Sep 9, 2024 1:18 am
The Duchy of Averancia is mostly a nation of humans and halflings from the kingdom of Alderran. One of the Kingdoms of Ceinrig, on the Continent of Mydral. Its capital city is Rivermount.
The Old Continent
Be sure to read and follow the guidelines for our forums.
The Duchy of Averancia is mostly a nation of humans and halflings from the kingdom of Alderran. One of the Kingdoms of Ceinrig, on the Continent of Mydral. Its capital city is Rivermount.
Nov 5, 2024 12:18 pm
The Elves of the Isles of Elantris
Elantris is the name of a vast archipelago lying to the east of the continent of Mydral. It is a realm of breathtaking beauty, with islands cloaked in enchanted forests, crystal-clear lakes, and towering cliffs that overlook the endless ocean. While elves can be found scattered throughout Mydral and beyond, many are reluctant to leave their blessed homeland, drawn to the timeless magic and serenity that infuses each island. For the elves, who are gifted with long lives and a profound connection to nature, beauty is a guiding principle—whether it’s the beauty of their surroundings, their artistic pursuits, or the elegance of their refined lifestyles. Everything they create and embody is touched by a sense of grace and splendor, reflecting their deep commitment to the arts and the natural world.
Appearance
Elves are beings of almost otherworldly beauty, with skin tones ranging from luminous pale to sun-kissed gold. Their hair, shimmering like woven light, spans a spectrum from silver to rich auburn, often catching the ambient colors of their surroundings in a surreal glow. Elves are divided into two distinct groups: the Gold Elves, also known as Sun Elves, and the Silver Elves, or Moon Elves—though names and distinctions may vary by culture and interpretation.
While physical traits sometimes differ between these groups, with Sun Elves generally embodying warmer tones and Moon Elves cooler hues, the most striking and definitive feature that distinguishes them is the color and nature of their Anhelion pendant. For Gold Elves, the Anhelion shines with a fiery, sunlit golden glow, mirroring their affinity for daylight and vitality. In contrast, the Moon Elves’ Anhelion radiates a silvery, blue-white light, resembling the glow of moonlit waters or starlit skies. These pendants are considered sacred, both a personal talisman and a connection to the souls of their ancestors.
Inherent Magics
To the elves of Elantris, magic is as natural and essential as breathing, woven into the very fabric of their being and society. Magic enriches every aspect of their lives, from daily rituals to the grand ceremonies of their people. Three main types of elven spellcasters hold particular prominence: the Spellblade, the Enchanter, and the Spellsinger. Elves who follow these traditions have a glowing sigil placed in their forehead as an indication of their spiritual pursuits.
Spellblades combine martial prowess with magical skill, using enchantments and defensive spells in combat to become elegant yet deadly warriors.
Enchanters harness magic to influence minds and draw illusions; helping to create visual magic and mental illusions.
Spellsingers, however, hold perhaps the most revered position in elven society, as they embody magic in its purest, most harmonious form. By channeling magic through songs of power, Spellsingers create melodies that can heal, protect, or even influence the natural world. Their ability to let magic flow through them in such a raw, unrestrained way grants them a special place within elven culture, often leading ceremonies and guiding others in spiritual matters.
*Nightblades are also elven bearers of magic but for an elf to become a nightblade they must embrace their own destruction and darker nature. This is often the class taken by elven mercenaries and those who have lost their Anhelion or have no other options left to them.
*Courtiers (aka Elven Lord or Elven Lady, i.e. Elves with noble blood) also have access to some magic, but this is not as ritual intensive. Nevertheless, like the Spellsingers, Elven Lords and Ladies seem to let their magic be an extension of their natural selves.
