Leyandra
From Reydala
Contents |
Environment and Geography
Leyandra lies squarely in Reydala's tundra region, and thus for most of the year it is fairly cold, most springs and summers rarely break the 80s range, and winters at the capital can be bitterly cold in the -20s. Temperatures usually run higher in western Leyandra compared to the eastern half.
Location
Leyandra is for the most part nestled between natural boundries, it's eastern border is taken up by the frozen wastes, and the western branch of the Navoral mountain range. It's southern front mostly consists of the Leyandran sea, though there is a narrow coastal path leading into Ohnben territory. To the west is the Border with the Empire of Riscana.
Important Terrain Features
- The Navoral Mountains: A range of mountains that occupies the far southeastern corner of Leyandra territory, the range continues on far to the East, becoming a natural border for the Ohnben clans, shielding them from bitter cold from the north. The Navoral mountain range is far from welcoming, and the elves have made no attempt to mine it. The Jagged peaks of the mountain seem to almost take on a devilish look during the nights, and there are hundreds of tales passed on through generations of evils wrought on the mountains. Not all of these are legends, the mountain range is indeed the home to one of the portals to the Blackthrone, as well as many supernatural beasts, devilish and otherwise.
- The Leyandran Sea: Also known as the sea of glass, the crystal clear Leyandran sea is filled with all manner of aquatic life. Many cities on the shore of the sea owe their livelyhood to bountiful fisheries. Most fishing is however kept to the regions near the shore, in reverence to Xanthalas. The sea is rather warm for its region, and never freezes over completely in the winter. Partially this is due to warmer currents coming in from southern Banato, but the Elves are far more likely to attribute it to Mulinel's Grace.
- The Isle of Xanthalas: Found in near the center of the Leyandran sea, the isle of Xanthalas is extremely important in the culture of the high elves. The Isle is where the elves bury their dead, and it is forbidden to go there unless it is to send off a recently departed. High Elven lore speaks that if any go there seeking to do evil, the spirits of all the Elves will return to seek vengence upon them. Many high elves consider the idea of being buried anywhere but Xanthalas extremely repulsive, and one of the greatest punishments of the Leyandran courts is the refusal of a Xanthalas Burial. Members of other races are not permitted on the Isle even for funeral services, including Wild Elves. Leyandran law states that any caught trying to Trespass onto the Isle are to be immediately expelled from the country. If trespassers resist, the Elven military has sanction to perform executions on the spot. It goes without saying that those killed in this way will likely find themselves transported to another place of Burial, if any is given at all. In the center of the Island, there is an elaborate shine dedicated to the Goddess who was the sum of the four elemental Goddesses. Thus, the sacredness of the Island goes back for many, many centuries. Topographically the Island is little more than two high peaks surrounded by a dense forest. The Island can be seen from all the coasts of Leyandra, and though the foilage of the forest changes with the seasons, the Trees will never lose their leaves even in the deepest of winter. It is also said that not a drop of snow has ever fallen upon the Island, despite the high elevation of it's peaks.
- The Frozen Wastes: Forming the eastern border of Leyandra, the frozen wastes is a huge expanse of icy barrenness, stretching all the way to Krasevae. The further one ventures into the cold, the more dangerous it becomes. Frost Worms freqent the central region, though they do not attack any of the Elven cities. There was once a road that stretched from Krasevae to Leyandra, a rare gesture of good will by both nations, but the treacherous wildlife and harsh weather meant it was rarely used, and neither nation now wishes to maintain it. The Ice Elves made this region they're home, but following the events of the Well of Tears they are very rarely spotted. This has come as a relief to the high Elven military, who have now focused their attention almost soley upon the Riscanan border.
Unique Flora & Fauna
- The Ever Rose: A plant that grows only in the royal families' personal garden, it has long been a symbol of Leadership for the Leyandran elves. The ever rose never withers, and has continued to grow (if stories are to be believed) for well over a thousand years. Because it never withers, it never goes through the natural plant life cycle, thus there has always been and will always be but one Ever rose plant. The rose blossoms from the plant are extremely exquisite, the petals a pure white with the faintest pigments of color on their edges. The color changes from period to period, and has come to be a sign of prophecy (Blue edges are said to be a sign of impending tradgedy, red edges of war or rebellion, and yellow edges of peace and tranquility, among others). Due to it's status and connection to the Royal Family, the plant has been the target of many terrorist attacks, most of which were foiled well before they came to fruition.
- Emeraldfish: A fish that resides only in the Leyandran Sea, world reknowned for it's beauty as well as it's incredible flavor. Most adult Emeraldfish are about 2 feet long from head to tail, the entire span covered with scales that glitter like Emeralds in the sun. The fish are often quite expensive when found in markets, due to the fact that even though they are very numerous within the sea, they are notoriously difficult to catch. Emeraldfish, when properly prepared by a master chef, is said to extend one's lifespan by 5 years and to cure many diseases. The proof of these legends is somewhat dubious, but their existence has certainly helped increase sales.
- Awakened Animals: In the forests close to the Elven capital, there are many beasts that have been given heightened intelligence through magical means. For the most part they are friendly and talkative creatures, though some feel a bit miffed at not being allowed to step within the gates of the Capital. Some have taken the protection of their homes quite seriously, and of these the oldest ones have even become druids themselves. There are wildly differing opinions as to whether this magic spark of intelligence was a good idea in the first place. Even some druids feel that it was interfering too much in nature's plan, but they still welcome their animal brothers and sisters with harmony and respect.
- Swamp Lily: A rare flower that blooms only in the swamps near the town of Goldmarsh. The flower is highly treasured due to it's healing properties. Spreading pollen and petals from the flower over wounds causes them to heal at an incredible rate, even rivaling clerical spells. The flower itself is a bright golden yellow in color, with red stamen.
