Elyi Caelora

Elyi Caelora, the mystical settlement of the Vhal’thyr, is a place that embodies the essence of the Old Magic that permeates the Enchanted Tundra. Nestled in a hidden valley surrounded by towering, frost-covered cliffs and ancient evergreens, Elyi Caelora is as much a living part of the land as it is a constructed place. The settlement exists in harmony with the natural and magical elements of the tundra, almost invisible to those who do not know how to find it.

Location and Atmosphere

Elyi Caelora is located in a remote region of the Enchanted Tundra, tucked into the protective embrace of the Itharil Peaks, a range of towering mountains that shield the settlement from the harshest winds and storms. These mountains are considered sacred by the Vhal’thyr, as they are believed to be the home of ancient Kryalith spirits. The valley that cradles Elyi Caelora is often bathed in a soft, otherworldly light, a phenomenon caused by the convergence of magical ley lines beneath the settlement. These ley lines give rise to a perpetual, low-hanging mist that glows faintly in shades of blue and silver, making the entire area feel like a dreamscape.
The air in Elyi Caelora is crisp and filled with the scent of snow and pine, but it carries an almost electric charge—an indication of the magic that suffuses the land. The sky above is often filled with dancing auroras, casting the settlement in a myriad of shifting colors, while the surrounding cliffs are dotted with ice crystals that catch and reflect the light, giving the impression that the valley is alight with stars even during the day.
Despite the ethereal beauty of the surroundings, Elyi Caelora is a place of quiet reverence. The Vhal’thyr maintain a deep respect for the land and its magic, and the atmosphere within the settlement reflects this—there is a sense of calm and introspection, as though every action is performed with deliberate care for the balance of the natural world.

Architecture and Design

The architecture of Elyi Caelora is unlike that of any other settlement in Aroris. The Vhal’thyr do not carve their homes out of stone or wood; instead, they weave the magic of the land into their buildings, creating structures that seem to grow naturally from the earth itself. The settlement is primarily made up of woven ice and light, with buildings that appear to shimmer and shift depending on the angle of the light and the time of day.
The homes and communal spaces of Elyi Caelora are made from ice-crystal walls that have been magically shaped and reinforced. These walls are semi-transparent, allowing the soft glow of the magical mist to filter through, casting a constant gentle light inside. The roofs are formed from woven strands of luminescent vines that grow naturally in the area, their pale glow adding to the dreamlike quality of the settlement. These magical vines, similar to the Luminaris Vines found throughout the Enchanted Tundra, are believed to be imbued with the power of the Old Magic and serve as both decoration and protection for the settlement.
At the heart of Elyi Caelora is the Heartstone, a massive, glowing crystal that rises from the ground at the center of the settlement. The Heartstone is said to be a focal point for the magical ley lines that converge beneath Elyi Caelora, and it is revered as a direct connection to the Kryalith. The Vhal’thyr gather around the Heartstone for rituals and ceremonies, and it serves as a spiritual center for the community. The area around the Heartstone is left open, allowing for large gatherings and ceremonies, with benches and platforms carved from ice circling the sacred site.
Pathways throughout the settlement are not paved but are instead composed of natural stone dusted with frost. The Vhal’thyr have shaped the land so that the snow forms smooth, stable paths that wind through the valley. These paths are lit by small clusters of glowing frostbloom flowers, which bloom year-round and emit a soft blue light, creating a natural, mystical ambiance.

