Endeiras-- The Land
The Empire of the Oak, as the lands of Endeiras were sometimes known, once spread across much of the known world. Of course, this was before much of the world was known to anyone except those called the Firstborn. Though they spoke of it little, it was the growth of the human kingdoms and empires that slowly pushed back the Empire of Oak, as they were unwilling to come to conflict when the land was so vast and the number of people so small. Endeiras was always a nation of peace and diplomacy, especially in the early years of its contact with the humans in the lands that were once theirs. However, many of the humans saw this as a weakness, and tried to take by force that which was originally freely given. The humans were surprised to find that this was not an easy task, and suffered a series of heavy defeats before backing off in an unhappy truce. It was during this time that several great Endeiras bastions were created.
Uethil itself was a marvel to behold. It was built into a grove of trees that stretched up into the foothills of Méith Sliabh (MAY Slee iv). The buildings mimicked the nature of the trees themselves, granting the illusion that the forest was larger than it actually was. The buildings on the mountainside were like great spiring trees, far larger than could possibly exist on such a small and tree-filled mountain. Uethil was the leading city in allowing humans into the Empire of Oak. Uethil, being close to the sea, allowed the humans there to work in the lower reaches of the city, particularly in the harbor regions. Humans, due to past unsavory deeds, were not afforded the same rights as the Firstborn, and were not even considered citizens, unless they paid a substantial sum to the Empire. Non-citizens were not allowed to work magic unless a Firstborn hired them to do so. The human part of Uethil was known as Eallach (E loch). The second capital of Tiere-A-Tun was much the same as Uethil, though it was headed by Sagart Niall (SAH gurt NEE ul), the head priest and magician of the empress. If possible, Tiere-A-Tun was slightly harsher in their treatment of humans, considering them almost beneath their notice.
Humans were allowed in three other cities in the Empire of Oak. Mianach (MEE uh nuhk), seen as the sister city of Uethil, though not on the sea, was sometimes known as the City of Marble. Mianach was ruled by Prince Dolaidh (DO lee), the son of the Empress. Mianach was known for its great craftsmen, and for the Dtonnta Lasair (Jawn cha Luh ser), the celebration of the Twin Gods, Abhainn (UH wayn) and Anam (UH num). Humans here, while still confined to a certain part of the city, Eibhir (AE veer), could become citizens by serving in the military, excelling in a craft, or buying a title. The city of Miotail (MYOO tahl) was a town of fierce warriors that served the goddess Doileag (DOL ak). Any who pledged to her cause were welcomed as citizens. Miotail was controlled by Ceannasaí Caitir Tarbh (KEH nah shay KAH tcheer TURV), a woman of fair beauty, but carrying many scars, both on her flesh and in her heart. The final city was the city of Tá, the city in the shadows. Tá housed more of the experimental and secretive rites of the Empire of Oak. Humans that lived in Tá were expected to contribute, and to accept binding by a magical code. The penalty for betrayal, they say, was worse than death. Tá followed one of the darker gods for the Firstborn, Folaigh (FOE lek).