The Anhelion
Each elf bears an Anhelion pendant, a glowing, star-shaped or sun-shaped amulet worn close to the heart. The Anhelion is not merely a decoration but a revered artifact that holds the essence of their lineage. Inside each pendant reside the spirits of an elf's ancestors, creating a tangible link to those who came before, provided they did not perish in battle or far from a Spellsinger capable of singing their soul into the proper Anhelion. This act of soul-binding is deeply spiritual, with Spellsingers conducting special rites to call forth the essence of a departed soul, ensuring it is anchored within the family’s Anhelion pendant. As such, each pendant glows with the power of its ancestors, becoming a protective and guiding force throughout an elf’s life.
These pendants are sacred heirlooms, passed down through generations, their lights growing stronger with each soul added to them. Sun Elves’ Anhelions are typically warm, radiant, and golden, while Moon Elves’ pendants shine with a cooler, ethereal blue-white. The power within these pendants serves as both a symbol of heritage and a source of strength, with their lights intensifying during moments of ritual or great need. Elves rarely part with their Anhelion pendants, as doing so would sever their connection to their past and diminish their inner magic. To steal an Anhelion can meet with immediate death and calls of vengeance.
In every way, Elantris and its people are bound to one another, their lives dedicated to preserving beauty, wisdom, and the eternal connection between life and spirit. It is no wonder, then, that many elves are reluctant to leave their homeland, for Elantris is more than a place—it is the essence of their very souls.
Elantris is the name of a vast archipelago lying to the east of the continent of Mydral. It is a realm of breathtaking beauty, with islands cloaked in enchanted forests, crystal-clear lakes, and towering cliffs that overlook the endless ocean. While elves can be found scattered throughout Mydral and beyond, many are reluctant to leave their blessed homeland, drawn to the timeless magic and serenity that infuses each island. For the elves, who are gifted with long lives and a profound connection to nature, beauty is a guiding principle—whether it’s the beauty of their surroundings, their artistic pursuits, or the elegance of their refined lifestyles. Everything they create and embody is touched by a sense of grace and splendor, reflecting their deep commitment to the arts and the natural world.
Appearance
Elves are beings of almost otherworldly beauty, with skin tones ranging from luminous pale to sun-kissed gold. Their hair, shimmering like woven light, spans a spectrum from silver to rich auburn, often catching the ambient colors of their surroundings in a surreal glow. Elves are divided into two distinct groups: the Gold Elves, also known as Sun Elves, and the Silver Elves, or Moon Elves—though names and distinctions may vary by culture and interpretation.
While physical traits sometimes differ between these groups, with Sun Elves generally embodying warmer tones and Moon Elves cooler hues, the most striking and definitive feature that distinguishes them is the color and nature of their Anhelion pendant. For Gold Elves, the Anhelion shines with a fiery, sunlit golden glow, mirroring their affinity for daylight and vitality. In contrast, the Moon Elves’ Anhelion radiates a silvery, blue-white light, resembling the glow of moonlit waters or starlit skies. These pendants are considered sacred, both a personal talisman and a connection to the souls of their ancestors.
Inherent Magics
To the elves of Elantris, magic is as natural and essential as breathing, woven into the very fabric of their being and society. Magic enriches every aspect of their lives, from daily rituals to the grand ceremonies of their people. Three main types of elven spellcasters hold particular prominence: the Spellblade, the Enchanter, and the Spellsinger. Elves who follow these traditions have a glowing sigil placed in their forehead as an indication of their spiritual pursuits.
Spellblades combine martial prowess with magical skill, using enchantments and defensive spells in combat to become elegant yet deadly warriors.
Enchanters harness magic to influence minds and draw illusions; helping to create visual magic and mental illusions.
Spellsingers, however, hold perhaps the most revered position in elven society, as they embody magic in its purest, most harmonious form. By channeling magic through songs of power, Spellsingers create melodies that can heal, protect, or even influence the natural world. Their ability to let magic flow through them in such a raw, unrestrained way grants them a special place within elven culture, often leading ceremonies and guiding others in spiritual matters.
