Ulym Aethel Settlement in The Hefflings | World Anvil

Ulym Aethel

Ulym Aethel
Map of Ulym Aethel
One minute I'm in Ulym Aethel, the next... I have no idea.
— Jamila, a Fenayen Explorer
  Upon the edge of the Fenayan Jungle, is the southernmost settlement of the Elfkind Tribedom, Ulym Aethel. Aeons ago, the Falduhns settled here a but have since abandoned the town. Then eventually Feneyans found the ancient town and took it as their own. Since then and the Decade of Darkness, the old stone buildings have been in disrepair, even with the thatched patchwork of the Feneyan residents. Something some Falduhns frown upon.   There is also a strange oddity in ghostly images of another town in another world. Many Aethels and sometimes visitors claim they see visions of another place. Some say the visions are of Ulym Aethel long ago, echoes of those who once lived there. While others think it is another world, many fear it could be the lingering magic of Dominion haunting the townsfolk. However, as not everybody experiences this enigma, no theory is proven.

Demographics

The town is mostly Elfkind folk who work in polluting industries like leatherworks, charcoal burning and smokeries. Folks here mostly keep themselves to themselves, though respectfully so. As most of them are decendants of those who once lived within the Jungle, traditions of honour and hunting are still passed down to generations. In fact, many Feneyans take the trip into the Jungle to experience the ways of their people.

Government

Ruling the town is the Honourable Chiefess Shalendra Genrel, who took the governance of Ulym Aethel when she defended the town from the Dominions of the Night World. Shalendra took the chiefdom title near the end of the Decade of Darkness after a Feneyan Dragon mauled her predecessor. The town's leaders elected the Honourable Chiefess for her courage against the Dominions. All Aethers know of the tale when Shalendra sought and slain not only the Fenayen Dragon but the monster who tamed it.

Districts

Town Centre

The town centre is the central district of the town. The people here have not named their centre, except Ulym Aethel. Most of those in the town live in houses that haven't crumbled. Many of the ruins that do remain are lived in by many of the town's urchins.  

The Slip

Outside of town are shanty thatched houses that have converged beside the Riverfront industries. Here the people are not the most well off, but they do with what they got. The Slip might be the most neglected side of town, but the Aethers who live here recognise it as safer than living in the Jungle. Many of the traditional Feneyans look down on these people, as true Feneyans embrace the dangers of the Jungle. However, many are beginning to find the benefits of comfort even in the Slip.  

Riverfront

Along the river are many of Ulym Aethel's industries. Very few people live here due to the toxicity of the workshops. Brought by the riverboats that sail up and downstream is many of the town's produce. Business is good in Ulym Aethel, but the Riverfront can be an eyesore, especially the Falduhns, who can only watch another nation repurpose their history.

History

Falduhn Ruins

The Feneyans weren't the original residents of Ulym Aethel. Centuries ago, Ulym Aethel was founded by the Falduhns. They had built strong stone structures from the stones imported from their homeland in the mountains.   The reason for why the Falduhns is not known. There are theories and perhaps the ancient rune markings on some of the structures may give some indication to the Falduhns heritage. However, given the state of the town not many scholar would set foot into Ulym Aethel long enough to find out.  

Ghostly Aspects

Those who live in this town and who have visited this place have heard tales of those who experienced strange visions of another place. Only a few people claim to have these images who recall various details.
What I remember, is the place is cold. Far colder than I have ever felt. And the small creatures, who are they?
— An Aether who claims to have seen these ghostly aspects

Tourism

The town also sees many people from other realms, particularly the neighbouring people, the Falduhns. There are many inns people can stay in; however, few remain for too long with the smog and stench of acidic waste and eye-watering smoke. Those who visit Ulym Aethel do so for absolute necessity and are unlikely to make Ulym Aethel their home.

