Thaelon Forest ~ (Mannix Revision)

Mannix

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Thaelon Forest ~ (Mannix Revision)

« on: 21 April 2008, 08:24:32 »

Thaelon Forest

The work done by me is in blue and the work done other people is in white.
Overview
The Thaelon Forest (Elvish: "covering woods") is Santharia's and probably also Caelereth’s largest forest, sacred place for all elven tribes who believe to have their mythological roots in these woods. It is surrounded in mystery to all but the elves. Throughout the forest there is a vast diversity of flora and fauna. To travel in Thaelon for all but the elves is a risk few take. The Thaelon is rumoured to be the home of the enigmatic light elves, but they have only been sighted by elves. It is believed to be the centre of the world, and is the place of origin of many things. The mysteries that surround it range from the inexplicable guiding forces to the ancient Eu'reóll to the numinous light elves.

Description
The Thaelon Forest is the largest in the whole of the United Kingdom of Santharia. It is an ancient forest, said to be inhabited by an ancient and mythical race, the Astyrhim. Inside, just north of the centre, the is said to be a tree old and wonderful, it is said to Eu'reóll, the Tree of Life. The beauty of this forest is said to be only bettered by the elven sanctuaries of Arvins. what is unusual about it is that at times it appears not as a foress, but as a living, breathing creature. Both the elves and the brownies believe that it is the place where they were created, when the Tree of Life was struck by lightning. Because of this all elves see Thaelon as their true home

The forest floor receives very little direct light. Mosses and fungi are plentiful on the forest floor. Along with this trees and other plant life is also abundant. Trees such as the Silkel, Mahood-Euwen and many more common trees grow strong and tall. Shaded by these lofty trees grow plants such as Allia, Doch Nut, Goldenbell, Rosemint, Shade Grass, Tareptail Weed, and Wizards Leaf.

The forest is abounding with life; deer, rabbits, Kuatua and Shir roam free on the moss-covered floor, and the forests' birds and insects live peacefully in the branches of the many different trees. All these animals enjoy their lives under the protection of the Pendrowe, and the myth that surrounds the forest.

Location
The Thaelon is situated in one of the northernmost Santharian provinces, Vardýnn. The forest surrounds nearly the whole town of the province's capital, Voldar, and is well known for its tranquil and serene atmosphere which in the elven myths is said to have cosmological reasons. The borders of the gigantic Thaelon forest constitute the Selidor Pass in the north-east, to the south the forest reaches until the river Vandrina, in the extreme east of the forest lies the village Holm, and at the west the Thaelon spreads in his spurs to Accam and Cemphiria.

People
Though all elves call the Thaelon their home few actually live there. The people of Thaelon are thought to be the fabled Astyrhim, or light elves. Of course with no actual sightings of these people they are assumed myth to all but the elves. There are also Aellenrhim inhabiting Thaelon, but their numbers are few. The tribe has always had a presence there. The Bolder’s proximity to the Thaelon and their relation to Daltelár means they have a deep respect and feeling of responsibility towards it. They protect and care for the sacred woods. For a short time very few Tiraelhon Elves, or Sand Elves, dwelt in Thaelon, but this did not last long. Mistaken for dark elves they were chased from the forest never to return again. A band of Akdorian Brownies once lived in Thaelon, but like many other they soon moved on. They reached the Thaelon thinking it a wonderful place and settle there. They were never able to shake the feeling of uneasiness that they had while they living there, however, and eventually they moved north.

Coat of Arms
As the predominant tribe in the Thaelon are the Astyrhim, and thought to be fiction to all but the elves, the coat of arms among the light elves themselves. The coat of arms for the Astyrhim does exist though. The few elves that live in Thaelon, but are not of the Astyrhim tribe, often adopt this coat of arms. The Thaelon forest as well the Astyrhim are considered sacred among the elves. Therefore you will also find the most sacred symbols of the elven race combined in the Astyrhim coat of arms: The shining Tree of Life, named Eu'reóll in the elvish tongue, the rune representing the High Goddess Avá the Beautiful (a closed eye with a tear) and finally Her gift to Her Children, the essence of the Xeuá. The latter stands for the spirit - as the humans would call it - or the connecting principle between the four main elements in the elven interpretation. The colors of the coat of arms are usually green and brown.

Climate
The weather in the Thaelon is often warm and humid in the summer and cool in the winter. The ‘covering woods’ helps to retain the heat, or lack of heat, in the forest. This great variant of weather is not what one would expect from the province of Vardýnn, but that is the way of most things in this forest. Much rain falls upon this grand forest, necessary to feed the immense amount of vegetation. This flora is also feed by the river Vandrina and it’s many off-shoots. On the edge of the forest the trees offer little protection from the westward blowing winds, on their way to Milkengrad, or the cold, harsh winds of Northern Sarvonia. As you journey further into the forest the higher concentration of various vegetation adds protection, but there are other perils located there.

