Sylvan Niche Sylvan History Log
The History
of the Sylvankind
Feastday, day 21 of the month Eorgaen in the year 5102
************EDITOR'S NOTE************
This log is from the viewpoint of Chutnee BornOdepression. All second person references, therefore, refer to said character within this log.
************END NOTE************
[Shimmarglin Inn, Fountain Room]
A cool, slightly dank air pervades this round room, its source a gently gurgling fountain surrounded by a curving border of black oak benches. Crafted in the form of a dancing wood sprite, the dark rock of the fountain provides a tiered descent for the flowing water as it winds its way to a circular pool at the base of the sculpture. An arched, stained glass window stands behind the fountain, shedding pale light across the softly undulating surface of the pool.
Also here: Tyndrasi
You see Tyndrasi An'Rathis.
He appears to be a Sylvankind of the Lassaran D'ahranal.
He appears to be young and robust and tall. He has large green eyes and fair skin. He has long, braided honey blonde hair swept back from the temples. He has an aquiline nose and high cheekbones.
He is in good shape.
He is wearing a crystal amulet, a braided leather belt studded with small vaalin sigils, a mithril ring, a leather bow sheath, an incised mithril buckler, some grey leather robes, a soft grey traveling cloak, a pair of rugged leather boots, a fringed suede weapons harness, a green leather backpack, and a braided mithril circlet inset with small pieces of amber.
Maliku just arrived.
Maliku looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.
Maliku grimly asks, "What gather the two of you before this water?"
You say, "Tyndrasi, have ye ever heard direct tell of our city of Yuriqen from yer elders."
Tyndrasi says, "I am planning to relate a bit of history sir"
You say, "That being a question."
You smile at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Yes lady, my ancesters were from there."
You say, "Tyndrasi has traveled far to speak of the sylvan way of life."
You smile at Maliku.
Tyndrasi says, "I shall tell you of it"
Maliku rubs his chin thoughtfully.
You exclaim, "Oh! That shall be lovely!"
You clap your hands.
Maliku grimly asks, "Where have you traveled from Tyn'drasee?"
Prospera's group just arrived.
Prospera pants.
Prospera says, "whew"
You smile at Prospera.
Prospera sits down.
Prospera flashes a quick grin.
Tyndrasi says, "From a small colony of sylvans living on the other side of the mountains"
Prospera says, "Hello, all."
Tyndrasi smiles at Prospera.
Prospera nods to Xeniphite.
Maliku rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Prospera smiles at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Good evening m'lady"
Xeniphite nods to Prospera.
You focus on projecting your thoughts...
Those wishing to hear of the history of the sylvankind should come to the Fountain Room in the Shimmarglin Inn. A traveler has come to speak of the old ways.
Maliku grimly says, "I feel almost out of place among such "woodly" company..."
Tyndrasi says, "Aha, a Faendryl. I have your ancesters in my tale as well"
You grin at Tyndrasi.
Maliku coughs.
Xeniphite chuckles.
Prospera pulls Xeniphite closer to herself.
Xeniphite asks, "What's this tale?"
Prospera says, "Sit with us, love."
Tyndrasi says, "it is a history of my people sir. The sylvans"
Xeniphite sits down.
Xeniphite nods.
Prospera says, "ooo"
You grin at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi asks, "Well, are we the whole crowd then?"
Tyndrasi smiles.
Tyndrasi says, "I must warn you...my tale isn't very short"
Prospera says, "There so many of us here in the area..."
You say, "I sent out another thought, Tyndrasi, so may want to wait one minute more."
Prospera says, "Oh, no apology needed for me."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
You say, "I enjoy long stories myself. The bard in me."
You grin at Tyndrasi.
Xeniphite stands up.
Prospera grunts.
Prospera exclaims, "scuse me one moment!"
Prospera stands up.
Prospera's group just went west.
Maliku grimly asks, "What brings a wood elf to the city anyhow?"
Tyndrasi smiles.
You smile at Tyndrasi.
Maliku grimly asks, "To relate this tell?"
Maliku coughs.
Prospera's group just arrived.
Tyndrasi says, "I have come to tell this story Maliku."
Prospera blushes a nice shade of rosy pink.
Prospera sits down.
Tyndrasi nods.
Maliku blinks.
Prospera leans forward.
Maliku cowers away from Tyndrasi!
Tyndrasi says, "Afterward, I will journey back to my colony"
Maliku grimly says, "This warlock knows my name."
Prospera turns an inquisitive ear towards Tyndrasi.
Xeniphite says, "One sec."
Lord Xeniphite just went west.
Tyndrasi chuckles.
You say, "He is Lassaran, and is their place in our culture to speak to others as... ambassadors of a sort."
You nod.
You focus on projecting your thoughts...
Those wishing to hear of the history of the sylvankind should come to the Fountain Room in the Shimmarglin Inn. A traveler has come to speak of the old ways.
Prospera gnashes her teeth in frustration!
Prospera stands up.
Prospera just went west.
Maliku grimly says, "I say we burn him at a stake in Gyldemar."
Maliku shrugs.
Prospera's group just arrived.
Prospera sits down.
You smile at Tyndrasi.
Xeniphite sits down.
Tyndrasi asks, "Very well.. shall we begin?"
Prospera says, "What I get for hooking up with one of these."
Tyndrasi smiles.
Prospera gives Xeniphite a good pinch!
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Prospera nods to Tyndrasi.
Xeniphite grins at Prospera.
You say, "Please."
Maliku rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Prospera says, "Have to let him in and out the door."
Tyndrasi says, "In the earliest of days, a vast forest covered most of the lands between the DragonSpine Mountains and the eastern coast of the continent."
Maliku removes an intricate bone statue from in his threaded harness.
Tyndrasi says, "Within the forests off the eastern seaboard dwelt the race of elves."
Maliku places his hand on his bone statue.
You nod to Tyndrasi.
You say, "Long ago indeed."
Tyndrasi says, "They were, from the first, an ingenious people and quickly learned to fashion hide dwellings suspended from the trees."
Maliku rolls his eyes.
Tyndrasi says, "These were easily disassembled to accommodate a nomadic lifestyle, a lifestyle that was designed to conceal their colonies from the threat of the colossal drakes that sailed the wide skies above the canopy of trees."
You lean forward.
Tyndrasi says, "As time passed, the primitive tent-dwellings evolved into semi-permanent constructions that featured some rock walls and hearths, but retained the hide ceilings and upper walls of their earlier design."
Tyndrasi says, "The people learned first to adorn the hides of their dwellings with painted symbols, and then to make pottery to contain food and water."
Tyndrasi says, "They domesticated a sturdy breed of antelope living in the forests, and were soon moving their limited belongings via travois."
Tyndrasi says, "As the colonies grew in size, they divided into smaller groups for protection and traveled the forests, always careful to conceal any evidence of their movements."
You smile.
Tyndrasi says, "Their woodcraft skills increased, as well as their survival abilities, with every generation."
You tap a rolaren veined long bow.
Tyndrasi says, "With the advent of the Ur-Daemon Wars, the elves parted into smaller bands and learned to move only in the darkness of night. Even so, many perished."
You wink at Tyndrasi.
Maliku glances at you.
Tyndrasi says, "The ur-daemons learned to conceal themselves within the forests and attack the drakes from below."
Prospera shifts her eyes to Maliku.
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
Tyndrasi says, "Unsuspecting elves would wander into a concealed monster and be devoured before they realized their misfortune."
You gulp.
Tyndrasi says, "Legends tell of invisible ur-daemons suddenly coalescing out of the shadows of the trees and swallowing whole elven families."
Prospera frowns.
Your jaw drops.
Tyndrasi says, "At the end of the darkness, as the ur-daemon menace was called, the elven population was greatly diminished."
(Maliku has a hard time stifling a chuckle.)
Prospera says, "Spose so."
Tyndrasi says, "However, Arkati aid, chiefly from the goddesses Lumnis and Imaera, gave them a helping hand."
Prospera winces.
You wipe the sweat from your brow.
Tyndrasi says, "In clearings rent in the great forest by the battles between drake and ur-daemon, the elves were shown how to grow crops that would feed them through the cold seasons."
Maliku rolls his eyes.
Maliku grimly says, "Arkati."
Maliku places his hand on his bone statue.