Maps

Type
Town
Population
512
Inhabitant Demonym
Aethers
Location under
Owning Organization
Nerdbuilder Data

Demographics

Total Population: 512
Primary Race: Elf
General Attitude: Confident and Skeptical

Breakdown

  • Children: 128
  • Adults: 307
  • Elderly: 77
  • Ill/Infirm: 47
  • Known Criminals: 2
  • Urban Population: 383
  • Rural Population: 129

Infrastructure

Road Construction: Wood Lined Roads
Main Irrigation: Surge Irrigation
Number of Districts: 3

Architecture

Overall Architecture

  • Primary Building Style: Stone
  • Secondary Building Styles: Thatched
  • Aesthetics: Utilitarian
  • Cleanliness: dirty
  • Upkeep: Crumbling

Districts

District 1

  • Type: Residential
  • Population: 272
  • Primary Building Style: Stone
  • Secondary Building Styles: Thatched
  • Aesthetics: Normal
  • Cleanliness: Disorderly
  • Upkeep: Crumbling

District 2

  • Type: Slum
  • Population: 64
  • Primary Building Style: Thatched
  • Secondary Building Styles: None
  • Aesthetics: Functional
  • Cleanliness: Disorderly
  • Upkeep: neglected

District 3

  • Type: Oderiferous Business
  • Population: 47
  • Primary Building Style: Stone
  • Secondary Building Styles: None
  • Aesthetics: Basic
  • Cleanliness: Filthy
  • Upkeep: Shabby

Defenses

Walls: None
Natural Defences: River

Points of Interest

Special Features

  • Fossils: 1814 feet south
  • Ancient Temple: 1.61 miles west
  • Ancient Battlefield: 4921 feet east

Geography

Fluvial Meander Belt
Elevation: 600 feet above sea level
Distance from the Marine Coast: 82.77 miles
Ground Cover: 91%

Water Features

River

  • Salinity: fresh
  • Depth: 23 feet
  • Width: 466 feet
  • Navigable: Yes
  • Aquatic Animals: Trout, Bass, and Clams

Climate

Subtropical Forest
Avg. Annual Temperature: 57F
Avg. Annual Precipitation: 59.53 in
Seasons: Dry Season and Wet Season
Prevailing Winds: southeast to northwest

Natural Resources

Stones

  • Igneous: Granite
  • Sedimentary: Laterite, Travertine, Limestone, and Sandstone

Ores

  • Metals: Iron and Zinc

Gems

  • Semi-Precious: Peridot

Grains

  • Cool Seasons: Quinoa, Spelt, and Farro
  • Food: Quinoa, Spelt, and Farro

Vegetables

  • Root: Beets
  • Cruciferous: Brussel Sprout and Cauliflower

Utility Crops

  • Fiber: Kenaf

Assets

Stone Quarries

Rock Pit

  • Gathers Travertine
  • 8 workers

Lumber Camps

Woodcutter's Camp

  • Gathers Marblewood
  • 8 workers

Flora and Fauna

  • Livestock: Llamas
  • Prey: Warthogs, Capybara, and Elephant
  • Predators: Komodo Dragon
  • Aquatic: Trout and Clams
  • Trees: Marblewood, Fir, Cedar, Grapefruit Tree, and Blackwood
  • Grass: Blue Fescue Grass, Grey Fescue Grass, Tufted Hair Grass, Tall Fescue Grass, and Leafy Reedgrass
  • Shrubs: Hornbeam Maple, Raspberry Bush, Abelia, Tomato Plant, and Butterfly Bush
  • Moss: Baby Tooth Moss, Brocade Moss, Spanish Moss, and Catherine's Moss
  • Vines: Bridal Creeper

 

Comments

Author's Notes

This article was written for the Nerdbuilding Flash Challenge and with the collaboration with Laurabones! We decided for this challenge to team up by trading Easter Eggs for our worlds. Make sure to visit and follow Laurabones' world Paneus and follow Laurabones on WorldAnvil! Also, read Laura's settlement and give it a like! ♥


Please Login in order to comment!
Feb 25, 2022 23:33 by Michael Chandra

Ghosts?? Who you gonna call! Wait, does that mean it's a ghost town? *badumtish*   Oh and nice map! What did you use for it?


Too low they build who build beneath the stars - Edward Young
Feb 26, 2022 08:33 by Heffé

Haha! Good one xD   I used the Watabou City Generator :)

Heffé, worldbuilder of The Hefflings
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