Mythology
The Thaelon is not a forest like any other forests you can find throughout Santharia. On the one hand it is the largest wood of all, but unlike most other forests, that are inhabited by various elven tribes, you won't find elven folk within the Thaelon. Or at least other races than the elves won't find any. Ancient elven lore speaks of an enormous mythical wood where in its midst Eu'reóll, the white, shining Tree of Life, had spread his branches over the whole world of Aér'aí'chán. According to the narrations you can find in the Cárpa'dosía, the High Goddess and Dreamer of the Universe, Avá the Beautiful, banned Eu'reóll from this plane of existence after she had seen the destruction Her evil counterpart, Coór the Shadow Himself, had caused to the Tree of Life. However, the Tree of Life didn't cease to exist, otherwise all life in Aér'aí'chán would have ended as well. In an often discussed passage of Chapter VII of the Cárpa'dosía it is written that the Tree "was moved from the worlds the mortals and Children of the One called home. And though: It remained on the very same place, only in the Lands of Dreams, close to She who Dreamt, and thus Eu'reóll thrived where it had sprung from - in the lap of the Dreamer". Some interpretations of elven mythology say that Eu'reoll and the wood in which it grew, was located in the center of the world, which - following the latest scientific research - is likely to be located somewhere at the Sarvonian continent. But most elves need no scientific proofs to know that the Thaelon harboured the Tree of Life, and that the first Children of Avá, those who were created from the Element of Wind, called this peaceful and magically intense forest their home.

Flora
Within the Thaelon you will find many different kinds of vegetation. The majority of trees are deciduous, with a modicum of evergreens throughout. The wood is a true omnium gatherum of trees and herbs of various kinds and is an extraordinary example of healthy nature. Yes, some even claim that the forest purifies the soul and that it can make physical wounds heal faster.

The most famous trees you will find at the Thaelon are the Mahood-Euwen which usually grow only deep inside. From the appearance of these trees also the name of the forest derives: "Táe'lón" in the elven language of styrásh means "covering wood". While the stems of the trees are completely even and smooth, the branches of the Mahood-Euwen cover the complete sky and they lock with the branches of other trees nearby. Therefore the forest also is called the famous "cloud-soft darkwood" as the poet Meowin puts it, or not so poetically said: Often one can get the impression to wander through an enormous natural hall, laid out with hundreds of peds of carpet. This has its reasons in the fact that the forest allows only very few sunlight to penetrate to the ground, so that the ground is nearly completely covered with mosses. The few rays of light shining on the mosses add a fantastic, indescribable atmosphere to the scene one will not so easily forget, because it fills heart and soul with a feeling of well-balance and contentment.

Silkel trees grow in abundance throughout the forest. They are commonly associated with Thaelon's fabled inhabitants, the light elves. The little light that manages to penetrate the covering canopy of the Mahood-Euwen seems to be drawn to these trees. In such and dark and mysterious place they shine with a silver light, a representation of the Astyrhim. The Astyrhim are thought to be the reason that these trees grow here. Their ethereality and obscure magic are thought to even be the means of the creation of this tree, with a little help from unicorns.

One of the most unusual plants to dwell within Thaelon in the Pendrowe. They serve as a guardian of the forest, protecting its plant and animal life. It is them that keep the forest so 'untouched'. If one were to look at Thaelon very closely they may notice that thouigh it looks natural and unchanged it isn't. The Pendrowe are constantly influencing the forest ever so slightly to grow how they want it. Amazingly they all seem to agree on how the forest should look and work harmoniously.

Slightly north of the centre of Thaelon stands a circle of tree, about one stral across. The trees are the Drasil. This is the only place they are found within Thaelon. The ring acts as a guardian to everything inside, though few manage to get to them as most as mysterious lead away from them. Inside this ring is believed to be the home of the light elves, along with Eu'reóll. This cannot be confirmed because the Drasil will no allow any to pass them. Where as the Pendrowe simply steer intruders away the drasil are much harsher. All who try a pass them arenever seen again, and their fate in unknown. These are said to be some of the oldest Drasil, sent back to Thaelon by the brownies as protection of their past home. Few touch their bark, and receive vision of their memories. Some elves, and the occasional brownie, have claimed to have seen these visions, and speak of the wonders that they held. The Drasilia of these trees are unlike any other. The fruit is yellow instead of green, just another mystery of Thaelon.

