Kingdom of Meícharn

The Kingdom of Meícharn (Olmë: Meícharn Caedern) was a state formed from the unification of several elven clans (cuíge) in the northern reaches of the Starcast Peninsula in 204 BC. Created more out of necessity rather than a kinsmanly desire for unity, it was a power bloc meant to contest the growing power of the Kingdom of Selwyssig in the south.

It was ruled by a king that ascended to the throne through election, as opposed to inheriting it through blood -- this was a practice the elves of Meícharn were proud of, one of many that highlighted the differences between them and their southern neighbours in Selwyssig. Meícharn unexpectedly flourished during the 2nd century BC, with its bountiful fields providing sustenance to a large population. The Meícharni also established trade relations with several smaller clans past the river Hírnen to the southeast, further engorging their wealth.

The united northerners fought against Selwyssig alongside the allied clans of Gwynnedd and Areisyll in the protracted Second War of Unification (171-115 BC), and though they were defeated in the field, they succeeded in maintaining independence unlike Areisyll (conquered in 150 BC) and Gwynnedd (made a vassal by Selwyssig in 115 BC, fully annexed by 100 BC). The conflict with Selwyssig was reignited in 90 BC, which saw Meícharn emerge victorious in several important engagements, though said victories were soured by the rebellion of one of their more powerful constituent clans, Merelin. The wounded, albeit expanded kingdom defeated the insurgency by the end of 83 BC, but could not press their advantage against the south.

Their strength was now sapped; when the young king Erenëch of Selwyssig launched a surprise offensive in 71 BC, they had only the strengh to resist their advances rather than retaliate in full. Despite Erenëch's death in 69 BC, which they hoped would bring about a reprieve, the Selwyssian campaign was reinvigorated. By 66 BC, they suffered an ignominious defeat. With their capital sacked and their people scattered, the Kingdom of Meícharn ceased to exist as an independent power.