*Nightblades are also elven bearers of magic but for an elf to become a nightblade they must embrace their own destruction and darker nature. This is often the class taken by elven mercenaries and those who have lost their Anhelion or have no other options left to them.
*Courtiers (aka Elven Lord or Elven Lady, i.e. Elves with noble blood) also have access to some magic, but this is not as ritual intensive. Nevertheless, like the Spellsingers, Elven Lords and Ladies seem to let their magic be an extension of their natural selves.
The Anhelion
Each elf bears an Anhelion pendant, a glowing, star-shaped or sun-shaped amulet worn close to the heart. The Anhelion is not merely a decoration but a revered artifact that holds the essence of their lineage. Inside each pendant reside the spirits of an elf's ancestors, creating a tangible link to those who came before, provided they did not perish in battle or far from a Spellsinger capable of singing their soul into the proper Anhelion. This act of soul-binding is deeply spiritual, with Spellsingers conducting special rites to call forth the essence of a departed soul, ensuring it is anchored within the family’s Anhelion pendant. As such, each pendant glows with the power of its ancestors, becoming a protective and guiding force throughout an elf’s life.
These pendants are sacred heirlooms, passed down through generations, their lights growing stronger with each soul added to them. Sun Elves’ Anhelions are typically warm, radiant, and golden, while Moon Elves’ pendants shine with a cooler, ethereal blue-white. The power within these pendants serves as both a symbol of heritage and a source of strength, with their lights intensifying during moments of ritual or great need. Elves rarely part with their Anhelion pendants, as doing so would sever their connection to their past and diminish their inner magic. To steal an Anhelion can meet with immediate death and calls of vengeance.
In every way, Elantris and its people are bound to one another, their lives dedicated to preserving beauty, wisdom, and the eternal connection between life and spirit. It is no wonder, then, that many elves are reluctant to leave their homeland, for Elantris is more than a place—it is the essence of their very souls.
Dec 19, 2024 5:12 pm
The Dwarves of the Trotold Steppes
The Trotold Steppes, a vast, rugged expanse of windswept plains, rocky outcroppings, and hidden caverns, are home to a unique and fiercely independent race of dwarves. Unlike their mountain-dwelling kin, the dwarves of the Trotold Steppes are a hardy and adaptable people, who have learned to thrive in an environment that tests their resilience at every turn. They are known for their strong sense of community, innovative craftsmanship, and an unwavering connection to the land they call home.
Appearance
The dwarves of the Trotold Steppes have a rugged and weathered look, their appearances shaped by the harsh environment:
Their skin is often sun-bronzed or ruddy, a testament to long days spent under the open sky. Their hair ranges from earthy tones of brown, auburn, and black to the occasional streaks of silver or ash gray, a mark of distinction among their people. Beards are meticulously groomed, often braided with copper or stone beads that signify their family, profession, or achievements. Compact and muscular, these dwarves are shorter than most humans but possess a stocky, powerful frame ideal for endurance and heavy labor.
The Dwarven Vaultguard serves as the backbone of dwarven defense, their training in heavy armor and martial prowess making them the primary protectors of strongholds, burrows, and forges. The Dwarven Craftpriest (known as a Shaman), revered for their dual mastery of divine magic and artisanal skill, bridges the spiritual and practical realms, maintaining the traditions of their ancestors and ensuring the blessings of their gods are channeled into the tools and structures of their community. Meanwhile, the Dwarven Delver, known for their uncanny ability to navigate and survive the depths of the earth, plays a critical role in exploration and resource acquisition, uncovering precious ores and secret passageways underneath the steppes and nearby mountains. The Dwarven Fury represents the unleashed might of dwarven rage, a rare but respected force called upon in times of war or when their people are in dire need of vengeance against ancient foes. Lastly, the Dwarven Machinist exemplifies the innovative spirit of their kin, designing intricate mechanical devices and war machines that secure their society's future. Each class works in harmony, reflecting the dwarves' deep-seated values of craftsmanship, unity, and resilience. The Dwarven Machinist is mostly found in the fortresses of the Trotold dwarves.