Prospera says, "Always had a warm spot for those two."
Tyndrasi says, "With the ancient menace of the drakes at an end, they embraced agriculture."
You say, "Hmmm..."
You rub your chin thoughtfully.
Tyndrasi says, "Soon most colonies had abandoned a nomadic lifestyle, staying in one region to tend quickly expanding croplands."
Tyndrasi says, "The elves soon moved from utilizing available clearings, to felling trees on their own in order to expand the cultivatable fields, and colonies grew as land-holdings grew."
You nod.
Tyndrasi says, "The graceful tent-dwellings of the past evolved first into timber structures, and then into those built of stone and brick."
Tyndrasi says, "Some elves held to the old ways, resisting the invitation to join their brethren in the burgeoning towns."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
You say, "Indeed."
Tyndrasi says, "These disparate groups gradually joined into one colony, disdaining all 'hard buildings' in favor of old-style hide dwellings, and retaining only those possessions that could be easily carried from place to place."
Maliku glances at you.
Tyndrasi says, "The colony became more reclusive, retiring into the depths of the ancient wood where no direct sunlight could reach the forest floor."
Prospera says, "I'd love to visit such a place thriving."
Tyndrasi says, "They remained closely allied to Imaera, and out of that association a religion emerged that had as a basic tenet the belief that they must resist the temptations of the civilized tribes."
You smile at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "And in the towns, the word sylvisterai became a common term that referred to the reticent offshoot of elves, meaning 'one who embraces -- or marries -- the forest.' And so, the designation sylvan was born."
Lord Ramladu just arrived.
Tyndrasi smiles.
You flash a wide grin.
Prospera nods to Tyndrasi.
Prospera smiles at Ramladu.
Ramladu somberly says, "Hello, I made it."
Tyndrasi says, "As the elven hamlets expanded and divided, seven houses emerged as centers of power and around these grew towns that quickly evolved into cities."
Ramladu sits down.
Tyndrasi says, "Greetings sir"
Tyndrasi says, "You have not missed much"
You say, "Sit and enjoy."
You nod to Ramladu.
Tyndrasi says, "I am speaking of the very earliest days"
Tyndrasi asks, "Let me see.. where was I?"
Tyndrasi furrows his brow.
You say, "About the seven houses."
Prospera says, "The growth of the hous.."
Prospera nods to you.
Maliku grimly says, "Telling of how the sylvans died from famine."
Maliku grimly says, "And are now extinct."
Tyndrasi says, "Written history emerged, and a great library was raised to house it. It was not long before other elven cities followed the example set by Ta'Illistim."
Prospera scowls at Maliku.
You roll your eyes.
Tyndrasi begins chuckling at Maliku!
You say, "Hardly."
Tyndrasi says, "Trade was brisk between the cities; however, in the forest, the sylvans discouraged visits from outsiders by any means they could concoct short of outright churlishness."
Maliku grimly says, "Little more than woodland monkeys"
Maliku shakes his head.
Maliku just went west.
Prospera says, "He's a mad man, just so you know."
Tyndrasi says, "Trade with their elven cousins was both discouraged and limited."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "And since rarity in most cases breeds desire, the fine sylvan styled bows, jewelry, leather goods and other handicrafts gained great value among the seven cities."
You mutter something about political-elves...
Prospera says, "But of course."
Tyndrasi says, "Emissaries were routinely sent from each of the cities, bearing invitations to the sylvans to settle within the boundaries of their respective city, with promises of wealth and luxury."
You smile at Tyndrasi.
You chuckle at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "The sylvans received each contingent with cool courtesy. However, the answer was always the same. And as pressure to join a political family grew, so did the sylvans' uneasiness."
You say, "Always politicking, those elves."
Lady Shaelethe just arrived.
Shaelethe sits down.
Shaelethe mumbles something that you don't quite catch.
The fountain bubbles quietly, its steady whisper reflected against the stone walls of the chamber.
Shaelethe says, "sorry I'm late."
Tyndrasi says, "I shall now speak of the first sylvan city, ca. -45,400"
Tyndrasi smiles at Shaelethe.
You smile at Tyndrasi.
Prospera nods to Tyndrasi.
Shaelethe smiles at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Sylvan artistry grew from primitive origins dictated by the necessity of constant travel into a rich, inherently stylized art form."
(Chutnee rests her hands on her knees as she leans forward to be sure and hear all.)
Tyndrasi says, "They made bows and crossbows of exceeding beauty and balance, as well as silver and mithril tipped arrows, bolts and knives."
Tyndrasi says, "They fashioned pottery that was as light as it was strong, and decorated with their elegant, elongated figures and symbols."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Their hide tent-homes were decorated with all manner of designs, and their textile goods were as durable as they were soft and light."
Tyndrasi says, "I will now take a small diversion from the tale to speak of the introduction of mithril and silver to our people"
You exclaim, "Oh good!"
Prospera nods to Tyndrasi.
Shaelethe beams!
You say, "Always wondered how metalwork started for us."
Tyndrasi says, "It is known that the early sylvans were expert in some disciplines of metal work, primarily the skills of making arrow tips, knives and jewelry."
Tyndrasi says, "The origins of the metal they used was for a long time a mystery, since it is certain that the sylvans did not mine the ore themselves."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
You say, "Why I wondered..."
Tyndrasi says, "In ca. 4955, a respected Ta'Illistim archeologist named Relian Degaloth, working under a generous grant bequeathed by the great Aies Library of Ta'Illistim, set out for a cave rumored to lie within dense forests east of Old Ta'Faendryl."
Tyndrasi says, "Degaloth searched with no avail for a number of years."
Tyndrasi says, "Finally, he stumbled upon a small colony of sylvans living in the thickly forested territory."
Prospera says, "hm"
Tyndrasi says, "He was intrigued to find that they still built dwellings and followed practices believed to be common in the days of the fabled city of Ithnishmyn."
Tyndrasi says, "Following all known protocol of sylvan courtesy that he could remember, Degaloth managed to convince the reticent villagers to allow him and his research group to dwell with them for a time."
You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.
Tyndrasi says, "During that time, the elf discovered that these sylvans knew of an extensive cave at the bottom of a deep ravine some leagues to the east."
Ramladu winces.
Tyndrasi says, "After months of gentle yet persistent persuasion, he convinced them to take him there."
You ponder.
Tyndrasi says, "After a harrowing descent into a chasm, he was shown the cave's mouth."
Tyndrasi says, "The caverns proved to be a complex series of tunnels and chambers that honeycombed the heart of the cliffs that covered it. Deep in that catacomb, he made a discovery that would define his life's work."
You listen carefully to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "In a cavern so large it could have easily held the whole of the Ta'Illistim library, Degaloth found a stone structure, its walls resembling a barricade of massive tree trunks."
You blink at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "At first, Degaloth thought them to be made of the petrified boles of actual trees."
Tyndrasi says, "However, closer examination revealed them to be carved, with perfect detail down to the intricacies of the bark on each tree."
Prospera says, "mm"
Tyndrasi says, "Beneath the sheltering roof of these leviathans were hundreds of large amphorae, most in pristine condition."
You rub your chin thoughtfully.
Tyndrasi says, "They were decorated with an amazing panorama of imagery, depicting daily life of the early sylvans."
Prospera asks, "Will we ever be able to see this place, y'think?"
Tyndrasi says, "As significant as this was, the contents of the containers proved to be the crowning glory."
You ask, "What was in them?"
You lean forward.
Tyndrasi says, "At first Degaloth thought that the jars held only fine, white sand."
Shaelethe leans forward and rests her chin in her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face.
Tyndrasi says, "However, when he began to empty them, he found the sand was merely protective filler that had preserved hundreds of scrolls and illuminated hides through the ages."
You exclaim, "Oh!"
Shaelethe says, "ooh."
Tyndrasi says, "These relics, covered with pictographs and early elven characters, gave a definitive window into the belief systems and mindset of the first sylvans."
Tyndrasi says, "Degaloth managed to transfer most of the amphorae -- and their contents -- back to the Aies Library"
Shaelethe ponders.
Prospera says, "ooo"
Tyndrasi says, "He spent the remainder of his life studying the treasure and deciphering the secrets it offered."
