Elvandar - The Realm of the Eledhel
Elvandar represents the mystical heart of eledhel civilization in Betrayal at Krondor, a woodland realm that stands as both sanctuary and fortress against the darkness of the moredhel.
Geography and Location: Elvandar is located at the end of the road in the northwest quarter of the Green Heart, and can alternatively be entered through the Ancient Valheru Ruins. Elvandar is the chief city of the elves, located in the great forests north of the Green Heart on the northern continent of Triagia.
The realm sits strategically positioned between the civilized Kingdom of the Isles and the hostile Northlands, serving as a buffer zone and guardian of ancient elven territories.
Political Structure: Elvandar is a woodland city ruled by Queen Aglaranna, whose son Prince Calin and consort Tomas Megarson hold vital positions in the elven military guarding the Green Heart from moredhel incursion.
Prince Calin is the son of Queen Aglaranna and the previous king of Elvandar. Along with Warleader Tomas Megarson, he has been working to quell the moredhel raids and wyvern attacks on the northern border of the Green Heart. After Tomas was wounded by a poisoned moredhel blade, Calin took on his duties as Warlord until such time as he should recover.
Magical Defenses: None enter Elvandar except those sworn to Aglaranna or the most intimate of elf-friends, and the area is bespelled to cause physical difficulties to moredhel and others with malevolent intent.
The moredhel can do little harm to the eledhel within Elvandar and they would be fools to try. It would take remarkable strength of will for a moredhel to enter the forest with any evil intent and even a more remarkable will for him to survive such an attempt.
Natural Resources: Unique plants grow in the area. Their special roots are used for the spice known as Truesight Tea. This demonstrates Elvandar's connection to ancient magical knowledge and natural harmony.
Military Situation: The western edge of the Northlands borders on the Green Heart, site of the eledhel resistance against moredhel attempts to invade Elvandar.
The realm exists in a state of constant vigilance, with elven warriors patrolling the borders against moredhel incursions, wyvern attacks, and other threats emerging from the corrupted lands to the north.
Cultural Significance: The eledhel removed themselves to the forest-city of Elvandar choosing to remain close to the lesser races while the moredhel, long influenced by their masters' aggression, sought to regain the former grandeur of their masters by collecting relics and weapons of the Dragon Lords. During the time of Valheru the Eledhel were among their servants and tended the fields and forests. After the Chaos Wars, they were freed by Ashen-Shugar and decided to live in harmony with the new races of Midkemia, the Humans and Dwarves.
Strategic Importance: Elvandar serves as:
Guardian of Ancient Knowledge: Repository of pre-human magical traditions
Military Bulwark: Primary defense against moredhel expansion southward
Diplomatic Bridge: Alliance point between Kingdom forces and elven power
Sanctuary Realm: Safe haven for those fleeing moredhel persecution, including reformed dark elves seeking redemption
Relationship with the Broader World: The Ancient Valheru Ruins are a series of ruined caverns near Elvandar associated with the glamredhel and the Valheru, indicating the realm's deep connection to the ancient magical history of the world.
Elvandar represents the eledhel ideal of harmony between civilization and nature, standing as a beacon of light against the corruption and violence emanating from the Northlands while maintaining crucial alliances with the Kingdom of the Isles in their mutual struggle against moredhel aggression.
The Grey Tower Dwarves - Betrayal at Krondor Summary
The Grey Tower Dwarves represent one of the most established and influential dwarven communities in the Kingdom of the Isles, maintaining a unique position as both mountain dwellers and Kingdom citizens.
Geography and Territory: The Grey Towers are a mountain range bordering the western edge of the Kingdom of the Isles. The Grey Towers lie between the Kingdom of the Isles and the elven forest of the Green Heart. Betrayal at Krondor Part #32 - The Majesty of Elvandar, Part 1
Based on the information I found earlier, the relationship between dwarves and elves in Betrayal at Krondor appears to be quite positive and cooperative.
Dwarves and elves get along just fine.
Geographic Context: The Grey Tower Dwarves occupy a strategically important position that facilitates this good relationship. The Grey Towers lie between the Kingdom of the Isles and the elven forest of the Green Heart. This positioning makes the dwarves natural neighbors and allies to the eledhel of Elvandar.
