Ta'Illistim
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.
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
- Hanging Gardens - The floating dais in the southeastern portion of the city is a traditional adventurer's gathering spot.
- Ta'Illistim Keep - Government, debts and citizenship clerks, public lockers.
- Ta'Illistim Green - A large public garden next to the major city institutions, often used for social gathering events.
- Library Aies
- Museum Alerreth
- Hall of Patrons - Town cleric and deeds.
- Veythorne Manor
- Ta'Illistim Embassies
- Observatory at Seethe Naedal
Shops
For the full list of city shops including temporary merchants, see Ta'Illistim Shops.
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Inns
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Clothing and Jewelry
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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 |
| Aertinus Avelleur | active | Captain of the Sapphire Guard |
| Mivae Avelleur | active | Wine Steward |
| Tanyela Chesylrae | infrequent | Former handmaiden to the Mirror, all handmaidens were dismissed. |
| Aeriadrn Ghaeriden | active | Seneschal of Ta'Illistim Keep |
| 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. She encouraged Myasara to marry and then to hand over control of Ta'Illistim to the council while in mourning. |
| Chalat Greyvael | dead | He was the First Couturier of the Argentate, murdered by Hycinthia |
| Gelynne Greyvael | active | Niece to Chalat, orphaned and came to live with him. Talented jeweler. |
| Nualina Greyvael | infrequent | Former handmaiden to the Mirror, all handmaidens were dismissed. |
| Orelwen Greyvael | active | Handmaiden to the Mirror. |
| Caylio Javilerre | dead | 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. |
| Hycinthia Javilerre | dead | 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. |
| Murstyr Javilerre | active | Lord Commander of the Sapphire Guard |
| Nessina Javilerre | infrequent | Former handmaiden to the Mirror, all handmaidens were dismissed. |
| Sayilla Javilerre | active | Traveling diplomat |
| Gasen Nellereune | active | Page in the royal household, wishes to be a Sapphire Guard. Wants to be squire to Commander Murstyr |
| Clessar Ryvvuel | active | Chalat Greyvael's apprentice. |
| Calysen | active | Court musician/dance master |
| Kasendra Malwind | active | Emissary from the Turamzzyrian Empire |
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
- Area maps
- Hunting areas
- A beginner's guide to Ta'Illistim
- Protocol and Etiquette: Behavior Within the Court of the Illistimi Elves
- Journal of Sage Kae'Tanan
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