Wizardleaf is known to grow in many elven forests, but most notably of them is the Thaelon. The ground of great parts of the forest is covered with a carpet of this most intriguing plant. These areas are thought to be where the magical aura that surrounds Thaelon is most concentrated. It has been rumoured that the leaves of some Wizardleaves change colour depending on surrounding elements without magical manipulation. This plant is but another sign of the deep, underlying magic in and around Thaelon.

Thaelon also holds less unusual trees, such as the Yellow Birch, the Arvins Cedar, the Ashwude and the Fragrans. Along the edge of Thaelon grows the infamous Deadly Nightshade, but it does not actually grow in the forest. The Pendrowe are responsible for this, managing to expel it from the forest, to protect its inhabitants. The Allia is known to grow around all but the northernmost border of the Thaelon. It does not grow deep with the Thaelon possibly for the same reason as Deadly Nightshade. The Doch Nut thrives throughout Thaelon. This tasty little treat is favoured by both elves and animals of this forest. Such bushes and the Goldenbell and the Rosemint are spread throughout Thaelon, feed deer and rodent alike. Parts of Thaelon are beset with Shade Grass, or Woodsweed. Preferring little or no sunlight it grows in the deeper parts of Thaelon. This plant provides nourishment for most of the forests herbivores. In southern rim of Thaelon grows a plant hated by gardeners, the Tareptail Weed. It prospers in the south, but not a single Tareptail has been seen in the north, because of their loath of cold.

Fauna
The Thaelon Forest, like any other, holds all the usual animals; deer, rabbits, Kuatu, Arshir and Raoshir, and birds such as the Cuuloo, Aerilel, Coa-Coa and Haloen. The aggressive Flunki are very common in Thaelon and the surrounding area. Another quilled animal that dwells in Thaelon is the Riccio Rodent, though in comparison they are a gentle creature. Apart from these are much more rare, and often beautiful, creatures. The majestic Taedrius, cousin of the Caladrius, are only found in this forest. The Whistling Beetle is a major food supply for the Taedrius, and also dwell deep within the forest. The main predator of the prior animals is the Horned Wolf, another creature that has only one mate. They spend much of their time in the deeper, denser centre of the forest, and so are often unseen. Of course at Sundrown their songs can be heard. It is even rumoured that unicorns roam through this forest, watching over their, now tree, brethren, the Silkel trees. Thaelon is also thought to be the place of origin of all horses.

Resources
Though there are few different resources known of in Thaelon. It obviously harbours wood, from the fire-resistant and fresh-scented Yellow Birch, to the soft and rot-resistant Deer Tree, to the hard Ashwude. The ranging variety of timber available in this forest is its prime resource. Lumber is rarely harvested from Thaelon because of fear of reprisal from the Pendrowe. One unusual resource found in Thaelon is Wizardleaf. Certain parts of Thaelon are blanketed with this plant. Food is also easy to come by. The supply of mineral resource is extremely low though. Flunkies are followed by the people of Voldar to find the few scattered salt deposits. As few travel through the Thaelon it is not known what treasures it holds within it center, and so all but them may only speculate.

Myth/Lore
Thaelon has been the center point of many stories, lore and poems. Humans have always been intrigued with the unknown. Since only the elves understand Thaelon humans cannot help but wonder about its mysteries. When understanding is gained it is often expressed in literature. One example of this is the poem by the famous Santharian sage Artimidor, named Returning Home:

For where the Euwens proudly stand,
There I shall rest as well.
Though all the years shall pass like naught,
Should Soul upon that dwell?

When darkness reigns, grow Euwens high;
Murk withers not this tree
Likewise I shall, when death is nigh,
Embrace it fearlessly.

If Joy and Fortune, Luck and Bliss,
Shall mark the path I see,
Or Mourning, Fear, and Loneliness,
It matters not to me.

Only there where Euwens spring
At Home am I; my song I sing,
Lightly saying, 'Mè nón' (*),
In sweet and cloudsoft Darkengrove,
the ineffable Thaelon.

(*) Freely translated: "Let it be"

This is but one example of the many items of literature surrounding the Thaelon. The elves in particular have a passion with Thaelon, resulting in many works. An example is the myth of The Four, the Last of the Axhái:

After the creation of the High Avá'ránn and Melór, from the last drops of rain to fall through the sky comes the creation of the last of the Axhái, who are wise and close in thought to Avá. There are twelve of them in total. Four, the last of those to be created are the ladies in waiting to the High Avá'ránn. They are Daltelár, Saol'lian, Ioawlen and Vai'linai. Their lives are simple and carefree, and their only task is to attend the High Avá'ránn in defending the Tree of Life, unlike the other eight whose task is to create and translate the Cárpa'dosía to the various tongues spoken on Caelereth. They are very close to leader and she to them, and they learnt much of her and from her in those earliest of days.

