Skyreach
The ruined seat of a fallen Empire
Skyreach was the former capital of The Imperial League and the Elven Kingdom of Halentha, renowned for its majestic Elven architecture and strategic coastal location. The city was a symbol of Elven might and sophistication, serving as the political and cultural heart of Elven Civilisation before its fall during The Human Rebellion. After 12 years as the Capital of the Imperial League, the city was destroyed during The Devastation of Skyreach.
Districts
The Imperial Palace: The palace was a massive fortress of black stone and enchanted steel, crowned by spires that served both as defensive towers and arcane focus points. It housed the Elven court, military command, and vast vaults of magical artifacts.
The Foundries: Skyreach was home to numerous foundries where enchanted weapons, armor, and constructs were produced. The smoke of these foundries often darkened the skies, giving the city a foreboding atmosphere.
The Arcane Workshops: Located in the city’s industrial heart, these workshops were dedicated to the research and development of magical technologies. Here, artificers and mages worked tirelessly to innovate and perfect the tools of Elven warfare.
The Market Quarter: Unlike traditional markets, the Market Quarter of Skyreach was dominated by merchant houses and industrial guilds that dealt in rare materials, magical components, and enchanted goods, fueling the city’s economy and military.
The Waterfront: This heavily fortified port served as both a trade hub and a military dockyard, with warships constantly being built and repaired. It was also the primary entry point for goods and raw materials that kept Skyreach’s industries running.
History
Founding and Rise
Skyreach was founded during the height of the Elven Age as the grand capital of the Kingdom of Halentha. Its strategic coastal location made it a bustling hub for trade, diplomacy, and military affairs. The city was famed for its soaring spires, intricate stonework, and the shimmering glow of enchanted lights that illuminated the streets at night.The Siege of Skyreach (12 IE)
The city's downfall occurred during The Human Rebellion, culminating in the brutal Siege of Skyreach in 12 IE. The siege was marked by relentless human assaults against the fortified Elven city, ultimately leading to the collapse of Elven rule in the region. The siege ended with the sacking of Skyreach, the assassination of King Valandil, and the fall of Halentha.The Devastation
The Devastation of SkyreachArchitecture
Skyreach was characterized by a stark, imposing style that emphasized the power and might of the Elven Kingdom. Unlike the verdant, nature-integrated designs common in other Elven cities, Skyreach’s architecture reflected Halentha’s industrial and martial focus.
Geography
Skyreach was built on a series of cliffs overlooking the Gold Sea, its terraces carved directly into the rock face. The city’s layout was designed with defense in mind, with narrow streets, high walls, and multiple fortified gates controlling access to different districts. The surrounding area was rugged and industrialized, with quarries and mines feeding the city’s insatiable demand for stone and metal.
Climate
Skyreach, perched along the sun-drenched cliffs of the Velvet Coast, enjoyed a temperate climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The city basked in abundant sunlight for most of the year, with warm sea breezes sweeping through its narrow streets and grand plazas, providing a refreshing contrast to the intense heat of summer days.
Winters brought gentle rains, filling the cisterns and keeping the air cool and crisp, though the city was rarely troubled by extreme cold. The coastal winds carried the scent of saltwater and citrus from the orchards that dotted the surrounding hills, mingling with the ever-present tang of metal and smoke from the city’s countless forges and workshops.
While the greenery was sparse compared to other Elven cities, Skyreach was defined by its terracotta roofs, sun-bleached stone structures, and open courtyards filled with fountains and olive trees. Despite the city’s industrial heart, the climate lent Skyreach a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, where the clang of hammers and the hum of arcane machinery blended with the rhythmic crash of waves against the cliffside below.
RUINED SETTLEMENT
12 IE
Founding Date
Early Elven Age
Alternative Name(s)
The Ruins of Skyreach
Type
Capital
Population
12 IE: 1,000,000+
Inhabitant Demonym
Reacher
Location under
Owning Organization
Related Traditions
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