The Call to War
As the War engulfed these several continents, it was the human kingdoms that first called on the dwarves for aid, willing to offer coin and grain for centuries afterwards. This opened the way for many furies and vaultguards to leave their tribes, and with support from the machinists and shamans the full war engine of the dwarves was unleashed. They stand allied with the Kingdoms of Ceinrig against the influences of the Zaharan Dominion, the Dominus, the Kingdoms of Arkanis and Arlan, and the Thrassians of the Lands of Therssiah.
The dwarves of the Trotold Steppes are a hardy and resourceful people, deeply connected to the land they call home. Through their ingenuity, reverence for nature, and enduring spirit, they have carved out a unique identity, standing apart from their mountain kin. Whether herding their massive steppe oxen, crafting intricate tools, or riding into battle atop their mighty goats, these dwarves exemplify the unyielding spirit of survival and community.
The Trotold Steppes, a vast, rugged expanse of windswept plains, rocky outcroppings, and hidden caverns, are home to a unique and fiercely independent race of dwarves. Unlike their mountain-dwelling kin, the dwarves of the Trotold Steppes are a hardy and adaptable people, who have learned to thrive in an environment that tests their resilience at every turn. They are known for their strong sense of community, innovative craftsmanship, and an unwavering connection to the land they call home.
Appearance
The dwarves of the Trotold Steppes have a rugged and weathered look, their appearances shaped by the harsh environment:
Their skin is often sun-bronzed or ruddy, a testament to long days spent under the open sky. Their hair ranges from earthy tones of brown, auburn, and black to the occasional streaks of silver or ash gray, a mark of distinction among their people. Beards are meticulously groomed, often braided with copper or stone beads that signify their family, profession, or achievements. Compact and muscular, these dwarves are shorter than most humans but possess a stocky, powerful frame ideal for endurance and heavy labor.
The Dwarven Vaultguard serves as the backbone of dwarven defense, their training in heavy armor and martial prowess making them the primary protectors of strongholds, burrows, and forges. The Dwarven Craftpriest (known as a Shaman), revered for their dual mastery of divine magic and artisanal skill, bridges the spiritual and practical realms, maintaining the traditions of their ancestors and ensuring the blessings of their gods are channeled into the tools and structures of their community. Meanwhile, the Dwarven Delver, known for their uncanny ability to navigate and survive the depths of the earth, plays a critical role in exploration and resource acquisition, uncovering precious ores and secret passageways underneath the steppes and nearby mountains. The Dwarven Fury represents the unleashed might of dwarven rage, a rare but respected force called upon in times of war or when their people are in dire need of vengeance against ancient foes. Lastly, the Dwarven Machinist exemplifies the innovative spirit of their kin, designing intricate mechanical devices and war machines that secure their society's future. Each class works in harmony, reflecting the dwarves' deep-seated values of craftsmanship, unity, and resilience. The Dwarven Machinist is mostly found in the fortresses of the Trotold dwarves.
The Call to War
As the War engulfed these several continents, it was the human kingdoms that first called on the dwarves for aid, willing to offer coin and grain for centuries afterwards. This opened the way for many furies and vaultguards to leave their tribes, and with support from the machinists and shamans the full war engine of the dwarves was unleashed. They stand allied with the Kingdoms of Ceinrig against the influences of the Zaharan Dominion, the Dominus, the Kingdoms of Arkanis and Arlan, and the Thrassians of the Lands of Therssiah.
The dwarves of the Trotold Steppes are a hardy and resourceful people, deeply connected to the land they call home. Through their ingenuity, reverence for nature, and enduring spirit, they have carved out a unique identity, standing apart from their mountain kin. Whether herding their massive steppe oxen, crafting intricate tools, or riding into battle atop their mighty goats, these dwarves exemplify the unyielding spirit of survival and community.