Tyndrasi says, "After translating a portion of the scrolls and hides, Degaloth determined that the cache was put into the caves in approximately -36,567. At that time, the sylvans were preparing to abandon the city called Ithnishmyn and set out on a precarious migration."
Prospera nods.
You bite your lip.
Tyndrasi says, "The scrolls were an amazing accumulation of sylvan history."
Prospera says, "What a find."
Tyndrasi says, "According to an account Degaloth found therein, prior to depositing the collection within their containers, the sylvans had committed the whole of it to memory, a rich oral history preserved for their descendants should they never return to claim the treasure they left behind within the cavern."
Kresl just arrived.
Shaelethe nods to Prospera.
Prospera smiles at Kresl.
Kresl smiles.
You smile at Tyndrasi.
You say, "Of course."
Tyndrasi says, "One of the amphorae was decorated with imagery depicting a small, heavily built people interacting with stylized figures identifiable as sylvans by their elongated statures and particular body postures."
You cock your head at Tyndrasi.
You ask, "Dwarves?"
Tyndrasi says, "When he began to translate the scrolls held within the jar, he was amazed to discover it related a meeting between another race and the early sylvans."
Kresl sits down.
Prospera grins.
Tyndrasi says, "The 'short hearty mountain people' (as the translation described them) brought the 'gleaming metals' in trade for archery equipment, hides and pottery."
Ramladu rubs his chin thoughtfully.
Prospera says, "ahhh"
You say, "Ah, of course."
Shaelethe says, "ahhh"
Prospera nods.
You smile at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "The text went on to describe frequent rendezvous at the distant western edge of the forest, where the boundary of the great wood met the tumbled rock plain."
The crystalline water glistens across the outstretched arms of the sculpted wood sprite and flows down her motionless body, almost seeming to imbue her with life in its sparkling motion.
Tyndrasi says, "Although, during the years of his life's work, some of Delagoth's peers proclaimed the scrolls were obviously a forgery, Delagoth maintained to his death that his magnificent discovery at the Ma'Henrith Caverns was authentic."
Shaelethe rubs her chin thoughtfully.
You furrow your brow, probably adding a wrinkle or two in the process.
Tyndrasi says, "Now back to my account of the sylvans"
Tyndrasi smiles.
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "You might have noticed I mentioned a sylvan city"
Tyndrasi smiles.
Prospera asks, "Wouldn't it be wonderful to explore there?"
Shaelethe nods to Tyndrasi.
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Shaelethe asks, "Yuriqen?"
You say, "Aye."
Tyndrasi says, "As the sylvans gradually accumulated possessions, the idea of a permanent home began to be mentioned and then openly supported."
Tyndrasi says, "The high council was called to weigh the pros and cons of such a concept and make a ruling on it."
Tyndrasi says, "There was considerable concern that settling in one place would pervert their intrinsic beliefs and turn them into facsimiles of their cousins in the elven cities, replete with all the dependencies and 'vices' (according to sylvan ideas) the sylvans eschewed."
Prospera nods.
You say, "A valid concern I would imagine."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "After ten days of deliberations, the council decided in favor of a permanent city."
Tyndrasi says, "This had not been an easy consensus. However, it was agreed that the sylvans could give up the wearying seasonal migration and still maintain the beliefs they held dear."
Ramladu nods.
Tyndrasi says, "They chose a location that was remote and well protected by a dense, old growth forest."
Tyndrasi says, "And the tents they built there grew into elegant multi-level constructions that both rested on the ground and hung suspended among the tree boughs."
Prospera squirms.
Prospera says, "I want to go there."
Tyndrasi says, "The architecture of these dwellings -- colonies of homes that resembled a fleet of ships with sails billowing in the forest canopy -- became one of the sylvans' most distinctive and timeless accomplishments."
Tyndrasi says, "The first colony was christened Ithnishmyn."
Tyndrasi smiles.
Ramladu somberly says, "I hate being on a ship."
Ramladu winces.
Prospera says, "Ithnishmyn."
Tyndrasi says, "A fabled city of beautiful dwellings and tall trees, cradled in its embrace the population grew rapidly, often increased by wandering bands of sylvans who had not previously known of the prime colony."
Shaelethe says, "Ithnish..myn."
You smile at Tyndrasi.
Prospera says, "Of course the most beautiful."
Tyndrasi says, "These small aggregations, most numbering only a few related family groups, were enticed to stay in Ithnishmyn by the art being created there and by the allure of a burgeoning variety of collectives that studied all manner of forest and plant lore."
Shaelethe grins at Prospera.
Prospera nods to Shaelethe.
Tyndrasi says, "Although the colony was, within a few hundred years, easily the size of a small city, its impact on the surrounding forest remained negligible."
You smile at Tyndrasi.
Shaelethe says, "we care for our own."
Tyndrasi says, "This belief in the sanctity of the forest was joined to their strong separatist stance regarding their relations with the elven "open-air cities," and these two tenets formed the cornerstones of both the sylvan political system and religious theory."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "In Ithnishmyn, the distinctive guild system the sylvans would embrace for the remainder of their history was born."
A cool, fresh scent rises from the flowing waters of the fountain, calling to mind the dank, mineral-laden odor of underground caverns.
You flash a wide grin.
Prospera says, "I swear I'm tingling."
Tyndrasi says, "With settlement, the people were freed to quickly surpass their former achievements in all areas of endeavor."
Tyndrasi smiles at Prospera.
Shaelethe chuckles.
Tyndrasi says, "The arts and sciences leaped ahead, as the sylvans made discoveries relating to pigments, sculptural techniques and all forms of textile arts."
Tyndrasi says, "Their archery acumen, already superior during their nomadic years, reached new heights of excellence."
You say, "Well, of course."
Tyndrasi says, "And among all areas of study, those who surpassed standard levels of accomplishment were recognized."
You tap a rolaren veined long bow.
You grin.
Prospera smiles proudly.
Tyndrasi says, "A formal system of ceremony was born, aimed at honoring achievement and status, and those individuals exemplifying qualities that defined the top of their professions were given the title of master."
Tyndrasi says, "These masters began to form schools of study and to take apprentices."
Prospera nods.
Tyndrasi says, "They began to formulate ideals and ethics that governed their respective fields of expertise."
Tyndrasi says, "As these loose schools of study grew and were defined and refined throughout the passing years, families acclaimed for their mastery of various disciplines gained both power and renown."
Tyndrasi says, "They formed academies, headed up by one master, or a group of masters led by a premier individual, called archmaster."
Prospera cocks her head.
Tyndrasi says, "These groups, imbued over time with complex systems of philosophies, guidelines and ceremonies, were not limited to the arts, but also included all manner of disciplines, such as the specialty of civic service and leadership."
You lean forward.
Tyndrasi says, "Eventually, a council was called, inviting all extant masters residing in Ithnishmyn."
Tyndrasi says, "They agreed to form a governing body, called the D'ahranal, which would hear all matters of controversy or need among the many Academies."
You nod.
Tyndrasi says, "This elected group would also serve as an advisory cabinet to the high council, ruling on matters dealing with commerce or conflicting ideology among the disciplines."
Tyndrasi says, "And to facilitate the election of 'cavalots', as the leaders of the assemblage were called, the D'ahranal congress was divided into three groups, Kytawa, Fresiawn and Tyesteron."
Tyndrasi says, "Each of these was designated as a D'ahranal, encompassing many disciplines within a generalized umbrella."
Tyndrasi says, "I will now speak about Ithnishmyn and the Elven Nations"
Prospera nods.
Tyndrasi sighs.
Prospera bites her lip.
You say, "A sad story then..."
You blink at Tyndrasi.
You bite your lip.
Tyndrasi says, "A few hundred years after Ithnishmyn was established a group of elves, sent out from Ta'Illistim to search for unknown rivers and hamlets that could be annexed, became lost and inadvertently stumbled upon Ithnishmyn."
The crystalline water glistens across the outstretched arms of the sculpted wood sprite and flows down her motionless body, almost seeming to imbue her with life in its sparkling motion.
You bite your lip.
Tyndrasi says, "Huge banks of ferns and rare forest flowers growing on every side adorned the feet of the colossal trees, and within this idyllic setting was the 'fleet' of graceful sylvan dwellings."
Tyndrasi says, "Having been cut off from sylvan art and architecture for a number of generations, the intruders were awed by Ithnishmyn's beauty."
