Valley of the Mage

Proper name: Valley of the Mage
Ruler: His Most Magical Authority, the Exalted Mage of the Valley and Laird of the Domain (particulars uncertain)
Government: Magical despotism
Capital: Unknown
Population: Human 37%, Elf 25%, Gnome 18%, Halfling 10%, Half-elf 5%, Other 5%
Law: Unknown
Allies: None
Enemies: Geoff (exiles), Bissel, Gran March, Knights of the Watch, Knights of Dispatch, Keoland (minor), Sterich (minor), most elves

The Valley of the Mage lies within the central Barrier Peaks mountain range. The only natural passage through the surrounding mountains lies near the northern end of the valley where unpreciditable elven and gnome patrols guard the entrance. They may turn back travelers with a stern warning, or attack outright.
It is rumored that the Mage of the Valley sends servants on errands of theft and banditry. Captured servants either escape or waste away, inevitably dying if not allowed to return.
Nightfall in the valley is quite sudden, and the landscape seems to come alive with monstrous predators. It is not known if these are conjured in response to trepassers, or are general hazards.
The archmages Rary and Mordenkainen have sponsored adventuring parties to investigate, but none of them have brought back much information. All have suffered high casualty rates.