ALEA

Alea is the original nation state of the Elves with a recorded history over three thousand years old, some claim that it is even older than that.  It is also a reluctant member of the Konsil Ncxons.  Its population is almost entirely Elven.  Half-elf children are usually slain when born, though a few families may find a way to escort them to safety in another nation or to hide their deformed nature.  It is rare when a member of non-elven lineage is granted more than a temporary visa.  It is estimated to harbor close to 49 million people.

The largest city in Alea is the capital, Tulan, with nearly one hundred twenty-six thousand inhabitants covering over six square miles.  Other cities of importance are Xanaxa, Meraxe, Joxena, Gixala, and Xamayel.  Most of these are regional capitals and have between one hundred thousand and seven thousand inhabitants.  Commerce in Alavyar is done primarily through Komen, the official language.  It is a fairly easy task to find merchants in most large cities that are capable and willing to conduct business in Alean, Nonix, and/or Rinikian.

Alea is governed under a monarch who receives a lifetime appointment upon the death of the previous monarch.  Tradition holds that it is the eldest male child of the royal lineage, but an exception was made recently to allow Queen Pelaxana Xanvori to ascend to the Star Throne.  The Queen is advised by the Council of Elders, the same individuals who certify the lifetime appointment.  The Council of Elders is comprised of one Lord Nobile from each of the four states of Alea.  The current Elders are: Gelxano Radeshai, Nomaso Henai, Kalako Hesheri, and Fanlo Erameegi.  Laws and judicial decisions are based upon the Akcssov Alea and the Akcssov Avysu.  The Ncxonal Banner for Alea is an Inverted Silver Crescent Moon and Four Four-pointed Silver Stars upon a Dark Blue field. 

Alea is of medium size with a little under seven hundred thousand square miles of territory (roughly the size of Libya), most of which is arboreal and cold.  Alea is famous for its cheeses, Apple Cider, and Apple Brandy.  Part of the reason non-elves do not seek regular trade with Alea is the rampant racism, but another reason is that the Alea spirits and cheeses only sell to select markets, very small select markets.  Alea produces some exceptional gems and worked metals, but few of these are allowed to leave Alea as they are needed to fight along the Labyrinth.  Common fruits and berries are still fairly plentiful and Alavyar is famous for their Meads and Brandies.  

Alea possesses an impressive war college that has a known history of over two thousand years.  Additionally, the central Alean University is nearly as old, with catacombs of books long forgotten.  The most notable institute of higher learning is the Institute of the Soul, a school with a history reputed to extend to the age of Kellindor and a very long list of magical progeny as alumni. 

Alea has a very strong and active military force.  At any time, over forty-thousand soldiers can be mustered.  This number is both impressive and understated.  Alean tradition dictates that every individual over the age of twenty-one is a member of the military forces and may be pressed into service, male or female.  Every Alean over the age of twenty-one is required to attend regular training periods to have their potential contribution assessed and developed.  The most impressive are the Royal Guards (Currently known as the Queen’s Guards since the current monarch is a Queen).  These elite warriors are without peer in their combat abilities and forswear all other allegiances and duties in order to secure the priorities and safety of the Queen.  Membership in the Royal Guards is for the lifetime of the soldier or the Queen, whichever is shorter.  Additionally, members of the Royal Guards are not allowed to have families or wealth.  Previous familial allegiances are severed and all they own is provided to them by the Queen.