Chutnee smiles softly.
Prospera says, "Don't you know it."
Tyndrasi says, "After showing these visitors the normal sylvan hospitality for a few days, it was clear to the sylvans that the time had come for them to leave."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "However, the question of how to accomplish it was a conundrum for the sylvans."
Tyndrasi says, "There was strong dispute among members of the high council, whether to allow these elves to return to their homes bearing tales of Ithnishmyn or to prohibit their departure."
Tyndrasi says, "It was decided that preventing them from leaving could only effectually be accomplished by killing them, and this was unacceptable."
You ponder.
Shaelethe chews on her fingernails.
Tyndrasi says, "So, in hopes that the elves would not be able to recall their convulted route of arrival, the Elves were blindfolded and, guided by sylvan guards, marched in a zigzag route for a hundred leagues away from Ithnishmyn."
Tyndrasi says, "Despite the precautions, one of the Illistim elves was a particularly gifted woodsman and managed to memorize their path."
You say, "Uh oh..."
Tyndrasi says, "Within a month of their return to Ta'Illistim, a caravan was being readied to retrace the journey, equipped with a detailed map to guide the way."
Sylviana just arrived.
Sylviana sits down.
Prospera smiles at Sylviana.
Sylviana smiles at Prospera.
Tyndrasi smiles at Sylviana.
Sylviana's cheeks flush with a deep shade of red.
Sylviana smiles at Tyndrasi.
You say, "Darn political elves..."
You mutter something inaudible.
Tyndrasi says, "Tales of Ithnishmyn's beauty ran like wildfire through Ta'Illistim, and soon jumped to other elven cities."
Shaelethe frowns.
Tyndrasi says, "The initial map was copied again and again, and distributed at great profit to the hordes of adventurers wishing to make the pilgrimage to the fabled city of the sylvans."
You fret.
Tyndrasi says, "The elf who had originally drawn the map, based on her careful mental schematic of the long, arduous trip, registered the map under the strict Ta'Illistim copyright laws."
Shaelethe sighs ruefully.
Tyndrasi says, "It wasn't long before she had formed a business with tables of scribes all busily drawing copies of the original document, an enterprise that made her very wealthy."
Prospera grunts.
Prospera folds her arms over her chest.
You mutter something inaudible.
Tyndrasi says, "Called the Ransefel Map of Sylvia, named for its author, Sistryni Ransefel, the map became a famous icon throughout the Elven Nations, and copies of the original editions that survived through the years became valuable artifacts. Those featuring Ransefel's signature were eventually deemed priceless."
You say, "Like I said before... darn political elves."
You thrust your chest out, angrily folding your arms over it.
Tyndrasi says, "Visitors began to make the journey with goals other than trade."
Sylviana turns an inquisitive ear towards Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "They came to study the sylvans, to convert the sylvans to various religious cults, and numerous other ambitions."
Prospera frowns.
Shaelethe bites her lip.
Sylviana furrows her brow.
Tyndrasi says, "Some had less savory purposes; a small black-market specializing in young sylvan slaves was born in covert areas of the elven cities."
You fret.
Prospera smiles at Xeniphite.
Shaelethe gasps.
Prospera leans softly against Xeniphite.
You flail your arms about.
Sylviana frowns.
You exclaim, "Damn them!"
Tyndrasi says, "Knowing the futility of keeping the tide of visitors out, the sylvans decreed that all who managed to reach the distant city must register their arrival, and none could stay longer than the three days considered by the sylvans to be the bare minimum of hospitality, unless invited to do so by the governing council of hierophants."
Tyndrasi says, "It is believed that among the rare individuals to be given such permission was an ascetic scholar named Raolawei Ly'Setta who exchanged his knowledge of the written elven language for permission to remain among the sylvans for the remainder of his lifetime."
Prospera nods to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Their coffers swelled by an unprecedented success in trade and commerce, wealthy elves living within their gilded mansions learned of Ithnishmyn's reclusive mystery and set about gaining a look for themselves."
You sigh softly.
Tyndrasi says, "A flood of expeditions began to cross the forests between elven cities and Ithnishmyn, and as the intrusions became more and more numerous, the sylvans grew disquieted."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
You say, "With good reason."
Tyndrasi says, "The disturbing occasional disappearance of sylvan children was a primary concern."
Tyndrasi says, "Basic sylvan philosophy forbade them to harm anything that posed no visible threat; nonetheless, various individuals with the Ithnishmynian council proposed that the intrusions of outside politics and beliefs constituted a formidable threat to the sylvan way of life."
Sylviana frowns.
Shaelethe frowns.
Sylviana nods to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "The high council was called to address the 'elven problem,' and Eislemar Nathlai, the charismatic leader of a popular political group, drove its discussions."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Shaelethe chuckles.
Shaelethe says, "the elven problem."
Tyndrasi says, "He proposed that the council allow no more emissaries from the elven cities to enter Ithnishmyn."
Tyndrasi says, "He suggested methods aimed at turning away determined intruders that included incantations holding the potential of injuring those who resisted them."
Prospera nods.
Tyndrasi says, "The issue of the missing sylvan children was a persuasive argument, not to mention other youths who were known to have willingly left, lured by the promise of wealth and success to be found in the Nations."
You rub your chin thoughtfully.
Tyndrasi says, "Lastly, the disruption of sylvan religious practices, caused by curious visitors and determined evangelists, was an aggravated problem."
Tyndrasi says, "At the end of the day, the majority of the council was repulsed at the thought of potentially harmful spells directed at their unwanted visitors."
Tyndrasi says, "Unable to reach a decision, they agreed to reconvene and the council adjourned."
Tyndrasi says, "A final council was held during the festivities celebrating Imaerasta."
Tyndrasi says, "On that holy night, the councilors ruled against any aggressive magic directed at their distant Elven cousins, however unwelcome they were."
Prospera wrinkles her nose.
Shaelethe shakes her head.
Tyndrasi says, "Instead, they decided to abandon their beautiful city and set out across the continent in search of a location that was distant enough to dissuade visitors and forested enough to provide a suitable home."
Sylviana sighs softly.
Tyndrasi says, "Eislemar was selected as the leader of this quest."
You sigh.
Prospera mumbles something that you don't quite catch.
You say, "Sad when ye have to give up everything because outsiders destroy yer peace."
You nod.
Sylviana nods to you.
Sylviana sighs.
Tyndrasi says, "I would now like to talk briefly about the sylvan high council, so that you understand it"
You say, "Please do."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Ramladu nods.
Prospera nods to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "The origins of the sylvan high council passed out of general knowledge long ago, however some legends support the idea that it was Imaera who taught sylvans the ability to channel knowledge from one generation of councilors to the next."
Tyndrasi says, "Since the ability does not extend throughout the general population, it is safe to assume that it was god-given rather than inherent."
Sylviana furrows her brow.
Prospera says, "hmm"
Sylviana nods.
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "It is a fairly common belief that a sacred scroll still exists, bearing the names of every member of the high council from the first, down through all successive generations."
Prospera scratches her chin.
Prospera says, "Oh my.."
Sylviana raises an eyebrow.
You say, "I have heard tell of that in my childhood..."
Tyndrasi says, "Within that parchment rests a powerful magic, a force that is kindled through secret ceremonies to psychically link all whose names are on it."
You ponder.
Tyndrasi says, "During the days of Ithnishmyn and later, in Yuriqen, hierophantic talent was historically sought among sylvans of early age, from five to fifteen years being considered optimum."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Youths who passed a demanding battery of tests were observed for a year before being given instruction that spanned approximately twenty years."
Tyndrasi says, "Often, the rare individuals would lose their faculty at the onset of puberty, and would then be gently released from the demanding regimen of training."
Tyndrasi says, "However, in the infrequent instance that a candidate's ability increased rather than diminished, and the individual's temperament and judgment were deemed suitable to the task, he then participated in a ritual of initiation."
You lean forward.
Prospera says, "Fascinating.."
Tyndrasi says, "The ritual, called Arg'Hamim, bestowed upon the initiate the right to wear the robes of an acolyte, an ivory tunic with an indigo or green mantle."
You smile at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Green denoted the general assembly, while the indigo signaled individuals of esteemed rank."
