Aeldor

Aeldor is a fictional realm used in fantasy literature and role-playing games. It encompasses a continental region with diverse biomes, including coastal lowlands, forested hills, and highland ranges, and is known for its ancient ruins and shifting political boundaries.

Geography and demographics: The realm is bounded by the Sea of Storms to the north and the Shard Mountains to the east, with extensive river systems that sustain many settlements. Western forests, central plains, and eastern deserts create a mosaic of communities and economies. Several major cities anchor trade routes that run through the interior and to coastal ports.

History: Aeldor originated as a loose federation of city-states during the Early Ember Age. It has undergone periods of relative unity under overtly centralized rule, followed by renewed decentralization. Over time, authority largely accrued to local councils, magistrates, and guilds, with occasional convening of broader assemblies for ritual or crisis matters.

Government and politics: There is no single ruler. City-states govern themselves through councils of elders or magistrates, and political power is highly localized. On rare occasions, city-states join in the High Council for ceremonial decisions or collective defense, but the council’s authority is limited and consensus-based.

Economy and infrastructure: The economy blends agriculture, forestry, mining, and cross-regional trade. The Great Corridor—an extensive network of trade routes—connects coastal markets with inland workshops. Key exports include grain, timber, metals, and crafted goods.

Culture and society: Aeldor is home to multiple ethnic groups and languages. Common cultural threads include bardic storytelling, rune-work, seasonal festivals, and a reverence for memory and ancestral traditions. Religions are plural, with rites and temples dedicated to a range of deities and natural forces.

Notable locations: The Ruins of Ydel, the Obsidian Gate, and the cities of Lysara, Vellin, and Kharun recur in maps and lore as centers of learning, trade, and legend.