Ta'Illistim

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Ta'Illistim map by Allereli
Ta'Illistim Keep
Ta'Illistim Embassies
Ta'Illistim realm map

Ta'Illistim, also known as the Shining City, is one of the five elven city-states (along with Ta'Vaalor, Ta'Ardenai, Ta'Loenthra, and Ta'Nalfein) that comprise the Elven Nations. Founded in the eastern foothills of the Dragonspine Mountains by Linsandrych Illistim 49,107 years before the Modern Era, the city remains the seat of power of the House of Illistim and one of the foremost centers of scholarship on Elanith.

Ruled by the Argent Mirror, the realm of Ta'Illistim stretches as far as Cysaegir to the south and Sylvarraend to the east. At the height of its power, the realm also encompassed Gyldemar Forest, but after the dissolution of the Elven Empire, a shadowy magic crept over the land and the Illistim elves gradually retreated from their outposts and country manors. The ancient road to Old Ta'Faendryl has fallen into disuse, except by adventurers seeking to uncover treasures from the ruins. Beyond the borders of the realm prowl the orc tribes of the Yegharren Plains, corrupted forest creatures and spirits in Gyldemar and the southern Blighted Forest, the risen undead in Wraithenmist and the Black Moor, and extraplanar foes in the kiramon and ithzir. Higher up in the Dragonspine, storm griffins can often be seen circling the peaks of Griffin's Keen and occasionally swooping down on unsuspecting travelers in the mountain passes.

History

The founding of Ta'Illistim by Linsandrych Illistim and the Chroniclers is traditionally regarded as the first year of the elven calendar (making it 49,107 years older than the common modern calendar). The city's Library Aies is the oldest extant building in elven history, its cornerstone having been laid by Linsandrych herself. Linsandrych led the city-state for 3,212 years, seeing in her time the founding of all seven original elven houses. At the end of her reign, she left the city and walked into the wilderness alone, and the exact date of her passing is not known.

Linsandrych's direct descendants would rule Ta'Illistim for the next thirty thousand years. The year 19,110 saw the creation of a formal council of advisors to the monarch who would also aid in resolving disputed successions, which would eventually evolve into the Council of Thrones. The power and influence of the city-state reached its zenith under Lilorandrych Illistim from 25,419 to 29,008. Soon after her reign, however, the threat of Despana would manifest in the Southron Wastes and the ensuing Undead War resulted in the dissolution of the Elven Empire. Lanenreat Illistim was blamed from the failure of the Illistim elves to understand the magnitude of the threat. She resigned as monarch in 29,613, ending the dynastic rule of Linsandrych's line.

Since then, Ta'Illistim's monarch has been chosen by the Council of Thrones. Each chosen monarch has served for approximately 250 years before stepping down for the next chosen ruler. Since 53,985 (4,878 Modern Era), Ta'Illistim has been ruled by Myasara Illistim.

City of Ta'Illistim

The great city of the Illistim elves shines like a beacon throughout the eastern continent of Elanith. A place of legend, magic, music and wonder are the lifeblood of the city and adventure lies within and without. Of special note are the grand beauty of the hanging garden dais and the impressive must-see airship port.

Some of the elven locals are less than thrilled with the increased traffic that the new trade routes have created, preferring a simpler steady culture.

Points of Interest

Shops

For the full list of city shops including temporary merchants, see Ta'Illistim Shops.

Inns


Adventuring Supplies

Clothing and Jewelry


Specialty Shops


Furniture

The Ta'Illistim Court

For proper behavior around the Illistim nobility, see Protocol and Etiquette: Behavior Within the Court of the Illistimi Elves.

The following storyline NPCs were first provided by GM Valyrka in July 2016. Since then, the Argent Mirror's prior handmaidens have been dismissed and replaced.

NPC Status Notes
Myasara Illistim active Current Argent Mirror, head of House Illistim
Aeriadrn Ghaeriden active Seneschal of Ta'Illistim Keep
Aertinus Avelleur active Captain of the Sapphire Guard
Ardtin Greyvael active during formal court events She is a member of the Council of Thrones. She is elderly, as far as elves go, and has a strong sense of propriety. She has a fondness for glimaerstones. She is a former Argent Mirror and mother to Nualina. She encouraged Myasara to marry and then to hand over control of Ta'Illistim to the council while in mourning.
Clessar Ryvvuel active Clothier. Chalat Greyvael's apprentice.
Gasen Nellereune active Page in the royal household, wishes to be a Sapphire Guard. Wants to be squire to Commander Murstyr
Gelynne Greyvael active Niece to Chalat, orphaned and came to live with him. Talented jeweler.
Murstyr Javilerre active Lord Commander of the Sapphire Guard
Orelwen Greyvael active Handmaiden to the Mirror.
Sayilla Javilerre presumed deceased Traveling diplomat
Thaiagol Razan-Dhur active Master of Lore
Yrmythia Gael active Handmaiden to the Mirror. Niece of Polimynia Gael, shopowner of Wax Eloquent
Zenlynn Veythorne active Elemancer, Master of Lore
Calysen inactive Court musician/dance master
Caylio Javilerre deceased He is a Teacher of Lore, with a focus on the archaeology of the Arkati. He prefers to be in the field, rather than in an office or lecture hall. He died at the hands of an assassin hired by his sister Hycinthia immediately after his wedding vows to the Mirror were recited. his death was an accident.
Chalat Greyvael dead He was the First Couturier of the Argentate, murdered by Hycinthia
Hycinthia Javilerre deceased Tried to assassinate Argent Mirror Myasara. She murdered her brother Caylio in prime. Her father Commander Murstyr beheaded her at the command of the Mirror.
Kasendra Malwind deceased Emissary from the Turamzzyrian Empire
Mivae Avelleur inactive Wine Steward
Nessina Javilerre inactive Former handmaiden to the Mirror, all handmaidens were dismissed.
Nualina Greyvael inactive Daughter of Ardtin, former handmaiden to the Mirror, all handmaidens were dismissed.
Tanyela Chesylrae inactive Former handmaiden to the Mirror, all handmaidens were dismissed.

