Illendal and the Scorch of Ayr

It is a widely told story throughout the Ynxian mainland that the dense city of Illendal once rested on the dawn face of Mt. Ayr. That is to say, until the cusp of the fourth dawn era the diverse civil populace made their homes on the north side of the island. Ever since a violent volcanic eruption blanketed the entire district in ash and lava citizens have been too wary to return en masse. Nowadays the old ruins lay as foreboding monuments to the souls lost within, and those that managed to escape sought to rebuild on the other side of the mountain.

Erected with the same name and by the same brave individuals and their ancestors, Illendal now stands as proud as it once did, albeit with an umbrage of sorrow in its mannerisms. Plaques that commemorate lost family members line the government buildings and their courtyards, be them engraved in copper hangings or etched in cobblestone walkways. Carvings of Ayr's eruption are commonly depicted on painted pottery or stylized baubles. Most importantly, the annual anniversary of the event commemorates a pilgrimage of sacrifice wherein ten unique individuals are selected to travel to the scorched lands and bestow whatever offerings are brought forth by the inhabitants of the city. Flowers, crafts, garments, preserved rations, and precious adornments are many of the things given to honor those lost in the tragedy. It is believed that this act appeases the souls that were unable to undergo a proper committal, at least for a time.

Pilgrims chosen for this task return with a pouch of ash taken from the ruins.  To signify a proper return they are welcomed into the hearth of Illendal's trade center, wherein each individual will cast the ashes into the air in succession.  This act coincides with the common practice of spreading ashes after cremation, so as to guide a departed soul to the ethereal realm of Nedzeden.