Eldorin, The Griffin Empire

6 million people

Eldorin is a green and lush country with lots of animals, farms and rich fields. The Griffin Order arose as a grand order of noble men and women about a thousand years ago. There are some of them left but their current power and influence does not measure up to what they once had. Eldorin was divided after the death of the queen 100 years ago due to her having no heir. After her demise, a society called "The Pathfinders" arose to safeguard and recollect the history and lore of the shattered country. Today Eldorin is ruled by five factions. Barons and lords across Eldorin took what lands they could in the chaotic wars that followed. Eldorin is still referred to as The Griffin Empire even though their struggle to keep their ideals of democracy and justice are fading.

The Capitol Siria, sits in the largest natural harbor on the Northern coast of Middle-earth. This allows the city to control dozens of major shipping lanes and makes it a critical stop on any voyage across that sea. The confluence of mercantile, strategic, and religious influence in Siria earns its title: “The eye of the Thunder Sea". Of course, it also attracts would-be conquerors, many of whom have unsuccessfully assaulted the city throughout history. The ruins of dozens of siege castles litter the grounds outside Siria`s walls, and its harbor have chokingspots with the masts and moldering hulls of sunken warships. To safely reach the city’s docks requires the steady eye of a pilot. Knowing where these spots are located serves sailors in avoiding disaster.

Capitol: Siria

Ruler: Lord Marcus, Steward of Eldorin

Races: Human, 0.2% elves, 0.4%dwarves

Population in capitol: 3 million

The rest: 3 million

Nobility: House Eldorin

Politics and history

Today Eldorin does not have a King or Queen. It is ruled by an aristocrat who have risen to his position by convincing its people and winning elections fair and square. His ideals are focused on the people and to bring the entire country under one banner, the Griffin banner. As of yet the country is only truly united within the Capitol of Siria, leaving the people of Eldorin scattered and without a descent rule. This has made crime and attacks on villages throughout the land a serious threat to the economy of Eldorin and the people, leaving them to their own suffering. Lord Marcus may be the steward, but he has the leaders of each of the five houses in Eldorin. Together they make the Eldorinian counsil where they debate the future of the old Griffin Empire.


Colonies:
Eldorin have colonies in many countries of Middle-earth. The main reason is because they have wanted to protect people that are left undefended or preyed upon by criminals, or to free them from tyranni, or because they are to weak to survive on their own. In return Eldorin gets a foothold outside their own kingdom, stretching their influence throughout Middle-earth. Over the centuries the expanding colonies by the Eldorian people has made their mother tongue "Atani" the continent`s lingua franca, and serves as a trade-language as well.


Animal life:
Among the larger mammals are:  red deer, roe deer, and wild boar. The fallow deer is rather rare. Hares, rabbits, and various types of rodents are found both in the forests and in the fields. Carnivores include the fox, the genet, and the rare wildcat. Among smaller species are the badger, the otter, the beaver, and the brown bear.

Sea life:
The tortoise, seals and the blue shark inhabit the northern waters amongst some sea birds and small fish. Great sea drakes have been spottet destroying ships at more deep water.

Landscape:
Oak (a small part is cleared for cultivation), chestnut, pine, and beech in uplands that receive annual mass rainfall each April.

Economy

Trading and imports by ship is the most important to the Eldorinian economy


Their own crafts:

Foresting-Wood-Timber

Farming-sheep-meat-wool-cloth-tailoring

Cattle->meat->skinning->leather.

Stone quarries->sand->gravel->stone->building materials

Mining->Silver veins+gold veins, iron ore

Iron smelters->steel smelters->blacksmithing->armory/weapons, Castleforged ->tools


Dependant on imports
The economy is quite strong, trading from Siria in and out goes quick due to their shipyards and experience with seafare.

Economic status in Eldorin: weak, mostly unorganized except from in the capitol (trading by ship or caravans)


Military defensive/offensive force, siege weapons

Capitol: Strong

The lands:weak, mostly unorganized


Allies
No agreements or specific treaties of comradeship is active. Such things fell ill short after the dividing of the empire. Most of the other nationalities are focused on building their own empires. Deployment of diplomats have been attempted and failed due to the dangerous roads throughout Eldorin and especially across the borderlands.


Organized magic
A small order of mages called "The Enchanters" reside in Siria, led by Archmage Valerian the white. This order also takes part in the court of judges to aid in trials and political events.


Other Eldorin organizations

The Phoenix knights
The elite of the knights and paladins of Eldorin.


The sentinels
These individuals serve as state agents or scouts who controls the security and perimeters of the Eldorin borders. Usually hunters, trackers and even pathfinders, they survey the lands and inform the leaders of Siria of any threats or immediate dangers. If a troll or some other monstrosity would cross the border, and threat a neighbouring settlement, the Sentinels would deal with it swiftly.


The Griffin Knights:
These persons are granted an honorary title of knighthood by a monarch or other political leader for service to the former empire of Eldorin, especially in a military capacity. Historically, this knighthood has been conferred upon mounted warriors. Griffin riders. Earlier knighthood was considered a class of lower nobility. By the last centuries,  the rank had become associated with the ideals of chivalry, a code of conduct for the perfect courtly and noble warrior. Since the past hundred years, the title of knight can also be purely honorific. For a non-military service to the country with deeds deemed most exemplary, knighthood can be granted as a symbol of their exploits. Often, many a knight is a vassal who serves as a fighter for a lord, with payment in the form of land holdings.The lords trust the knights, who are amongs other things skilled in battle on horseback. They also serve as Eldorins main cavalry.