Hunting

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Area Level Range
Whistler's Pass (non-hostile)
Descending from the high ridge of Zhindel's Post, Whistler's Pass begins as a rock-strewn, arid region blasted by chill mountain gusts and enclosed by high walls of sheer stone. The denizens of the Pass scurry among the crevices lining the rock walls, foraging a meager existence from thorn bushes and cacti. Utilized by both Elves and Dwarves alike, Whistler's Pass is a vital trade route through the Dragonspine Mountains and provides access to the Elven city of Ta'Illistim from the harbor town of Wehnimer's Landing.

Points of Interest: Travelers report hearing echoes resound through the middle section of the pass. Seek out the high mountain ledges and try out your yodeling skills!

Sylvarraend Road (non-hostile)
The main route of travel between the shimmering blue spires of the Ta'Illistim, the hamlet of Sylvarraend and the great city of Ta'Vaalor. Adventurers will find several connecting trails off the road that lead to the local challenges of the wild while more common travelers should stick to the main road.
Yegharren Plains 13-22
Wonderfully lush grasslands rest just beyond the forested valley of Yegharren. Nature was blooming at its very best when it created this miraculous combination of life and land. The weather tends to remain temperate and calm despite the harsher northern environments not far away to the northwest.

Rumors: Danger lies beyond the veil of beauty. Take heed.

Orcswold 16-22
Not all things in nature are as friendly as they are beautiful. Though the lands are quite inviting, the orcs of Orcswold are not so. Travelers should take care when near the village for the orcs are crafty. They feed the wild dogs and boars making them wayward allies in their quest to survive.

Rumors: Smart travelers can avoid this place by keeping an eye out for feather and wood totems, common orc talismans, which are often hung from the trees near the village.

Masked Hills 14-27
Located at the edge of the lush valley of Ta'Illistim, the Masked Hills are a prime example of how the harsh and the pristine can coexist in beautiful natural harmony. At the base of the foothills, the lush Emerald Forest is budding with life and is a popular destination for hunters and gatherers of all types. Game animals and vegetation are abundant, and it is within a short distance from the safety of Ta'Illistim. Further up the foothills, the vegetation slowly gives way to the harsh beauty of the Gorget Trails, with its breath-taking views of the lush valley below and its glimpses of the majestically imposing rock spires of the upper mountains. These rock spires, pounded out of the mountains by the unceasing gales of the upper regions, are true testament to awesomely destructive, yet creative power of nature.

Points of Interest: Emerald Forest, Gorget Trails.

Rumors: Although the region is a testament to nature's power, a mysterious dark temple rumored to be located near the Masked Hills appears to draw visitors based on the all-too-mortal power of greed.

Teorainn Dale 28-33
The stunning beauty of the great coniferous trees in this region is reason enough to visit this far away nature haven. With young yew, haon and the distinctive sap of the tanik, one can easily get lost in the endless wonders and peaceful harmony of the land.

Rumors: Nature isn't always so kind. Travelers should watch our for trolls and other forest creatures when visiting.

Wraithenmist 28-36
Few adventurers dare to travel within the dark and strangely quiet forest known as Wraithenmist. North of the Sylvarraend Road and not far from Ta'Illistim, the forest reaches northward to the banks of the Lake of Shadowed Sorrows. Here within the mists and moss, even the lowly lichen becomes a threat along with the echoes of what once was.

Rumors: Long past, a dark and spiteful evil touched the forest and it was forever cursed with shadow.

Black Moor 34-42
Blocks Transference
Isolated and desolate, the Black Moor lies well beyond the well-marked paths of Sylvarraend. Travel to the area requires passage through the rough ravine that cuts through the Yegharren Plain like a giant wound in the landscape. Vegetation beyond the gash is rare and often shrivelled, while decaying ruins litter the area, resulting in a sickly, skeletal appearance that gives the Black Moor its name.

Points of Interest: According to rumor, a gruesome shrine of bone lies deep in the moors, haunted by all manner of foul beasts.

