Ardtin Illistim
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Ardtin Greyvael Illistim was the post-Lanenreat Argent Mirror who allowed the Winedotter gnomes to live and work within Ta'Illistim. It was a trend that was happening in other Elven city-states, notably Ta'Nalfein, but it was the final end to Ta'Illistim being a city of residence solely for one race. Critics at the time were less forgiving than those of the present day, accusing Ardtin of capitulating, sacrificing Illistim autonomy in exchange for "cheap labor and glimaerstones." In time the gnomish presence became common, and was accepted as normal. Ardtin was most recently a member of the Council of Thrones under Argent Mirror Myasara Illistim. She is known to have one daughter, Nualina Greyvael, who spent time as a Handmaiden to the Argent Mirror Myasara.
Ardtin assumed the Peacock Throne in 1,140 Modern Era (50,247 Illistim) and ruled until her abdication in 1,379 Modern Era (50,486 Illistim). Her reign was 239 years.
| Argent Mirror of the House of Illistim | ||
| Preceded by: | 1,140 Modern Era to 1,379 Modern Era (50,247 to 50,486 Illistim) |
Succeeded by: |
| Unknown (eventually Caladsal Illistim) | Unknown (eventually Irinara Illistim)
| |
| Non-Dynastic Argent Mirrors | ||
| Descendant of: | Ancestor of: | |
| Unknown | Unknown
| |
Appearance
You see Lady Ardtin Greyvael Illistim the Lady Councillor of Thrones. She appears to be an Elf. She is slight in stature and appears to be venerable. She has pale blue eyes and fair, though aged skin. She has long, fine sterling hair coiled atop her head and pinned with a glimaerstone-tipped hairpin. She has a refined, high cheekboned architecture to her face and a slender, tapered pair of pointed ears. She is in good shape. She is wearing a vaalorn latticework necklet threaded with shining ultramarine glimaerstones, a cowl-necked heather silk gown, a vaalorn mesh reticule, and a pair of pointy-toed bluish grey silk slippers.
Recent Events
Ardtin is the most prominent member of the Council of Thrones and has openly shown her disapproval of Myasara's polices and style of rule.
During the events in Ta'Illistim following the murder of Kasendra Malwind, she was secretly abducted and impersonated by Niatha, with her longtime acquaintance Thaiagol Razan-Dhur as an accomplice. Several large withdrawals were taken from the Greyvael vaults using her forged signature, and she was briefly seen beneath Ta'Illistim in a weakened condition. She was spirited away by Thaiagol and missing for several months. In the interim, she was saved from his clutches by her maidservant Ryossa and took refuge on the Flotilla under the Pirate Queen Kyncera's guardianship. She and Ryossa were returned to Ta'Illistim by adventurers after they followed clues to her location in May 2024.
Behind The Scenes
Museum Artifacts
Council of Thrones - Coronation Robe
[Museum Alerreth, Costumery] On either side of the polished copper arch leading into the chamber are two tall displays, each fronted with glass. Their copper fittings match the trim on several cases, whose contents are clothing both modern and historical. A square tile is inset into the floor in the center of the room.
Obvious exits: none >look overrobe Diffuse blue peacocks are painted across the white overrobe, their shapes stylized into an avian knotwork pattern. The robe's hood is pushed back, forming a caul that is more blue than white. Next to the garment is a small plaque. >read overrobe In the Common language, it reads: The investiture of a new Argent Mirror is an occasion of high ceremony, coming after a period of seclusion by the Council of Thrones. This robe, donated by Ardtin Greyvael, was worn at the installation of Argent Mirror Myasara. Each member of the Council of Thrones wears his or her robe for one day only and each is different. Members of the court make a game of guessing what the symbolism painted on each robe represents, but the Councillors keep silent as to whether they're playing along.
Suit of Grey Silk and Wool Livery
[Museum Alerreth, History] The marble walls are punctuated with several glass cases, each of which is set either above or below an inlaid copper strip. The metallic band stretches from the right to the left side of a copper-plated arch, circumnavigating the room in the process. A square tile of the same copper as the arch and timeline is inset into the center of the floor. Obvious exits: none >look livery Grey wool pantaloons are paired with a soft white linen tunic and a longer tabard of grey silk. The tabard has a small badge embroidered over the left breast, the chief element of it being a peacock surmounted by a series of intertwined grey and white streamers. All three pieces, as well as the final touches to the outfit, a set of white silk hosen and some grey leather shoes, are scaled towards the diminutive. Next to the set of livery is a small plaque. >read livery In the Common language, it reads:
Though humans had previously been allowed to live in Ta'Illistim during Argent Mirror Ulorean's reign, the exercise was short-lived and ended in conflict. It was not until the reign of Argent Mirror Ardtin that another attempt at integrating outside races occurred. Winedotter gnomes, already present in Ta'Vaalor, were officially recognized as "participants in the daily life of Ta'Illistim." It was considered gauche to discuss how many served one's family, but not to outfit them to make it clear.
- Miscellaneous
Clothiers
>ask Linsandral about lasts (Proprietor of "Well-Heeled", Ta'Illistim Cordwainer) Linsandral walks over to a shelf full of decorative lasts. He picks one up and displays it across his palm. He clears his throat grandly and says, "This is the foot of former Argent Mirror Ardtin. We made all of her footwear while she was enthroned, and she remains a client even now." He sets the molded shape back down on the shelf, arranging it just so.