Thiselwood
The great city of Thiselwood stands as the Capital of Azith. The Ancient Elves who arrived on the continent admired the beauty of the Verdant Expanse in the heart of Azith. As devout followers of Ambriel, the Goddess of Nature, they marvelled at the strong connection the plains had to nature.
The Ancient Elves removed the feral minotaur tribe which populated the Verdant Expanse and spent the next hundred years using magic-infused song to literally sing the city into existence using the natural resources and materials from the earth itself. Ambriel looked favourably upon this endeavour, and when the Elves used their ancient magics to extend the borders of the trees nearby, She blessed them with divine magic. The trees grew unnaturally tall and dense, surrounding the entire city. Sunlight still makes its way through the leaves, but countless magical flames are still suspended around the city to provide even more light. Whilst sunlight is able to pass through the trees, the city is still undetectable by airship - looking down, one sees nothing but trees. This is the blessing of Ambriel. The trees themselves defend the city, meaning that the great Gilded Gate has never been breached by siege - all forms of siege weaponry seem to fire aimlessly into the trees, or simply be blocked by the dense foliage.
After the grand palace at the centre of Thiselwood was destroyed, back during the First Era, the Thisean Elves established the Order of the Gate Guardians. These elite soldiers were trained to defend the city at all costs and learned powerful techniques and combat forms developed secretly within Thiselwood itself. To this day, not a single outsider has ever learned any of the secrets of the Gate Guardians and, due to the elitist nature of the city, the ranks were made entirely out of Thisean Elves - until the rise of one of the current Lieutenants, Ser Thaumiel, one of the very few non-high-Elven denizens of Thiselwood.
Demographics
Almost entirely High Elves.
Government
Ruled by an emperor. Originally dictated by bloodline however, any with relation to Emperor Zeroth are eligible to nominate themselves and be crowned if accepted by the major populace under the Dynasty's rule.
Defences
Only the Gilded Gate, no walls, the trees which surround the city are a blessing from Ambriel. The dense thicket is able to block assault from range and has even resisted siege machinery.
Industry & Trade
Not heavy exports, but as the saying goes - all roads lead to Thiselwood. They are easily able to receive materials and other imports from practically any area of Azith, making it also simple to import goods from other continents too.
Assets
Significant quantities of Darkwood, Leafweave and Spiritual Wood due to ready availability from surrounding area.
Guilds and Factions
The main faction within Thiselwood are the Gate Guardians who guard the city and have sworn an oath to defend it until their dying breath.
Architecture
Many structures built into the underbrush of the tall trees. Most buildings made of a natural combination of wood and stone through Ancient Elven magic known only to the Thisean Elves.
Geography
Landlocked, hidden in dense forest created through magic and divine blessing. Natural freshwater springs were also created by the Ancient Elves when they created the city to provide easy access to fresh, clean water.
Natural Resources
Natural resources include many Darkwood trees, some trees capable of producing Spiritual Wood, and the vast majority of the trees produce leaves which grow under the perfect conditions for creating Leafweave.
Founding Date
1E50
Alternative Name(s)
The Gated City
Type
Capital
Population
Circa 25,000
Inhabitant Demonym
Thiseans
Location under
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
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