Tyndrasi says, "While it was considered a great honor to rise to the rank of acolyte, few ever ascended to the high council, since only the death of one of the reigning councilors created a 'chair' for a new member."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Sylviana nods.
Tyndrasi says, "Although entry to the high council was so limited, the role of an acolyte was a full and honored one."
Tyndrasi says, "While acolytes generally performed governing or ceremonial functions, they were free to choose professions of other sorts while waiting for the chance to ascend to the council."
Tyndrasi says, "Many took up teaching positions, as their comprehensive training provided them with the best education available to sylvans. Many of the greatest sylvan philosophers and historians wore the 'indigo mantle'."
Prospera smiles quietly to herself.
Tyndrasi says, "Upon the lamented occasion that a high council member passed out of life, the beating of a large drum, called Rantylan (or The Summoner) alerted the sylvan population of the occurrence."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "The surviving councilors gathered and spent a three-day period of attending the body."
Tyndrasi says, "During this time, ceremonies were conducted that were reputed to include a rite that suspended the departed member's knowledge within a prepared amphora. What was done with the councilor's body after that was unknown."
Tyndrasi says, "A high council quorum occurred immediately after the three-day mourning, and the congregation of councilors did not disband until a new council member was elected."
You bite your lip.
Tyndrasi says, "A three-fourths majority was necessary to be elected."
Tyndrasi says, "Once the new councilor was chosen, the high council called a general meeting open to any sylvan who chose to be present."
Tyndrasi says, "There, the identity of the new councilor was announced, followed by a brief ceremony of welcome that included a presentation of the departed councilor's mantle to the new recruit."
You listen carefully to Tyndrasi.
You smile quietly to yourself.
Tyndrasi says, "The following day, a closed ceremony was conducted, suspected to include the immersion of the waiting 'soul' into its new host, bringing with it knowledge and wisdom gleaned from the years of past lives."
You exclaim, "Oh!"
Tyndrasi says, "At dusk, the Mystery was accomplished and a public ceremony followed it."
Shaelethe says, "fascinating."
Sylviana nods to Shaelethe.
Tyndrasi says, "Stripped of all clothing and possessions, the new councilor was escorted through the throng of sylvans gathered to witness the event, attended by two high-ranking indigo-mantled acolytes he had chosen to stand with him."
Prospera softly says, "aye"
Ramladu blinks.
Tyndrasi says, "Fragrant flowers and herbs were showered over the trio as they processed, carpeting the ground beneath the candidate's bare feet."
Ramladu somberly asks, "all clothing?"
Shaelethe just nudged Ramladu.
Tyndrasi says, "Arriving at a semicircle composed of the reigning high council members, the new councilor repeated a ritualistic pledge to serve the sylvan people and was robed in the dark green tunic of the high council."
You smile at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi smiles at Ramladu.
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Sir, we sylvans do not have the problems of modesty among our own."
Tyndrasi smiles.
(Shaelethe whispers, "for purity," to Ramladu.)
Sylviana nods to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Finally, a heavy mithril chain was placed around his neck, signifying his link to the sylvan people of the past, present and future."
Ramladu blushes a nice shade of deep red.
You say, "Nothing wrong with the naked sylvan form."
You shrug.
Prospera says, "It's the finest naked form."
You nod to Prospera.
Maliku just arrived.
Sylviana nods to Prospera.
Maliku groans.
Sylviana smiles at Prospera.
Maliku grimly asks, "You monkeys still here?"
Prospera scowls at Maliku.
Tyndrasi says, "That concludes the part regarding the council."
You smile at Tyndrasi.
Prospera grins at Xeniphite.
Maliku looks thoughtful for a moment, then shrugs.
Maliku just went west.
Tyndrasi says, "I shall now speak of the Trail of Ages, ca. -36,567 to -22,460"
Prospera nods to Tyndrasi.
You cock your head at Tyndrasi.
Sylviana nods to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "As the city of Ithnishmyn was dismantled, the remarkable fact of its minimal impact on the forest surrounding it was never more obvious."
Tyndrasi says, "The sylvans set out on their journey, and where once had been a city unrivaled in beauty and scope, now only a few imprints on the ground remained, and one large circle where a towering Council House had stood."
Tyndrasi says, "When next a caravan of elven tourists arrived, they found nothing but the trees."
Tyndrasi chuckles.
Sylviana smiles.
You smile at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Their guides assured them that this was indeed the famed city of Ithnishmyn, however they retained a belief that they had been swindled."
You chuckle at Tyndrasi.
You say, "Good for them."
Sylviana chuckles.
Prospera flashes a wide grin.
Tyndrasi says, "As other groups arrived, found nothing and then departed in disappointment, a legend began to spread through the Nations, holding that greedy elves of another city had secured the exclusive rights to visit the city and all others were being led to an alternative location."
You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.
Prospera smiles at Ramladu.
You say, "Sounds like typical political elven logic."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Other stories gradually appeared, saying the Sylvans had all died from a cataclysmic plaque, that a fel magic had swallowed them, and all sorts of other fanciful explanations."
Sylviana shakes her head.
Ramladu leans back.
Tyndrasi says, "The fact that the sylvans had simply walked away from their lovely Ithnishmyn was too outlandish a concept for belief."
You laugh softly, trying to hide your amusement.
Sylviana smiles at Tyndrasi.
Prospera says, "Those silly elves."
You nod to Prospera.
Tyndrasi says, "Meanwhile, divided into seven groups, the sylvans slipped away through the forests, finally congregating a few hundred miles west and somewhat south of Ithnishmyn."
Sylviana nods to Prospera.
Tyndrasi says, "Many had incidents on the road that took family members, and aggressive beasts occasionally threatened the way."
You frown.
Tyndrasi says, "Two of the seven groups had to split into smaller bands to avoid elves seen in the distance."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Under the security of a dense offshoot of the forest that had sheltered Ithnishmyn, the sylvans regrouped."
Tyndrasi says, "The rejoining took a good amount of time, reckoned to be at least a number of years."
Prospera nods.
You say, "Would make sense, aye."
You say, "Lot of folk."
Tyndrasi says, "While they awaited those who had not yet come, they built shelters that echoed the tent-like designs of their past and passed the seasons recounting the adventures that had marked their various passages."
Tyndrasi says, "Finally it was agreed that all who could arrive had done so, and the sylvans held a council, the first since the Autumnal Council that had made the decision to send them on their present road."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "It was agreed that the Sylvans would set out once again on the spring festival of Ivastaen, called Dra'Elstin, and travel until winter forced them to stop."
Tyndrasi says, "Thereafter, they would construct dwellings and remain at that location until spring thaw allowed them to take up their journey again."
Tyndrasi says, "While the decision to proceed with this plan was deemed auspicious by a respected reader of signs, the plan eventually proved less than fortuitous."
You frown.
Prospera furrows her brow.
Tyndrasi says, "The sylvans spent a month breaking down their camp, it having turned into a semi-permanent town over the years, leaving as little evidence of their inhabitation as they had at Ithnishmyn."
Shaelethe bites her lip.
Ramladu's face turns slightly pale.
Tyndrasi says, "Traveling for two months, they arrived at the edge of a vast plain."
You bite your lip.
Tyndrasi says, "Tall grasses stretched to the horizon with nary a tree to break its progression."
You say, "Oh... not a good thing."
You shake your head.
Tyndrasi says, "Clearly, an expanse as devoid of trees as this was viewed as extremely suspect by the forest dwellers."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Shaelethe nods.
The fountain bubbles quietly, its steady whisper reflected against the stone walls of the chamber.
Sylviana nods.
Tyndrasi says, "However, the sheer size of the prairie, added to their impatience to move away from established elven lands before their progress was detected, prompted them to seriously consider the idea of crossing it."
You fret.
Tyndrasi says, "Signs were cast at a number of points along the edge of the grasses."
Tyndrasi says, "Most were less than promising."
Tyndrasi says, "However, Eislemar was becoming impatient. He had grown querulous with the months of waiting for straggling groups to join the main body of the sylvan host."
You say, "Hmmm..."
Tyndrasi says, "And now, he was met with yet another obstacle blocking the glorious journey to a new land."
Tyndrasi says, "He was disdainful of this damnable grassland and urged the council to allow him to lead his people across it."
You fret.