Rumors: The remains of a great battle scar the landscape and it is said that the souls of its victims still haunt the land. Travellers are strongly encouraged to seek the aid of a cleric before venturing into this cursed and blackened land.

Gyldemar Forest 37-50
The remnants of an ancient outpost stand silent vigil in this forest of tall black oaks and ash trees. Once home to an enclave of elven rangers, the outpost and the surrounding woods were polluted by ill-begotten magic, corrupting the local well and making the once-stately oaks brittle and lifeless. Even as the tree-homes of the outpost began to fall, the indigenous wood sprites, once playful and friendly, became crazed and filled with malicious intent. Joined by the monstrous tusked ursian and shadowy forest bendith, the sprites drove the last of the rangers from their home, leaving only decaying huts and a befouled well as testament to their once-proud guild.
Seethe Naedal 40-48
Located high in the rocky foothills behind Ta'Illistim, Seethe Naedal is a hiker's dream come true. Accessible only via a rough hiking trail that winds its way up the thickly treed rocky crags, the upper lookout points are often only visited by intrepid rangers and other nature lovers. However, all travellers to Ta'Illistim should take in the splendid panoramic views of city and its lush home valley that Seethe Naedal offers.

Rumors: According to local lore, the hot springs nestled in the cracks of the foothills can cause even the weariest of souls to forget the burdens of everyday life and appreciate the simple joys of rest and relaxation.

Gyldemar Green 43-46
Known as Gyldemar Green, this southwest corner of Gyldemar Forest is home to a large variety of flora and fauna. An assortment of wildlife populates the area, from the harmless to the deadly. Beaver and trout make their homes in a brook that meanders through the eastern section of Gyldemar Green, while raptors and leopards seek their prey. A large waterfall cascades down from the north, filling a pool and feeding a brook to its south. Northern half of the Green is hillier and the trees are mostly coniferous, while to the south the foliage is more deciduous.

Points of Interest: Calelith Villa

Rumors: Many rumors surround the now deserted Calelith Villa. Of most concern to anyone travelling through this area, is the rumor that whatever happened here before could happen again.

Gossamer Valley 52-56
Not far west of Whistler's Pass lies a mountain trail and valley covered in glacial ice. At first glance, you might believe they named this harsh frozen valley 'Gossamer' because it's anything but. However, with careful observation, the truth of it becomes clear that they were referring to the delicate and tenuous grasp of life that manages to cling to unforgiving land.

Rumors: Not all of the ice around the valley can be trusted to sit still and stay cold. Creatures in the form of ice and slush threaten travelers almost as much as the weather.

Blighted Forest 59-60
Dark and twisted, the Blighted Forest welcomes no one and few find reason to seek it out. Consumed by black branches, brambles and all manner of wooden obstructions, it is generally more of a challenge to move ten feet without encountering some obstacle than it is to survive the deadly vipers and ogres that make their home within.

Points of Interest: Maaghara Tower

Rumors: The elves of old were said to banish criminals to this forest instead of jail them. Modern times have seen an end to such a cruel punishment.

Red Forest 60-83
Temple Wyneb 66-70
Spell burst, blocks Transference
Griffin's Keen 64-73
Spell burst, blocks Transference
Rising like fingers reaching into the sky high above Ta'Illistim are the four towering peaks of Griffin's Keen. Named for the monstrous flying beasts that call its icy slopes home, Griffin's Keen can safely be called one of the most dangerous places in all of Eastern Elanith. Icy footholds abound and have sent many an experienced rockclimber to their untimely demise. Those who manage to reach the peaks find little but angry griffins in their nests and the remains of those who came before them. Travel to this region is strongly discouraged for all but the most powerful of adventurers.

Points of Interest: Onyx Point, Ruby Point, Emerald Point, and Topaz Point.

Rumors: A strange magical field is said to exist amongst the peaks of Griffin's Keen. Magical wards fail often, survivors say, and one should not depend on consistent magical protection when climbing the peaks.

Maaghara Tower 75-78
Blocks Locate Person, Transference
Old Ta'Faendryl 82-100
Spell burst
Hinterwilds 100+
Spell sever
Far in the north beyond the Long Snow, the Hinterwilds are reachable from Ta'Illistim by a caravan over the mountain passes.

Public Gathering Places

Room Name Node Type Room ID Lich Room # Shattered
BriarStone Court NW Super node 13101024 156 156
BriarStone Court W Super node 13101025 638 638
Glamesine Var Super node 13100049 728 728
Hanging Gardens (The Dais) Super node 13100042 188 188
Moonglae Inn, Rooftop Park Super node 13107303 13362 13362
Shadowed Alcove(inside the Pig and Whistle) Super node 13104626 18687 21030
Shimmarglin Inn, Fountain Room Super node 13108005 601 601
Ta'Illistim Green Super node 13101065 24555
Ta'Illistim, Fraendel Court Super node 13100078 194
Meazernis Villa, Private Lounge (Premium Hall) Super node 4002710 20707


Resources

Elf - edit
Great Houses:
Major Settlements:
The Founders:
Famous Elves:
Rulers:
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