond near the western island of Sylgrond, Chael'dora is known for its strong sense of cultural identity. The elves here have a distinct dialect, and their nobility has historically held a more independent stance, valuing their own traditions over those of the Krakenlord on Hvel'Norður. Chael'dora serves as a center for trade and diplomacy with the nations of East-Ciradon, maintaining a delicate balance between their allegiance to Hvel'Xiren and their desire for autonomy.

Isalund

Isalund, is a frigid and barely habitable island to the North, it serves as a watchpost and anchorage for travels toward the North Pole. Its strategic location allows the elves to monitor potential threats from the cold north, and maintain a vigilant watch against any beastkin forces that may come from the North.

Skaldbayr

Located to the east and near the islands claimed by the foreign nation Aequorea, Skaldbayr is a heavily fortified island and a main bulwark against attacks from the mainland. It serves as a primary harbor for patrolling the seas and enforcing the Krakenlord's will along the waters of West-Ciradon. Skaldbayr plays a crucial role in defending Hvel'Xiren's maritime borders.

Government & Politics

The Krakenlord:

Hvel'Xiren is an Absolute Monarchy, its rule vested in the hands of the "Krakenlord." The Krakenlord is the hereditary ruler, and the position is passed down through a bloodline that traces its roots back to the mainland. The monarchy is unique in that holding a kraken is not only prestigious but mandatory for the reigning monarch. The kraken serves as a symbol of the ruler's connection to the sea and its creatures

Court of Tides:

The Court of Tides is the central governing body, where the Krakenlord, supported by a court of trusted advisors and nobles makes decisions that shape the destiny of Hvel'Xiren. The court, composed of high standing nobles and outside advisors offers counsel on matters ranging from diplomacy to maritime affairs. The Court of Tides acts as the voice for the common pepole of Hvel'Xiren and serves as a way for matters to reach the ear of the Krakenlord.

Economy

Hvel'Xiren's outlook on trade and travelers passing through its maritime domain is deeply rooted in tradition and their strong connection to the sea. The singing isles embraces the concept of trade but does so with a unique and sometimes controversial twist—the Tides-Toll. This custom allows any noble of Hvel'Xiren to claim a fee when encountered on the sea by foreign ships. While many Elderkin honor this tradition as a symbol of their respect for the kingdom's sovereignty, some may go to great lengths to avoid it.

To the sea elves of Hvel'Xiren, the Tides-Toll is a way to maintain their independence, preserve their ancient customs, and support the kingdom's vitality. However, some foreign nations, notably humans, perceive this practice in a less favorable light, viewing it as akin to piracy or an unjust imposition on their maritime activities. The delicate balance between upholding tradition and fostering positive relations with foreign traders has led to both mutual understanding and occasional tension in the waters surrounding the Kingdom of Singers.

Culture

Military

Hvel'Xiren's military might is intertwined with the prowess of the Nobles. These high standing elves are often bonded with krakens, and lead powerful naval forces that safeguard the kingdom's maritime borders. The krakens, revered as both guardians and symbols of strength, provide a unique advantage in both defense and offense. The military strategy often involves coordinated efforts between ships and krakens, creating a formidable alliance on both elf and beast.

The Krakenlords' forces are renowned for their adaptability to the challenging sub-polar conditions of the North Sea. They employ specialized naval tactics, exploiting the natural features of the archipelago and the unpredictable nature of the krakens. The military serves not only as protectors of Hvel'Xiren but also as envoys of the kingdom's might, ensuring that the Court of Tides' influence is respected beyond the borders of the singing isles.

References

Orginaly made by ZimZamZimbaloo
Map and Flag by ZimZamZimbaloo
Other art made by AI (DALL.E)

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