Gelmar

The Kingdom of Gelmar – Realm of the Grey Elves

Overview

The Kingdom of Gelmar is an archipelago of three grand islands—Tol Galan, Tol Mithrien, and Tol Fainor—situated east of the mainland of Annun, separated by several hundred miles of sea. Known as the Jewel of the Eastern Seas, Gelmar is a powerful maritime nation whose Grey Elves, known as the Tel'Uinaen, are masters of shipbuilding and navigation. Descended from the Silver Elves of Faerûn and the Teleri of Middle-earth, the Grey Elves are deeply connected to the ocean, with an unmatched skill in crafting vessels that glide across water with ethereal grace.

Gelmar is a realm of breathtaking beauty and elegant craftsmanship. Its cities are sculpted from moonstone and white marble, rising along cliffs and stretching across shimmering harbors. Vast shipyards dot the coasts, where Grey Elven artisans work tirelessly to create the finest vessels in all of Aeriador.

Geography and Settlements

Gelmar's three main islands are unique in their character and purpose:

• Tol Galan – The largest and most influential of the islands, Tol Galan is home to Calanost, the capital of Gelmar. The city is a marvel of elven architecture—white spires reach towards the heavens, their surfaces carved with swirling designs of waves and stars. Calanost is also the center of political power, where the Ivory Palace serves as the seat of the Grey Elven King. Its harbors are bustling with elegant, swan-like ships that carry trade and diplomacy to the far reaches of Aeriador.
• Tol Mithrien – Known for its moonlit gardens and the city of Eryndae, Tol Mithrien is a place of serene reflection and spiritual learning. Its streets are paved with smooth, polished stone that glows faintly under moonlight, and its harbors are filled with graceful vessels designed for both commerce and defense. Eryndae’s towering silver trees are famous throughout Gelmar, their blossoms shimmering under the moon's light.
• Tol Fainor – The smallest of the islands but the most ancient, Tiriondell serves as its capital. Tol Fainor is known for its moonlit waterfalls and ancient standing stones that hum with old magic. The people of Tol Fainor are often craftsmen, jewelers, and artisans who work with silver and moonstone, creating some of the finest jewelry in Aeriador. Its secluded groves are places of pilgrimage, where Grey Elves come to reflect and honor the Aratar.

Culture and Society

The Grey Elves of Gelmar are renowned for their grace, beauty, and affinity for the sea. Their society is structured around a strong sense of community, family, and loyalty to their people. While peace is a cornerstone of their beliefs, Gelmar maintains a standing army for defense and a formidable navy that patrols the waters around the islands. Known as the Swan Fleet, these ships are crafted with precision and enchanted with minor magics to glide across the sea with unparalleled speed and elegance.

Grey Elves are artisans at heart, known for their moonwoven silks, jewelry of silver and sapphire, and the swan-like ships that are the envy of Aeriador. In their cities, music and song are woven into daily life, with choral hymns and ballads floating through moonlit streets during evening hours.

The Crown

The Crown of Gelmar is held by the current reigning king, King Lenwe, son of Aegon, son of Taegon. King Lenwe's wife is the Silver Elf Princess Eärmel. Eärmel died during the great demonic wars at the end of the First Age, and Lenwe has ruled Gelmar for a thousand years since. His throne is in Calanost, the Crown Seat of Tol Galan and all of Gelmar. King Lenwe's son, Cirion rules the island of Tol Mithrien. Cirion is the King-Heir and Crown Prince of Gelmar, and his wife is Aerien, daughter of Goldmoon and Aranwe. Cirion and Aerien are friends of Aerena, daughter of Aerendyl and Amara. Cirion and Aerien rule together at Tol Mithrien in Eryndae. Cirion and Aerien's son and daughter rule as stewards of the principality Tol Fainor, the smallest of the islands of Gelmar.

 

Rulership of Gelmar

King Lenwe, King of Gelmar and all who reside therein, Crown Seat in Tol Galan
Prince Cirion and his wife, Princess Aerien, stewards of Tol Mithrien, and great friends of the Archdruidess Lómelindë and Aerena Nightstar
Prince Camthalion and his sister, Princess Celebrien Elénaril, stewards of Tol Fainor, also great friends of Aerena Nightstar

 

Personalities of Royalty
 

King Lenwe - Bard 4 / Paladin 13 
Prince Cirion - Fighter 14
Princess Aerien - Sorceress 13 / Archmage 4
Camthalion - Fighter 10 / Wizard 10 (Gestalt)
Celebrien Elénaril - Bard 10

Faith and Spirituality – The Aratar

The Grey Elves of Gelmar are a deeply spiritual people, whose faith is centered around the Aratar, a term in their tongue that means The Great Ones. The Aratar are five of the most revered Empyreal Lords in Aeriador: Celeborn, Zemira, Faeryl, Finduilen, and Selene. Though Selene is not one of the original Six Creators of Aeriador, she is venerated alongside the others due to her deep connection with the Grey Elves and her union with Finduilen.

The people of Gelmar honor the Aratar not only in ceremony but in daily life. Temples to each of the Aratar are found throughout Gelmar, often built of white stone and silverwood, designed to reflect moonlight and ocean mist. Each island has its own grand temple:

The Aratar and Their Temples:

Military and Defense

Though Gelmar is a peaceful nation, it is far from defenseless. The Grey Elven Navy, known as the Swan Fleet, is the pride of their kingdom. The Swan Fleet serves both as a defense against pirates and raiders and as an emissary of Gelmar’s power and grace across the seas.

In addition to its powerful navy, Gelmar maintains a standing army of trained soldiers who protect its cities and sacred sites. These warriors, clad in silver and sapphire armor, are skilled with both blade and bow, and are trained in the art of tactical warfare and defense. The Grey Elves prefer precision and grace over brute strength, using their natural agility and innate connection to magic to outmaneuver their foes.

Economy and Craftsmanship

Gelmar's economy is sustained by three primary industries:

1. Shipbuilding: The finest vessels in Aeriador are crafted in the shipyards of Calanost. These ships, known for their elegance and speed, are commissioned by kingdoms across the seas.
2. Jewelry and Moonwoven Silks: Artisans of Gelmar are renowned for their mastery in crafting silver, sapphire, and moonstone into breathtaking jewelry. Moonwoven silks, a specialty of Tol Mithrien, are used for sails, robes, and ceremonial garb.
3. Navigation and Trade: Grey Elves are master navigators, and their merchant vessels bring trade goods from across Aeriador, exchanging silver, silk, and enchanted artifacts for rare spices, metals, and exotic woods.

Political Structure

Gelmar is ruled by the Crown of Calanost, a hereditary monarchy that traces its lineage back to the founding of the islands. The King of Gelmar, King Lenwe, resides alone in the Ivory Palace in Calanost, advised by a council of lords, ladies, and spiritual leaders, the heads of their respective faiths of the Aratar.

While the monarchy handles secular matters, the Archdruidesses of the three islands serve as spiritual and regional leaders, guiding their communities with wisdom and grace. Although the Druidesses of Selene are influential, they act more as spiritual protectors and guides rather than political authorities.

Notable Locations:

• Ivory Palace of Calanost: The seat of the Grey Elven Crown, a stunning citadel of moonstone and glass.
• The Swan Shipyards of Calanost: Renowned across Aeriador for their unparalleled craftsmanship.
• The Moonlit Gardens of Eryndae: Beautifully manicured gardens that shimmer under starlight, where moonblossoms and silver birch grow in abundance.
• The Waterfalls of Tiriondell: Moonlit cascades that are both places of reflection and sources of enchanted water used in rituals.