Sylviana nods.
Tyndrasi says, "His popularity and positive demeanor were persuasive to the councilors, wearied as they were by the years of travel."
Tyndrasi says, "The council was swayed, and despite the debatable omens, the decision to journey across the grassy prairie was made."
Shaelethe leans forward and rests her chin in her hand, a thoughtful expression on her face.
You mutter something about no-trees...
You fret.
Tyndrasi says, "At dawn on a bright day in the month of Phoenatos, the sylvan nation began the march across the grasslands."
Prospera slowly empties her lungs.
Tyndrasi says, "The density of the grasses was their first obstacle."
Shaelethe chews on her fingernails.
High Lady Kadesha's group just arrived.
Sylviana frowns.
Tyndrasi says, "Soon, they realized that their methods of navigation within the forest were not very effective here. Directional hints, such as moss growing on the boles of trees, were absent where only the sky above could point the way."
Prospera smiles at Kadesha.
Tyndrasi smiles at Kadesha.
You fret.
Tyndrasi says, "Welcome"
Kadesha curtsies to Tyndrasi.
Kadesha sits down.
Malikary sits down.
Sylviana beams happily at Malikary!
Tyndrasi says, "I have spoken for awhile, but there is much yet to come"
Tyndrasi smiles.
Antinymous sits down.
You chew on your fingernails. Mm, delicious.
Tyndrasi says, "Please allow me to meditate for a few moments, to regain the place in the story"
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Ramladu nods to Tyndrasi.
Sylviana nods to Tyndrasi.
Shaelethe says, "I shall catch you up on it later"
Shaelethe nods to Antinymous.
Antinymous smiles at Shaelethe.
Antinymous says, "Thank you dear."
You say, "Not a good sign when there are no trees."
You shake your head.
Shaelethe gives Antinymous a warm buss on the lips.
Sylviana nods to you.
Sylviana frowns.
Shaelethe says, "enough to make one downright uneasy at times."
Ramladu somberly says, "fish in a barrel"
You nod to Shaelethe.
Shaelethe asks, "can you imagine? just an endless sea of grass?"
You shudder.
Shaelethe wrinkles her nose.
You look at Shaelethe and shake your head.
You shudder.
A pained expression crosses Prospera's face.
Tyndrasi says, "I will continue..."
Prospera leans forward.
You say, "Please..."
Tyndrasi says, "Soon, they realized that their methods of navigation within the forest were not very effective here. Directional hints, such as moss growing on the boles of trees, were absent where only the sky above could point the way."
You fret.
Tyndrasi says, "The sylvans had marched for three weeks when it was discovered that a few outlying members of the company had disappeared. In coming days, others disappeared."
You exclaim, "Oh!"
You frown.
Tyndrasi says, "Some vanished with a sudden scream that ended as quickly, and as inexplicably, as it began. Others were lost without a trace."
Ramladu cringes.
Sylviana frowns.
You furrow up your face and wince.
Sylviana shivers.
Tyndrasi says, "After three weeks within the grasses, despite all protective measures they undertook, more than 200 sylvans were missing."
Prospera frowns.
You exclaim, "Gad!"
Sylviana blinks.
Tyndrasi says, "The sylvans took to referring to the prairie as the Golden Anvil, named thus because of the sun's burning heat overhead as well as the perilous nature of the place."
You shudder.
Tyndrasi says, "Finally, a council was called, and it was decided to retrace their way back out of the grasses."
You sigh.
Tyndrasi says, "Unfortunately, this journey took four additional weeks and cost almost 900 lives."
You gasp.
Sylviana sighs softly.
Tyndrasi says, "During that time, a sighting was made of an immense wyrm that coursed through the grasses as effortlessly as a fish glides through water."
Sylviana closes her eyes for a moment.
You blink at Tyndrasi.
Prospera says, "ugh"
Sylviana frowns.
Tyndrasi says, "During the last week of the retreat, one of the wyrms happened upon the weary sylvans."
You exclaim, "Oh no!"
You chew on your fingernails. Mm, delicious.
Ramladu gulps.
Tyndrasi says, "Seeing the colossal beast bearing down upon his people, Eislemar took up a position to challenge the beast, standing directly in its path."
Prospera raises an eyebrow.
Tyndrasi says, "His arms and staff raised, he concentrated on the effort to summon all magic known to the unified sylvan collective and direct it coursing through himself."
Tyndrasi says, "Eislemar's power was great."
You shiver in fear.
Tyndrasi says, "He cast back the wyrm with pulsing waves of magic."
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
Tyndrasi says, "However, as he saw the creature stunned by his assault, he grew proud."
Sylviana shivers.
Tyndrasi says, "He judged that he could turn it away, and at the same time tame it to do his bidding by working with its frightening intellect."
Sylviana furrows her brow.
Prospera says, "mmmm"
Tyndrasi says, "As Eislemar's people ran, Eislemar studied the immense beast he opposed."
You shake your head.
Tyndrasi says, "A final group streaked by him, calling pleas to him to join them before the creature recovered from its stun."
Tyndrasi says, "He nodded reassurance as they fled past."
You hold your breath.
Tyndrasi says, "Shaking off its confusion, the wyrm slowly glided toward him."
Prospera exclaims, "And gobbled him up!"
Prospera ducks her head.
Tyndrasi says, "He watched its great, baleful black eye look back at him, as if judging his mettle."
Kadesha grins.
You gasp.
Sylviana leans forward.
Ramladu makes a gobbling sound.
Tyndrasi says, "As the monster rose up before him, towering more than thirty feet overhead, Eislemar realized he might have made a fatal mistake."
You ask, "Might have?"
You blink.
Sylviana groans.
Tyndrasi says, "It crashed down, cleaving the earth as its bulk disappeared into the gash as easily as if it was sliding down through muddy water."
Prospera says, "Eislemar sounds like a silly wizard."
Tyndrasi says, "The impact knocked Eislemar off his feet, and he felt the ground tremble as the wyrm's bulk was consumed."
Sylviana shivers.
Tyndrasi says, "He glimpsed its barbed tail disappear from sight."
Ramladu falls over.
You say, "Hmmmm..."
You ponder.
Prospera says, "Reminds me of my days in roa'ters."
Tyndrasi says, "Abruptly quiet descended, leaving only the whisper of the waving grasses to mark the beast's passage into the earth."
Prospera winces.
Tyndrasi smiles.
Tyndrasi glances around him.
Kadesha grins at Prospera.
Sylviana raises an eyebrow.
Tyndrasi says, "Eislemar breathed a sigh of relief and began to get to his feet."
Tyndrasi smiles.
You say, "I hope he hightailed it out of there at that point at least."
Prospera groans.
Sylviana nods to you.
Prospera says, "Bet he couldn't run fast enough."
Tyndrasi says, "The wyrm resurfaced directly beneath him, its open maw engulfing Eislemar."
You exclaim, "Oh!"
Prospera nods.
Prospera nods.
Tyndrasi says, "Stragglers still running for safety witnessed him disappear into the gullet of the colossal wrym as it rose up into the sky, arced and then disappeared again beneath the ground."
Sylviana groans.
Prospera shakes her head.
You furrow up your face and wince.
Sylviana sighs.
Tyndrasi says, "While the sylvans retreated out of the grasses in unorganized ribbons, they occasionally heard screams as stragglers fell victim to the Golden Anvil's horror."
Prospera nods to Kadesha.
You shake your head.
Prospera shudders.
Sylviana's face turns slightly pale.
You say, "So sad..."
Sylviana shudders.
Tyndrasi says, "The traumatized sylvans spent an additional six weeks on the edge of the grassy plain, hoping that more of their people would escape from the prairie."
Sylviana bites her lip.
Tyndrasi says, "When finally it seemed likely that no one else would escape, another council was called."
Tyndrasi says, "Since some of the councilors had been lost in the disaster on the prairie, a quorum was determined and the remaining council members began a discussion of their viable options."
Tyndrasi says, "The atmosphere was heavy with grief, for all participants had lost relatives and friends and leaders. A decision was reached to pull back from the deadly plain and find a way around it."
You release a slow, low whistle.
Prospera sighs.
Tyndrasi says, "The sylvans resumed their journey, traveling west along the tree line bordering the grasslands."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Weeks passed, though they never again glimpsed any of the plain's behemoths"
You say, "Trees... always keep to trees."
