Aellevanda
- The Crystal Keep
- The Tower of Clouds
- The Docks
- The Grove
Overview
The gleaming jewel of the east was founded in ages past by the Aellevanda family. Aellevanda stands as the largest elven stronghold on the continent of Epressa. It sits where the Sayve and Bystra rivers meet. Very few in Arethil know the exact location of Aellevanda, and it is this secrecy that has protected it for so many years.
A small portion of the city, the most important part of the city sits on top of the water itself, but the large majority of the city can actually be found interwoven in the forest that surrounds the city.
Aellevanda also serves as a center for elven knowledge from ages past. It holds an incredible arcane library home to a small academy where skilled elven mages are taught the mystic arts.
A small portion of the city, the most important part of the city sits on top of the water itself, but the large majority of the city can actually be found interwoven in the forest that surrounds the city.
Aellevanda also serves as a center for elven knowledge from ages past. It holds an incredible arcane library home to a small academy where skilled elven mages are taught the mystic arts.
Demographic
Aellevanda is entirely elven in terms of population. The majority are the 'Lake Elves', but few other branches of elves come to the city for various reasons.
Architecture
The city stands as a testament to the elven architect of the past. The buildings in the city are made almost exclusively from a unique white wooden material with the structural integrity of stone, commonly considered a cross between wood and marble.
The architect of the city typically features a twisting and weaving design that grows far more upward than outward. Taking much of its design inspiration from the very few elven cities that came before it, such as Fal'addas. Although, the city was not able to sing all of its buildings into place like was typically done. The introduction of the unique wood found in Aellevanda made up for it.
The founders of Aellevanda were in a new land without the knowledge of the surrounding area like some of the other elven cities, but the new city would not lose to its siblings in magical know-how. The entirety of Aellevanda is interwoven with thousands of years of magical enchantments to make the city stronger and run efficiently.
The architect of the city typically features a twisting and weaving design that grows far more upward than outward. Taking much of its design inspiration from the very few elven cities that came before it, such as Fal'addas. Although, the city was not able to sing all of its buildings into place like was typically done. The introduction of the unique wood found in Aellevanda made up for it.
The founders of Aellevanda were in a new land without the knowledge of the surrounding area like some of the other elven cities, but the new city would not lose to its siblings in magical know-how. The entirety of Aellevanda is interwoven with thousands of years of magical enchantments to make the city stronger and run efficiently.
Points of Interest
The Docks- The lifeline of the city as it is home to Aellevanda's fleet of ships that are a common sight on the rivers. The elves of Aellevanda were given the nickname, "Lake Elves" and for a good reason. While not originally a seafaring people, much of the commerce of the city pass through the docks.
The Tower of Clouds- The largest structure in the city and the location to Aellevanda's arcane strength. It is here that masters of magic and their apprentices learn and protect the city. The Tower's magical arsenal is diverse but features a specialization in illusion, nature, and water magic.
The Elder Tree: An ancient tree that stretches several stories into the sky and is as thick as two buildings have stood since the time of the founding of Aellevanda. The bark of the tree is almost a shiny bronze, while it's leaves are a stark white. The sap of this tree has healing effects. Surrounding the tree is an expansive compound of defensive buildings that are home to the 'Order of the Iron Leaf', a highly trained group of knights and hunters who are the strongest fighters the city has to offer.
The Grove-A mile-long stretch of dense forest serves as the man defense for Aellevanda's land entrance. The forest is packed with dozens of magical traps and animals that protect the city. However, the greatest defense is an ancient illusionary enchantment placed on the Grove that makes it nearly impossible for anyone to navigate through without being led by a specialized guide, or one of the Aellevandan royal family. Those that try often find themselves right back where they entered the Grove.
The Crystal Keep- The seat of the royal family, and the bureaucratic center of Aellevanda. This sprawling castle complex is bustling with decision-making officials of the city, but that is not what most care about. The palace was created with a rather unique enchantment which makes the outer walls of the keep have a reflective surface perfect for bouncing off the light that comes from the sun and the reflections from the lake. The perfect time for experiencing this phenomenon is sunset.
History
The founding of Aellevanda is surrounded by mystery. The first king of Aellevanda founded the city in ages past supposedly claiming that he felt a special power where the two rivers met. The city was first populated only by the Aellevanda house and its retainers, but the young settlement quickly gathered other elves in the continent.
Aellevanda was able to rapidly expand thanks to support from other elven cities like Fal'addas. However, during one of the wars of Arethil, while the city was still young an army of humans was followed swiftly by a tribe of orcs who had each came to the city with dreams of riches. The city was raised to the ground twice in those early years.
The population was beaten and ready to give in, but the king gathered all the mages of the city. Not only did they rebuild the city, but the mages crafted a great illusion of the entire city that would block off the outside world from interfering with Aellevanda, many mages lost their life in the deed, but the enchantments still last to this day.