Eleth Lilanor
Nestled against the Lilan Bluffs and overlooking the Sea of Shards, Eleth Lilanor is a large city on the Nythenor Plains, the seat of power of the Nythenor Convocation. The city was originally a sun elven settlement, named the City of Light for the custom of keeping a flame burning from atop a tall tower, in honour of The Mother. Destroyed by the lizardfolk during The Absence, the city was rebuilt after The Ascension by the sun elves, joined by humans displaced from the Dalgablun Marches.
The Lilan Bluffs stretch for miles along the coastline of southern Myas'tara. In some places, the bluffs are sheer, descending sharply into the water. In others, the descent is gentle, ending in warm, sandy, beaches. Eleth Lilanor is perfectly situated to take advantage of the changing terrain. To the north, the city sprawls out on relatively flat land, but the ground in the south-central portion rises quickly, becoming a multi-level complex built right to the edge of the steepest part of the bluffs. The large, flat expanse on top is the Nythan Plateau, completely surrounded by fortified walls; each lower level also is surrounded by walls with battlements or the rock itself. The battlements of each level are connected through guard towers, so it's possible to traverse the entirety of the plateau and its ascent without ever stepping foot on the ground. The winding path from the plains to the top of the bluffs is known as Light's Rise.
The highest level houses the Nythan Palace, home to the ruling council of the Nythenor Convocation. The large palace easily houses all the council members and their families. Built of white stone imported from the Verthik Mountains, the building's architecture reflects the grace of the elves and the ruggedness of the humans, consisting of tall, elegant spires and sturdy battlements and fortifications. Even if the palace level were breached by invaders, entering the palace itself would be no small feat. Standing atop the cliff wall is the rebuilt tower with the ever-burning flame, now known as The Eternal's Gaze.
One level lower down, to the north of the Nythan Palace, the Plainskeepers have their headquarters, barracks, and training grounds. The lowest level, still a few hundred feet above the bulk of the city, is home to the Eternal's Hand and the Nythan Academy. The Eternal's Hand is the headquarters of the Hexalian Order, a religious order dedicated to The Six Eternals and possessing significant military might. The Nythan Academy is the foremost place to learn the art of combat on Myas'tara, specializing in refined swordplay and precise archery. Both the Plainskeepers and Hexalian Order vie to recruit the most proficient graduates. Taewyn runs the Torch And Tankard Inn nearby, one of the city's more upscale lodging-houses.
On level ground, near to the gated trail leading into the fortress, lies The Eternal's Resplendence, a decadent, gilded, temple dedicated to worshiping The Six. Seven steps lead up to seven archways, which enter the temple through seven doors. Each arch is topped with an ornate marble likeness of one of the deities. Following The Expulsion, the Augur's Arch was collapsed and sealed shut and the statue of Charalyn was smashed in front of the arch. The pieces remain, closely guarded by the Hexlian Order, as a reminder to everyone of what happens to those who turn away from the Six.
The majority of the city is known as The Sprawl. Residences, workshops, and marketplaces stretch out for miles in every direction. Seven smaller temples, one dedicated to each of The Seven, lie along an arc, each the same distance from the Eternal's Resplendence and from its neighbouring temples. Charalyn's temple lies in ruins, dull and unlit. By decree of the Hexalian Order, and enforced by the order and the Plainskeepers, the exterior of the sector of the city surrounding her temple, known as the Augur's Ashes, must be kept dark and unlit.
To the west of the Nythan Plateau in a gap in the Lilan Bluffs, the ground remains hard and slopes down to the sea, where the Nythan Port can be found. A massive jumble of docks and warehouses, the port is the heart of intercontinental trade on Myas'tara. With the advent of air travel, the port has grown farther to the west, up into the bluffs, and goods flowing in or out of the Sprawl can be directed either down to the Seaward Docks or up to the Skyward Docks.
To the east of the plateau, the land descends to sea level again, but here, one can find miles of soft sandy beachfront. The Sunlit Sands is a huge resort and waterfront community, allowing the wealthy to indulge in relaxation, enjoying the warm water and sand. The largest resort is Underhill's, run by Francesca Underhill and featuring the House Of Cards, the city's largest casino.
While the city originally got its nickname, the City of Light, from the ever-burning flame of The Eternal's Gaze, the temples were always kept lit as well. The city has grown into its name even more by staying perpetually lit, except in the area surrounding the now-derelict Temple of Charalyn. Businesses are open on a rotational schedule, allowing for any kind of indulgence at any hour. Eleth Lilanor has become a city of opulence and indulgence, governed by an elected council whose chief focus is to keep the populous happy and the money flowing.
Type
Large city
Population
207,000
Location under
Owning Organization
Characters in Location
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