Tyndrasi says, "The trees offered both shelter and reassurance, and gradually the sylvans fell into an easy travel rhythm."
A cool, fresh scent rises from the flowing waters of the fountain, calling to mind the dank, mineral-laden odor of underground caverns.
Tyndrasi says, "The routine of arising at dawn, walking until late afternoon, and then setting up camp became second nature, and the memory of the horrors they had faced on the grasslands began to recede."
You bite your lip.
Tyndrasi says, "Abundant game and berries supplied them with food, and with their expert knowledge of the woodlands, they had little trouble finding springs and streams."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Sylviana nods.
Tyndrasi says, "Finally, the forest turned from west to south, and the sylvans traveled deeper within the bordering forest, often losing sight of the heinous grasslands."
Tyndrasi says, "The beginning of winter had arrived, and they decided to build a more substantial camp to wait out the weather."
Tyndrasi says, "On the distant western horizon, the peaks of the DragonSpine Mountains could be glimpsed shimmering in the crisp sunlight."
You nod.
Tyndrasi says, "They called that first winter's camp Moarnishim, and there, the missing -- those lost on the terrible march into the grass -- were counted and a stele was raised with their names incised upon it."
You sigh softly.
Tyndrasi says, "As cold and snow settled over the woods, the sylvans noted that the tall grasses of the prairie sea merely turned a straw gold color, and lost none of its robust vitality or height."
Sylviana shakes her head.
Tyndrasi says, "When the winter's ice had thawed, the sylvans took up their journey once again, traveling south until they noted that the forest had begun a gentle curve to the east, signaling that they had rounded the western edge of the Golden Anvil."
You say, "Ah... good."
Tyndrasi says, "A ceremony was held to celebrate that fact and afterward, the sylvans reached an easy decision to continue south, soon drawing out of sight of the dreaded grasses."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "They chose a route that took them mostly south and somewhat east, and as they traveled, the sylvans continued the practice of traveling during the warm months then making camp to pass the winter."
Prospera nods.
Tyndrasi says, "The names of these campsites became the stuff of legends, tales filled with significant events, such as marriages, the birth of children and the death of elderly sylvans who had known Ithnishmyn."
Prospera quietly says, "aye"
You grin at Tyndrasi.
Sylviana nods to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "The names were added to a holy scroll, Moarnishim the First, Elderium the Cold, Rashanlican the Fair, Danaaron the Blessed (denoting an unprecedented number of births), Haralican the Rocky, Tennebros the Hungry, Fallaroon of the Shadows, Tremaramie of the Caves, Hallabran of the Glade, and on and on."
Prospera nods.
Tyndrasi says, "Each had its stories and each had its children, Sylvans born while the people spent a period of rest before taking the long road back up again."
Tyndrasi says, "As the people journeyed south, they passed through lands of great beauty."
Tyndrasi says, "However, remembering the disastrous outcome of venturing out of the forests, they avoided any meadows or clearings and clung to the trees, a practice that added substantial lengths of time to their travels."
Sylviana nods.
You say, "Better safe than sorry though."
Tyndrasi says, "Finally, they arrived at an impressive old-growth forest with mountains to the east and abundant rivers."
Tyndrasi smiles.
Sylviana nods to you.
Tyndrasi says, "Tired of the years of constant migration, the Sylvans decided that they had finally found a worthy home."
The crystalline water glistens across the outstretched arms of the sculpted wood sprite and flows down her motionless body, almost seeming to imbue her with life in its sparkling motion.
You beam at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "They called it Nevishrim, a term meaning Pearl at Mountain's Foot."
Sylviana smiles at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "I will now speak of Nevishrim, ca. -22,460 to -15,490"
Prospera nods to Tyndrasi.
You smile at Tyndrasi.
You lean forward and rest your chin in your hand, a thoughtful expression on your face.
Tyndrasi says, "The Sylvans built their new town, first utilizing the simple dwellings they had used during their journeys."
Tyndrasi says, "However, more sophisticated dwellings made a rapid appearance, as did landscaped grottos dedicated to prayer and holy stone formations dedicated to the deities."
Tyndrasi says, "For the sylvans differed from the other elves."
Sylviana cocks her head at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "They held fast to Arkati worship, honoring both the Light and Dark gods. In their philosophy the Light balanced the Dark and both were holy."
Sylviana furrows her brow.
You nod to Tyndrasi.
You say, "Indeed."
Tyndrasi says, "A ruling council was appointed and within Nevishrim, the system of hierophants ascended."
Sylviana shifts her weight.
Kadesha frowns.
Tyndrasi says, "Likewise, in that city the guilds came into being and in less than a generation, became established and successful."
Tyndrasi says, "Nevishrim soon rivaled the memories of Ithnishmyn, and its moderate climate, far to the south from the original city, nourished bountiful shade-tolerant gardens."
You smile at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Generations passed and the sylvan population grew, finally reaching the glory it had been in earlier days, and then surpassing that."
Tyndrasi says, "They were a peaceful people, one of grace and prosperity, a people that passed their lives in an effort to create beauty and order."
Tyndrasi says, "Always, sylvan scouts patrolled the perimeter of the city-forest, for lessons had been learned during the days of Ithnishmyn."
Prospera nods.
Sylviana nods.
Tyndrasi says, "These sylvans did not wish to have to leave another of their cities."
Tyndrasi looks sorrowful.
Sylviana nods to Tyndrasi.
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "And thus, it was the scouts who first brought word of Despana."
You shudder.
Prospera bites her lip.
You say, "Not a good word that."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Sylviana frowns.
Tyndrasi says, "The high council considered the first reports of the threat."
Tyndrasi says, "Having grown cautious from past tragedies, they pondered these initial reports with all due concern."
Tyndrasi says, "They decided to form a skilled league of scouts to monitor the situation and report anything they learned back to the council."
You say, "Sounds like a plan."
Tyndrasi says, "This elite band was named the Eranishal, and it numbered 170 sylvan scout/warriors."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Similar to rangers, they were hardened individuals, adept at archery as well as skilled in the ways of tracking and passing invisibly through the forest."
Malikary smiles softly
Tyndrasi says, "They were lead by a captain named Oriahn Delsechal, a sylvan whose ancestor had been lost on the Golden Anvil and whose mother was respected as a gifted soothsayer as well as a member of the high council."
Sylviana smiles at Malikary.
Tyndrasi says, "Within a few weeks spent organizing, training and planning, the Eranishal set out to find out what they could about the rumored threat."
You lean forward.
Tyndrasi says, "Soon, they found what they sought."
Prospera furrows her brow.
Tyndrasi says, "Oriahn observed Despana's minions and was filled with foreboding."
(Chutnee rests her hands comfortably on her knees as she listens intently.)
Tyndrasi says, "He saw the true immensity of the coming threat and made a decision to contact elven contingents grouping to oppose the evil armies."
Sylviana shivers.
You slowly and deliberately empty your filled lungs.
Tyndrasi says, "As the Eranishal was admitted into the camp, their elven hosts were amazed."
Tyndrasi says, "No sylvan had been glimpsed in years, not since the deserted remnants of Ithnishmyn had been discovered years before."
Tyndrasi says, "Here stood the stuff of legend, living sylvans and powerful ones at that judging by their arms and bearing."
Sylviana smiles.
You chuckle at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "The elves, shocked by the loss of ShadowGuard, a site less than 100 miles to the east, welcomed the sylvans and fervently sought their allegiance against the forces of Despana."
Tyndrasi says, "Knowing how the high council would view such a pledge, Oriahn was dismayed."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Prospera nods.
Tyndrasi says, "He fully suspected that the council would favor withdrawing into the forest to wait out the conflict."
Tyndrasi says, "And yet, after seeing the threat first-hand, he knew such action was not a viable option."
You say, "Sort of a conundrum, aye."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "So he pledged the aid of the sylvans in the coming conflict, and the following morning, set out with his men to bear the news to the council."
Prospera shifts her weight.
Tyndrasi says, "On his return, the news he brought and the pledge he had made caused virulent dissent."
Sylviana furrows her brow.
Tyndrasi says, "Many were aghast at the very idea of opposing such evil with the possibility of its consequences on the sylvan population."