Community and Lifestyle

Elyi Caelora is a communal society, where the Vhal’thyr live in harmony with the land and one another. The Vhal’thyr value cooperation and balance above all else, and their way of life reflects this. The community is led by a Warden, chosen for their wisdom and ability to maintain harmony between the people and the spirits of the tundra. The Warden works closely with the Lumal’thyn shamans, who serve as spiritual guides and protectors of the Old Magic.
The Vhal’thyr are a nomadic people by tradition, but Elyi Caelora serves as a permanent sanctuary and a place of respite during the colder months of the tundra's extreme winters or when the magical storms make travel difficult. During these times, the population of Elyi Caelora swells, and the valley becomes a bustling hub of activity as Vhal’thyr families return from their travels.
Despite this influx, the settlement retains its peaceful atmosphere. Much of the daily life in Elyi Caelora revolves around rituals, meditation, and magical study. The Vhal’thyr spend their days communing with the land, tending to the magical flora that grows in the valley, and performing daily rites to honor the Kryalith. There is a strong emphasis on self-sufficiency, but also on sharing and community care—resources are gathered and distributed evenly, and no one is left without what they need to survive.
The Vhal’thyr’s connection to the Old Magic is expressed in every aspect of their lives. Art, music, and craft are all infused with magic, and the people of Elyi Caelora are known for their enchanted tapestries and luminescent jewelry, which glow faintly in the light. These creations are often gifted during important ceremonies or used as offerings to the spirits of the land.

Rituals and Magic

Rituals play a vital role in the life of Elyi Caelora. The Lumal’thyn perform daily rites at the Heartstone to ensure the continued flow of magic through the settlement, and the Lunar Solstice is the most important event in the Vhal’thyr calendar. During this time, the entire community gathers to commune with the Kryalith, seeking guidance and blessings for the coming year. The Solstice is marked by days of meditation, song, and magical displays, with the Heartstone at the center of the celebrations.
One of the most important rituals is the Binding of the Land, performed every year by the Lumal’thyn to renew the pact between the Vhal’thyr and the Old Magic. During this ritual, the shamans weave complex patterns of magic around the Heartstone, reaffirming their vow to protect the tundra and maintain the balance of its magical forces.
Elyi Caelora also serves as a place of learning for young Vhal’thyr who wish to deepen their connection to the Old Magic. Under the guidance of the Lumal’thyn, these young Vhal’thyr learn to channel magic through the land, shape elemental forces, and commune with the spirits. This training is both practical and spiritual, and it prepares the next generation of shamans and wardens who will protect the Enchanted Tundra.

Defenses and the Role of the Frostward

Although the Vhal’thyr are a peaceful people, they understand the importance of defending their sacred lands. Elyi Caelora is protected by the Frostward, the guardians of the Vhal’thyr who are specially trained to harness the elemental magic of the tundra in combat. The Frostward are not only warriors but also skilled spellcasters, able to shape ice and wind into deadly weapons. They use their abilities to create protective barriers around the settlement, ensuring that no outsider or hostile force can enter Elyi Caelora undetected.
In addition to the Frostward, the natural defenses of the valley make it difficult for intruders to find Elyi Caelora. The glowing mist that blankets the valley is enchanted to confuse and disorient those who do not know the correct paths, and the magical energy of the land repels those who seek to harm it. Only those who are welcomed by the Vhal’thyr or who are in tune with the Old Magic can navigate the valley safely.

Relations with Other Races

The Vhal’thyr of Elyi Caelora are known to be reclusive, and they maintain their distance from other races. However, they are not entirely isolationist. The Vhal’thyr occasionally trade with the Kraelin people, with whom they share a mutual respect, though their interactions are limited to peaceful exchanges of resources and knowledge. Outsiders are rarely invited to Elyi Caelora, as the Vhal’thyr are protective of the Old Magic and wary of those who may seek to exploit it.
Despite their reluctance to interact with the wider world, the Vhal’thyr are known to aid those who show respect for the land and its magic. Lost travelers or those seeking refuge may find themselves guided through the mist to Elyi Caelora, where they will be cared for until they can safely continue their journey. However, those who bring violence or disrespect to the tundra will find the Vhal’thyr to be formidable protectors of their homeland.

Conclusion

Elyi Caelora is more than a settlement—it is a sanctuary of magic and a living embodiment of the Vhal’thyr’s pact with the Old Magic. Hidden away in the heart of the Enchanted Tundra, the settlement thrives as a place of spiritual reflection, magical study, and protection of the land. Here, the Vhal’thyr maintain the delicate balance between nature and magic, ensuring that the tundra remains a place of wonder and beauty for generations to come.

Founding Date

128

Founders

• Caelorith the Luminous

Type

Village

Population

1200

Location under

The Enchanted Tundra

Owner/Ruler

Aelindra Frostgaze

Ruling/Owning Rank

Warden