Translating in Elven to the "Realm of the Firstborn", Ardhon Miniel was the land of Elven magic, carved from the westmost place in the Head of the Greatwyrm in the Pre-Unified Age. Half surrounded by the Shifting Blue, and protected in the south by the Snoutridge, Ardhon Miniel was a target of Orc and Giantborn barbarian tribes, the Dwarven Kingdom of the Twelve Mountains, and Common League interests. Despite these threats, none breached its defenses, as arcane wards and watchtowers lined the borders, and Rangers patrolled the edges of the kingdom.
The kingdom stretched for 600 miles; its western lands held undulating plains and rivers that ran to the sea, while the Forests of Mana Thalor blanketed its east. Elves believed that these woods were sacred, holding a lingering power of an older world. Strange creatures lived beneath the canopy, and some said time moved differently within the forest. Many who entered without guidance never returned, though it did not stop Humans from places such as Avenir to venture into elven lands in search of protection and power.
In the west, Ardhon Miniel's capital of Vael’thirion rose from the sea, built on an island of white stone. From its towers, the elves watched over Ila Sîrath, an island where the boundary between worlds grew thin. Beyond it stood the Elfintree, the largest tree and Fey Crossing in the world; the elves of Ardhon Miniel considered it their duty to guard this most sacred place.