Tyndrasi says, "At the same time, the stories of Despana's might, seen firsthand by members of the Eranishal and recounted in great detail to the council, was a sobering fact."
You say, "Not unsurprising."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Sylviana nods.
Tyndrasi says, "The council trusted the Eranishal and eventually - with great trepidation - Oriahn's decision to ally with the elves was blessed by the high council as a necessary endeavor."
You bite your lip.
Sylviana nods.
Tyndrasi says, "Plans to raise an army were begun."
Tyndrasi says, "Oriahn was placed in charge and the Eranishal was split into two parts."
Tyndrasi says, "The first group became Oriahn's legion commanders, in charge of units of sylvan archers, trackers and foot soldiers."
Tyndrasi says, "The other group was to remain in Nevishrim under the command of Ranishal, Oriahn's First Hand, their mission to protect the council and population of Nevishrim if worse came to worse, and Despana overran the combined elven army."
Tyndrasi says, "I will now speak of the Despana War and chaos, ca. -15,400 to -15,180"
Tyndrasi sighs.
Sylviana bites her lip.
You bite your lip.
Prospera takes a deep breath.
You say, "Nothing good ever followed Despana."
You shake your head.
Tyndrasi says, "Oh, and I might mention we are not yet half way through."
You grin at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "I hope you all are not tired."
You say, "But ye are an expert storyteller, Tyndrasi."
Sylviana looks over at Tyndrasi and shakes her head.
Malikary smiles.
Sylviana says, "Not at all."
You say, "Not tired in the least."
You shake your head.
Sylviana smiles at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "Very well, I will continue"
Tyndrasi says, "The sylvan army marched away, venturing out of their protective forests to join the gathered hosts of elves opposing Despana."
Sylviana smiles at Kadesha.
Prospera says, "I've waited all my life to hear these stories."
You bite your lip.
Sylviana nods to Prospera.
Tyndrasi says, "After the initial skirmishes, the fighting became constant and the land was torn by battles fought between the elven allies and Despana's terrible host of orcs, trolls and barbaric humans."
Shaelethe nods to Prospera.
You shudder.
Tyndrasi says, "Crops rotted in fields, hamlets burned and as winters counted off their months of dismal cold, people starved."
Tyndrasi says, "As the years passed, Oriahn sent irregular missives back to Nevishrim bearing less than hopeful news."
Tyndrasi says, "These were sent via trusted members of the Eranishal who followed a long, convoluted path aimed at protecting Nevishrim from outside knowledge of its location."
Sylviana sighs softly.
You nod to Tyndrasi.
You say, "Very wise."
Tyndrasi says, "For the long, arduous years that the sylvans fought with the elven army, no sylvan other than the Eranishal messengers was allowed to return to Nevishrim."
Sylviana nods to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "This hardship, over and above the horrors they witnessed on the battlefields, was what survivors of the conflict later claimed was the worst sorrow of fighting in that war."
Tyndrasi says, "Back in Nevishrim, as years passed, new recruits were trained and sent away from the harboring forest to join Oriahn's sylvan troops."
Tyndrasi says, "These were always sent out with much ceremony, as well as much sorrow since the people considered it likely they would never return."
You sigh softly.
Sylviana shakes her head.
Tyndrasi says, "On the battlefield, Oriahn had formed a horse guard, having received good warhorses from other elven units who admired the sylvans' tenacity and courage."
A cool, fresh scent rises from the flowing waters of the fountain, calling to mind the dank, mineral-laden odor of underground caverns.
Tyndrasi says, "Oriahn trained up a cavalry, which augmented his archers and foot soldiers."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi says, "The sylvan legion, called the Wood Guard among the ranks in deference to their strength, was stout and brave and carried many a day in battles through those harsh years."
Tyndrasi smiles slightly.
You smile at Tyndrasi.
Sylviana smiles.
Tyndrasi says, "In -15,195, allied with a top-notch army of Faendryl elves, the Eranishal legions managed to rout a significant portion of Despana's hordes at the Battle of Harradahn."
Tyndrasi says, "This pivotal conflict seemed to turn the tide, as Despana's army slowed to recover their dead and wounded, then began to retreat."
Sylviana ducks her head.
Tyndrasi says, "The combined elven troops followed them, harassing their flanks and driving them on."
Tyndrasi smiles at Sylviana.
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Sylviana's cheeks flush with a deep shade of red.
Sylviana smiles at Tyndrasi.
Tyndrasi winks at Sylviana.
Sylviana ducks her head.
Tyndrasi says, "The wounded and dead were abandoned as Despana's troops fled, and the Faendryl took these and made use of them, prying information from them."
Tyndrasi smiles at Sylviana.
You shudder.
Sylviana turns an inquisitive ear towards Tyndrasi.
Sylviana shivers.
Tyndrasi sighs.
Tyndrasi says, "As the autumn of -15,188 cooled into winter, the sylvan army joined their Faendryl allies on wooded slopes surrounding the valley on which Maelshyve Keep stood."
You bite your lip.
Kadesha leans forward.
Tyndrasi says, "Despana's army was spread out across the valley floor below, still numbering in the tens of thousands."
Tyndrasi says, "It seemed an impossible force to the war-weary sylvan soldiers."
Shaelethe chews on her fingernails.
You fret.
Tyndrasi says, "During the war council prior to battle, Oriahn was told that the elves had planned a magical assault that would leave Despana's army open to attack."
You fret.
Tyndrasi says, "Oriahn was to sweep in with his army and rout any legions that escaped the magical battery."
You fidget.
Tyndrasi says, "That seemed a relief to Oriahn, knowing the extent of his troop's exhaustion."
Sylviana nods.
Sylviana bites her lip.
Tyndrasi says, "As he sat his warhorse in the first line of the Eranishal, he watched the Faendryl sorcerers advance onto the field."
You bite your lip.
Tyndrasi says, "As the lesser demons were summoned into existence and spread across the valley, their fiendish howls raising clouds of crows and sending wildlife streaking in all directions, the warhorses reared in panic, throwing some of their riders to the ground."
You exclaim, "Oh!"
Sylviana frowns.
You chew on your fingernails. Mm, delicious.
Tyndrasi says, "The screams of the orcs and trolls were soon echoing off the surrounding hills, creating a chaotic din that swept the Eranishal into its embrace."
Antinymous acts puzzled.
Tyndrasi says, "Sylvans who had been thrown from their mounts tried to quickly regroup, and the effort seemed to be working for a brief time."
You chew on your fingernails. Mm, delicious.
Ramladu sits up.
Tyndrasi says, "Then, the first of the Faendryl sorcerers lost control of the terrible creatures they had called."
You exclaim, "Gad!"
Sylviana's face turns slightly pale.
You feel the blood drain from your face.
Kadesha mutters oops.
Tyndrasi says, "With so many of the sorcerors never having cast the spell before that day, and in such a vast context, it was inevitable that some would falter and lose concentration."
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Prospera sighs.
You say, "Too sure of themselves."
Sylviana closes her eyes for a moment.
Tyndrasi says, "While most of the attacking demons stayed on course and devoured their way through Despana's armies, a few suddenly looped back, bearing down upon the elven host."
Sylviana shakes her head.
You exclaim, "No!"
You shudder.
Sylviana shudders.
Tyndrasi says, "Two demons, kin in fire and fury, found the sylvan army."
Antinymous manages a sad-eyed grin.
You gasp.
You gulp.
Tyndrasi says, "These terrors engulfed most of one of the three companies of the Eranishal, spouting great gouts of flame that enveloped the soldiers in a horrible, fiery death."
Antinymous shakes his head.
Kadesha winces.
You exclaim, "Oh my!"
Prospera frowns.
You furrow up your face and wince.
Tyndrasi says, "As the demons flew on across the hills, incinerating stands of trees as well as animals and fleeing horses, Oriahn could do naught but witness his men scream and die."
You weep softly, quiet tears falling from your eyes.
A pained expression crosses Prospera's face.
Tyndrasi says, "The fact that there were no surviving enemies to rout was an empty consolation."
Tyndrasi sighs.
You nod to Tyndrasi.
Sylviana sighs softly.
Prospera quietly says, "gads"
Sylviana holds back her tears, her eyes glistening with pain.
(Malikary frowns more at the mention of the trees and animals then his own people)
