Spanning coast to coast, the Ymmalesh Province is unquestionably the largest province of the Setab Empire.  The waters and islands of the White Wastes are a part of the province, nearly doubling its area.  However, most of the territory is so inhospitable that it cannot be productive.  Blizzards that can last for weeks are not uncommon and the northern waters are frozen more often than not.  So despite large swaths of valuable land, few people live or work in the province on a permanent basis.  The most notable feature of the province is the First Wood, a huge forest that stretches nearly as wide as the province itself.  The First Wood also provides its share of troubles, for though it provides shelter from the worst of the storms, it is also home to more vicious wildlife than any other province.

For time out of mind, the Ymmalesh territory was home to blood-thirsty barbarians who wanted little more than attack all civilized men.  While these stories are likely exaggerated, it is true that many wanted criminals have fled north to the wilds, where few sane men would venture.  There have been attacks and raids, mostly by small bandit groups on supply trains from Pellinola, but a few noteworthy battles have taken place.  One of the more recent battles was caused by a Pellinolan guild that set fire to parts of the First Wood that bordered along one of their main trade routes.  There were approximately a thousand barbarian bodies counted before an accord was reached and the battle ended.  The last province to join the Setab Empire, Ymmalesh was only formally recognized by the Scepter 173 years ago (as of 1010 p.c.)  The territory was long used for resources by Setab, Halkir, and Pellinola, and many of the nobility from those provinces resisted Ymmalesh’s formation into a full-fledged province.  However, the Scepter sees the best action for the Empire as whole and gently refused their wishes.  This act helped to settle the barbarian aggressions once and for all.

The people of Ymmalesh, known as Ymmaleshians or simply Leshians, are above else survivors.  Only recently considered true citizens, many throughout the Empire still consider them barbarous and refuse to treat with them as equals.  Leshians seems to care less what “soft outsiders” believe, and Leshians themselves believe that no one is worthy of respect until they survive their first great hunt alone.  Few value gold and silver unless they regularly do business with those from other parts of the Empire; weapons, armor, and food are the most valuable commodity to most.  Since it is suicide to wander the province alone, groups bound by blood or purpose are the norm, some of which establish permanent homes while other prefer to follow migratory herd animals throughout the year.  It is generally believed that there are many Bright Elf settlements hidden in the First Wood, though none can or will say where any are.  It is also said that there are true villages and cultures of Half Elves hidden in the Province, and there seems to be above average numbers of the “race” seen.  There is one notable Lightborn community close to the capital, which lends aid to the area, and they claim more of their brethren are also out there.  Some Shalbir seem to have made themselves at home, glorying in the fight against the elements and beasts, while it is said that some Dark Elves have also taken to the permanent shade under the trees.  Those few who voyage to the northern waters claim to have spoken with strangely pale and stoic Mur, though they seem just as friendly as their more carefree southern relatives.

When the old Lord-Governor Zander Thousand Bones died, some of the nobility of other provinces began petitioning for a less savage and more civilized Lord-Governor be found, with or without Ymmalesh’s approval.  As the Scepter considered the proposal, not wanting more accidental bloodshed from misunderstandings, Esvora Cantus named herself as a candidate.  The nobles were in an uproar, as no Half-Elf had been permitted a title higher than Baron, and that only because of extensive war heroics and the honor was not hereditary.  However, though Esvora was not beautiful, being crisscrossed in intricate scars, she spoke with such a lovely voice with such sweet reason that it seemed impossible to refuse her after she personally visited all of those who seemed to discriminate against her.  Lady-Governor Esvora Cantus now presides over the Ymmalesh Province from the capital city Sylvora, situated close to the border with Setab.