Yárasta
Grove Yárasta, sometimes called the Heart of Elderna, is a small druidic town located in the heart of the Elderna Woodlands, centred between two forks of the Elderna River. Yárasta has a large population of Firbolg and Wood Elves.
While not official, Yárasta is considered to be the capital of the Eternal Grove, being the most populous of it's settlements, and being situated in the shadow of the Tree of Elderna, a gargantuan, Magical tree that is sometimes called the Great Tree, the Tree of Life, or the Mother Tree. The tree is sacred to the druidic people of the Eternal Grove, as well as the followers of Demeter, with it said that Demeter planted the Tree of Elderna herself, as a gift for the protectors of the Elderna Woodlands. The Tree of Elderna is believed to be the source of the woodland's Magical nature, with it imbuing the surrounding environment with Primal Magic, keeping it vibrant and healthy.
Very few outsiders are allowed entry into Yárasta, with it being a sacred place to the people of the Eternal Grove, with most of our information coming from only a small collection of primary sources. Yárasta is also more of a local community hub than a town, with most of Yárasta's population living spread out across the Elderna Woodlands, in private, natural domiciles, and visiting Yárasta to socialise or trade.
Government
Yárasta is governed by a council of Archdruids, usually town elders, who oversees the management of the town, as well as leading all the religious ceremonies and rituals.
Defence
Yárasta is defended by a force of Grovewardens, the warrior protectors of the Elderna Woodlands, as well as it's population of hunters and Druidic Spellcasters.
Commerce
Yárasta trades resources and equipment with the other settlements within the Eternal Grove, but for the most part all of the town's equipment and produce either grown or created locally, with Yárasta being almost completely self-sufficient.
Geography
Yárasta is located deep within the Elderna Woodlands, centred between two forks of the Elderna River, and situated within a small grove, in the shadow of the Tree of Elderna.
The town itself is a collection of simple, wooden huts, many of whom are built into the treetops, or Magically grown from the surrounding trees. The town is centred around the Tree of Elderna, a gargantuan tree, that towers over the nearby canopy, with a sacred temple to Demeter and the other Nature Deities, located high among it's branches.
Comments