Elyndor

Elyndor: The City of Golden Spires

Elyndor is a breathtaking city perched atop the high cliffs of an archipelago, where golden rooftops shimmer under the sun and ancient elven architecture merges gracefully with nature. The city is divided into two main levels: the lower section, rich in community and cultural vibrancy, and the upper section, which exudes power, wisdom, and prestige.
On the lower level, the Hanging Gardens of Elyndor stand on the western cliffside, overlooking the vast ocean. Centered around the ancient and revered Elderhaven tree, this district is adorned with platforms that hold exotic plants and vibrant flowers, while fields of golden elven wheat flourish at its base. The gardens create a serene yet imposing sight that embodies the Calari’s connection to their land and heritage.
To the far east, a grand land ramp connects the upper and lower levels of Elyndor and also houses the gear-driven elevator that descends to the bustling Harbor of Sunlit Sails. This harbor teems with merchants, sailors, and travelers, forming the city’s link to the outside world. South of the ramp lies the Celestial Plaza, the city’s spiritual core, where temples devoted to Elthara and Astraelis rise gracefully, surrounded by star-patterned mosaics and illuminated by the warm glow of enchanted lanterns. The plaza serves as a communal space for rituals, celebrations, and quiet reflection.
On the southwestern side, the Artisan’s Quarter thrives with the sound of creation. This district is home to skilled craftsmen who produce everything from fine art and intricate metalwork to enchanted items, giving the area an air of industrious magic. Just north of the Artisan’s Quarter lies The Step, a residential area characterized by cobbled streets, local markets, and community gardens, where the working-class Calari and other residents create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Perched on the upper level, to the north of the lower section, are the districts that symbolize knowledge, prestige, and governance. The Scholars’ Grove is home to Elyndor’s famed college, housed within the towering Wisewood tree. Its branches glow softly as twilight falls, casting an otherworldly light over the district. Just south of this is the Eldertree Enclave, a distinguished residential area reserved for the most esteemed Calari families, seamlessly blending with the natural landscape and dotted with ancient trees.
To the west of these scholarly and residential areas stands the Golden Spires. This opulent structure, with its gleaming spires and golden rooftops, is both a symbol of Elyndor’s authority and divine blessing. The entire city is tied together by a seamless blend of tradition, culture, and magical splendor, creating a living monument that echoes the Calari’s storied past and forward-looking aspirations.

Legacy & Culture

The culture of Elyndor is deeply rooted in tradition, scholarship, and a profound connection to the divine. The city’s heritage is a tapestry woven from centuries of devotion to knowledge, art, and spirituality. Elyndor’s inhabitants, particularly the Calari, value enlightenment and view life as a journey of self-discovery and intellectual growth. This cultural ethos is reflected in the city’s architecture, which seamlessly blends natural beauty with elegant structures adorned with intricate carvings and golden rooftops.
The arts thrive in Elyndor, particularly in the Artisan’s Quarter, where craftsmen, artists, and enchanters contribute to the city’s cultural landscape. Music, storytelling, and ceremonial practices are an integral part of daily life, infusing even mundane activities with a sense of purpose and beauty. Respect for tradition and history is paramount, and many families can trace their lineage back to Elyndor’s founding, a fact they hold with great pride.

Practiced Religions

Religion in Elyndor is deeply tied to the traditions and heritage of the Calari elves. The most widely practiced faith is the Way of the Guiding Light, dedicated to Elthara, the Goddess of Light, Knowledge, and Peace. Her grand temple stands as the primary place of worship within the city, serving as a central point for rituals and festivals that celebrate enlightenment and harmony.
For non-Calari residents, especially those residing in The Step, the worship of Mirrena, the Goddess of Love, Community, and Unity, holds a significant place. A smaller yet well-maintained temple dedicated to Mirrena serves as a gathering place for followers, promoting values of compassion and unity.
Other deities do not have dedicated temples in the city, but worshippers can visit the Hall of the Divine, a large communal space with smaller areas for prayer and rituals. Here, citizens and travelers alike can pay homage to gods such as Tyravel, Bralgorn, Vyrdos, and others, fostering a sense of spiritual inclusivity within Elyndor

