Aersylvidur
Summary
Aersylvidur is a majestic, ancient city located deep beneath the Sapphire Sea, home to the Aquatic Elves of Katashaka. Hidden beneath shimmering coral reefs and illuminated by the soft glow of bio-luminescent plants and creatures, Aersylvidur is a testament to the harmony between Elven craftsmanship and the natural beauty of the sea. It is located south from the cities of the Kingdom of Sirokosa.
History
The city's tale begins in the Era of the First Currents, when the Aquatic Elves emerged as custodians of the deep seas. Guided by their First Seer, Aralune Tidesinger, they followed the currents of the Sapphire Sea to a vast underwater cavern shimmering with bioluminescent corals and enchanted crystals. Believing it to be a blessed sanctuary of The Eternal Tide, they named it Aersylvidur, meaning "Sanctuary Beneath the Endless Blue" in their ancient tongue.
The early settlers wove their homes from living coral, sculpting vast domes and flowing structures that grew in harmony with the reef. Aralune herself established the Temple of the Tidal Song, where she communed with the ocean's will, and the city's spiritual heart began to beat in rhythm with the sea.
Is is said the Elves of Aersylvidur are the founders of The Eternal Tide religion and have the oldest known temple to the Tides build in the sacred dome in the center of the city. Pilgrims from the Sirokosa attempt a journey to the underwater temple to show their devotion to the tides and often in extension to the Goddess Umberlee.
Disaster struck during what the elves call The Shattering Depths, when a massive undersea quake—believed by some to be caused by a Netherese artifact lost to the deeps—devastated parts of the city. Entire districts were swallowed by crevices, and dark, eldritch creatures emerged from the deep rifts. It was during this time that the High Seer Vaeluna Miraglim rose to power, rallying her people and sealing the most dangerous rifts with powerful wards of ancient sea magic.
In the aftermath, the elves built the Wardstones of Aersylvidur, enchanted obelisks placed throughout the city to reinforce its magical defenses against future calamities.
[Appearance
The city is built in and around enormous underwater caves, with translucent domes made of enchanted crystal that allow sunlight to filter down from the surface, casting a serene glow over its intricate architecture. The structures are a blend of elegant, organic designs, with flowing curves that mimic the shape of ocean currents, and carved coral columns, adorned with iridescent shells and gemstones. Towering spires, resembling great sea plants, reach upwards toward the water's surface, serving as both temples and watchtowers.
Some of the domes are filled with water and can only be accessed by swimming. One dome called the Water's Embrace even has a permanent Underwater Breathing enchantment placed on it so outsiders can experience life as the Aquatic Elves do. This dome is dedicated to entertainment and is filled with forests of luminescent plants and sea weeds as well as being home to many rare types of fish. Many of the city's children can be found here playing in the underwater gardens and having swimming contests.
Aersylvidur’s streets are not paved with stone but rather lined with glowing seaweed and sea fans, creating paths that shift with the tides. The city is built on multiple levels, with wide terraces, cascading waterfalls, and crystal-clear canals that allow for the effortless passage of aquatic elves, riding sleek water steeds or moving via magical currents.
Government
The government of Aersylvidur is a semi-theocratic oligarchy, blending spiritual authority with council-based governance. At its heart lies the belief that The Eternal Tide guides all decisions, and those who can hear its voice most clearly are best suited to lead.
The spiritual and ceremonial leader of Aersylvidur, the High Seer is considered the voice of the Eternal Tide. Chosen through a sacred ritual involving the Pearl of Still Waters, the High Seer is responsible for interpreting omens, leading rituals, and offering spiritual guidance to both the council and the citizens.
The Tide Singer Council is the governing body responsible for managing the city's day-to-day affairs and enacting policies. It is composed of seven Tide Singers, each representing a crucial aspect of Aersylvidur's society.
Economy
The elves of Aersylvidur view wealth not as an end but as a tool to maintain balance and harmony. Their economy thrives on the principle of reciprocity with the ocean, ensuring that every resource taken is honored and every trade agreement is built on mutual respect.
While wealthy by many standards, Aersylvidur does not flaunt opulence. Instead, the city invests in its defenses, magical infrastructure, and cultural preservation, ensuring that its treasures remain protected for future generations.
Aersylvidur is not just an underwater city—it is a thriving economic jewel of the deep, where the wealth of the sea is transformed into treasures that captivate both aquatic and surface realms.
Exports and trade
- Pearl Harvesting and Refinement
- Bioluminescent Coral
- Alchemical Elixirs and Potions
- Sea Steel Items, Weapons and Armor
Religion, customs and festivals
The heart of the city is the Temple of the Tidal Song, a majestic building where the Aquatic Elves worship deep-sea deities and honor their connection to the ocean. Here, the Elder Seer or High Priestess communes with the tides and offers guidance to the people, drawing on the wisdom of The Eternal Tide and the flow of life within the oceans.
Aersylvidur is a city that thrives on its profound understanding of water magic and nature magic, using its connection to the sea to protect the realm from external threats and maintain harmony with the natural world. The elves here are also known for their unmatched skill in artistry, crafting exquisite pearls, crystals, and sea gems, some of which are enchanted to preserve life or bring protection.
Their belief in the Eternal Tides has a significant difference with that of the mainland as they don't agree that there is a connection with the Goddess Umberlee. She is worshipped separately in the city but to the Aersylvidurians the Eternal Tides are their own unique primordial spirits of the sea.
Despite its beauty and serenity, Aersylvidur is a city of great power and resilience. The aquatic elves are skilled warriors, trained to defend their sacred city against threats from both the surface world and the depths of the ocean. Their trident-wielding warriors patrol the city's borders, ensuring that no unwanted visitors or dangerous creatures breach their peaceful domain.
Festivals and important events
- Festival of the Tidal Song - a festival celebrating the construction of the Temple of the Tidal Song said to date back thousands of years. It is celebrated by flooding the sacred dome and the Elves performs intricate underwater dances and rituals.
- Sapphire Ascendance - in honor of the spring tides, the strongest of the year, swimming competitions are held outside the domes that circle the entire city.
- The Seer's Prophecy - a day in the year when the High Seer addresses the people with a prophecy on how the city with fare in the future.
Comments