Shared Interests: Both communities share several common interests that strengthen their relationship:
Defense Against Common Threats: Both dwarves and elves face potential threats from moredhel incursions from the Northlands. Their geographic proximity means they have mutual interest in maintaining regional stability.
Ancient Heritage: Both races have deep historical roots predating the Kingdom of the Isles. One of their great underground domains, the Mac Mordain Cadal, dates back to before the founding of the Kingdom. This shared experience of adapting to human expansion likely creates common ground.
Alliance with the Kingdom: Both dwarves and elves maintain positive relationships with the Kingdom of the Isles while preserving their cultural independence.
Practical Cooperation: The Mac Mordain Cadal tunnel system that connects dwarven territories also facilitates trade and communication with elven lands, suggesting ongoing practical cooperation between the communities.
Historical Context: After the Chaos Wars, they [eledhel] were freed by Ashen-Shugar and decided to live in harmony with the new races of Midkemia, the Humans and Dwarves. This indicates that elves specifically chose to maintain peaceful relations with dwarves as part of their post-Chaos Wars philosophy.
The relationship appears to be characterized by mutual respect, practical cooperation, and shared strategic interests, making them natural allies in the complex political landscape of the Kingdom of the Isles region.
The Tsurani - Betrayal at Krondor Summary
The Tsurani represent a fascinating example of former enemies who have become valued allies and citizens within the Kingdom of the Isles, bringing their unique culture and magical knowledge to Midkemia.
Origins and Homeworld: The Tsurani are a race of humans from the planet Kelewan. They consider themselves distinct from the humans of Midkemia despite sharing an ancient common origin.
Kelewan, a metal-poor planet with green skies, is dominated by the Tsuranuanni Empire. Travel between Kelewan and Midkemia is made possible by rift gates.
Government and Social Structure: The Tsuranuanni Empire is ruled by the Emperor Ichindar. Tsurani society is composed of prominent, powerful Houses such as House Acoma; minor Houses also exist. Affiliation and rank within a House is the primary indicator of a Tsurani's status and worth.
Warriors unaffiliated with any House, whether due to disaster or their own failings, are called grey warriors and are seen as possessing no honor.
The Magical Hierarchy: Tsurani magicians are practitioners of the Greater Path. They are called Great Ones and command immense power and influence, both individually and through the Tsurani Assembly of Magicians. Tsurani women are forbidden from practicing magic, which is seen as an abomination in them.
Makala is a Tsurani Great One in Betrayal at Krondor. A man of remarkable intensity and great mental resources, Makala is a member of the Tsurani Assembly of Magicians.
Historical Context - The Riftwar: Several decades ago, the Tsurani used rift gate technology to transport troops and weapons to Midkemia, instigating the Riftwar in an attempt to secure the abundant metals which their planet lacked. When the rift was closed at the end of the war, many Tsurani were stranded on Midkemia and granted amnesty to build new lives there.
Though isolated and well-protected, the Tsurani attacked Elvandar during the Riftwar and there are still skirmishes with the moredhel on its northern borders.
Post-War Integration: With the eventual reopening of the rift, diplomatic relations and trade commenced between the two worlds. Cultural exchange has also been encouraged, with the Academy of Magic exploring Tsurani magic like teleportation under Master Magician Pug and anti-traditionalists like House Acoma modifying established Tsurani customs after exposure to Midkemian practices.
Tsurani Veterans on Midkemia: Sumani is a former Patrol Leader of House Shinzawai who served under Earl Kasumi during the Riftwar. At the end of the War, the rift gate collapsed and many Tsurani like him established new lives in the Kingdom.
Technology and Equipment: Due to the lack of metals on Kelewan, Tsurani weapons are made of wood and ivory and other exotic materials only found on their home planet. Tsurani soldiers used light laminated wooden blades.
Current Status: Due to a conflict between the Tsurani Houses Acoma and Anasati, the Assembly of Magicians have ordered a temporary cessation of transport between Kelewan and Midkemia.
Strategic Contributions: The Tsurani bring several valuable assets to the Kingdom:
Advanced Magic: Their Greater Path magic and teleportation knowledge enhance the Academy's capabilities
Diplomatic Relations: They serve as bridges between two worlds
Military Experience: Veterans provide tactical knowledge from a different military tradition
Cultural Diversity: Their presence enriches Kingdom society with new perspectives