The Festival of Illumination

One of the most celebrated traditions in Elyndor is the Festival of Illumination, held annually by the followers of Elthara. This grand event is both a communal gathering and a time for personal reflection, embodying the city’s reverence for knowledge and enlightenment. During the festival, participants inscribe their prayers, wishes for wisdom, and reflections on pieces of parchment and place them inside beautiful square lanterns with intricate inscriptions that allow light to shine through. Small offerings, such as rings or pendants, are sometimes included as tokens of devotion.
As the lanterns are released into the sky or placed within sacred spaces, their light symbolizes the burning desire for understanding and the hope for divine guidance. It is believed that, during the festival, the constellations may subtly shift, interpreted as Elthara’s response to the prayers and reflections of her faithful. The festival serves as a reminder of Elyndor’s collective pursuit of knowledge and the guiding light of Elthara, uniting the community in celebration and reflection.

History

Elyndor was founded in 1017 when the Calari elves, guided by their goddess Elthara, established it as a sanctuary of peace and arcane knowledge. For centuries, the city remained isolated, dedicated to advancing magic and preserving elven heritage. In 3120, Elyndor opened its gates to other species, spurring debates among the Calari over tradition versus integration. While some embraced the influx of new ideas and cultures, others feared the dilution of their values and identity. This change set the stage for cultural tensions that still echo today.

Politics

The Preservation Bill: Enclave Restoration Act

The Enclave Restoration Act is the first significant legislative step under the broader Preservation Accord, aimed at formalizing and enforcing the social norms that have long been upheld by tradition. This bill seeks to ensure that only Calari elves may reside in the Eldertree Enclave, reinforcing the district’s role as a bastion of Calari heritage. While the enclave has already been socially exclusive, with few non-Calari families daring to settle there due to stigma, the bill would make this practice official and legally binding.

Key Provisions of the Enclave Restoration Act

1. Formal Residency Restrictions: The bill mandates that only Calari elves may own property or reside in the Eldertree Enclave, compelling the relocation of a small number of non-Calari families currently living there to The Step, where modest housing assistance would be provided. Although the affected number is relatively small—just a couple of dozen families—the act has deep symbolic importance.
2. Cultural Preservation Mandate: The law frames the enclave as a historical and cultural landmark of immense significance, meant to reflect the ancient values and traditions of the Calari. By officially excluding non-Calari residents, the government aims to solidify the enclave’s status as a protected heritage district.

Public Reaction

• Older Conservative Calari: This faction welcomes the bill as a necessary measure to ensure the Eldertree Enclave remains a true representation of their people’s heritage. They believe this formal step is essential to maintaining the sanctity of their traditions and preventing outside influences from disrupting their way of life.
• Younger Calari and Progressive Voices: The younger generation and progressive-minded Calari see the bill as unnecessary and divisive. They argue that enforcing laws on an already socially upheld norm will only create resentment and tension. Protests have begun to stir, especially in The Step and more open-minded areas like the Artisan’s Quarter, where calls for unity and inclusivity are growing louder.
• Non-Calari Residents: The non-Calari families affected by the bill feel unfairly targeted. Many of them have lived in the enclave for generations, working as craftsmen, scholars, or in supportive roles that helped maintain the district. The move feels like an erasure of their contributions and presence in Elyndor’s history.

Social and Political Landscape

While the Eldertree Enclave has long been an unspoken preserve of the Calari elite, the official enactment of this policy sends a powerful message about the direction of Elyndor’s future. With the king absent, the ruling council is deeply divided, with the more conservative elders pushing for the act as a reinforcement of Calari identity, while more progressive voices warn of the potential social fallout. The younger Calari’s protests and the rising discontent among non-Calari residents signal a growing fracture in Elyndor’s seemingly united front.

Founding Date

1017

Type

City

Location under

Thaloria