The brownies also have much written of Thaelon, as they share the belief with the elves that it is the place of their creation:

Out of nowhere a sudden thunderstorm arose in the skies and a dark shadow came out of the night as if the shadow was the embodied night itself. The seas flooded the lands and fires emerged from the earth, a terrible wind destroyed many things already established by the hard labour of the races. Lightnings shot out of the dark clouds and inflamed the Tree of Life. Thousands of leaves representing precious lives burned or were torn from their branches, fell to the ground, and as they sailed downwards the lives contained within tried to escape their fate, tried to fly away, far, far away. And indeed, many of the burning leaves shaped wings, but the souls of these creatures were lost. They were not bound to the cycle of the Tree of Life anymore and therefore these creatures became immortal, later on they would be called fire-dragons. There evolved other kinds of dragons too, as many leaves dropped into the seas or at the earth, others were just torn away from their branches but the fire hadn't catched them. Trees and grasses argued and fought. The sky churned in a funnel of greens and purples. The odd human was imbued with a deep natural talent for magic. Gale-force winds blew. Pieces of broken bark from the Tree tumbled, shimmered, and metamorphized into the first Brownies.

History
THE ERA OF SUNDERING
(YEARS 11.900 B.S. - 10.000 B.S.)
ca. 11000 b.S. The Prophecy of Kairos
It is reported but not substantiated that during the trek south when the tribe passes by the Thaelon Forest Kairos enters the forest hunting for food. There she meets a strange wonderful elven woman and is told a prophecy. Kairos comes out of the forest forever changed.

THE ERA OF CONSOLIDATION
(YEARS 8.500 B.S. - 3.400 B.S.)
3983 b.S. to 3109 b.S. The Wandering Years of the Western Brownies
The Brownie band migrates northward, and soon reaches the Almatrar forest. Finding the Ahrhim tribe of elves already living there, they continue to migrate.

They pass through the Paelelon forest, stopping only long enough to discover traces of the dark elven Eophyrhim.

The Goltherlon, the next forest along their course, also turns out to have previous inhabitants, the Goltherrhim elves.

As the wandering tribe of Brownies continues north, they reached the Thaelon, think it a wonderful place, and settle there. They are never able to shake the feeling of uneasiness that they have while they live there, however, even though they try several different places for their settlement. Eventually they continue north.

Passing through the Hovel Frond forest and the Shaded Forest, they eventually reach the Folkmore Trees on the Peninsula of Kr'uul, and settle at a point where a finger of the Caaehl'heroth touches the fringes of the forest. Even this forest soon proves unsuitable for them.

They change Keekoo's plans they had been following for hundreds of years of wandering, and become ship-builders. A generation later, they build enough ships to hold all the Aohu'o, as they now call themselves, and set sail into the trackless Sea of Tears. This sea proves true to its name, and many ships are destroyed. The few that remain afloat eventually make landfall on the western coast of Akdor, in a bay just north of the Mountains of Hiding.

THE AGE OF AWAKENING
(YEARS 1.655 B.S. - 822 B.S.)
1646 b.S. to 1615 b.S. Queen Katya is Healed
During the cataclysmic Dragonstorm, the Adamant Dragon Ol'dém'bréy rains fire down upon her village, causing Katya's father and everyone she knows to perish in the destruction. The only survivor and half-mad from pain, grief and rage, she stumbles onto the Thaelon Forest and is healed by the legendary elven kind who dwells within. After a fateful meeting with the High Avá'ránn, her hair turns the colour of pale moonlight, marking her forever as elven-touched (hárf'á'chón). A historical novel written by Dalá'Valannía tells of Katya's story, but it is not known if everything happened as it does in the novel.

After the Prince Consort's death at the age of 81, it is said that after Katya Ileri Dain passes the reins of leadership to her only son, Malakai, she walks alone out of the gates of Voldar, towards the direction of the Thaelon and is never seen again.

THE AGE OF THE BLOOD
(YEARS 822 B.S. - 50 B.S.)
548 b.S. Helraiser's Death at the Thaelon
The Centoraurian sovereign Helraiser plans to invade the Goltherlon from the north, as the Helsalari, a passage in the High Fores, is blocked by both sides. He is on his way, north of Hèckra, when messengers from Erpheronia called him to rush as soon as possible to Astran, where the Erpheronian sovereign, Engolmar the Strongwilled, has been expecting him to discuss urgent matters. He takes a few warriors with him and heads north. Among Helraiser's company are many elves from the Styrani fratra and their leader and second in the hierarchy, Rannahir, who has been fighting along their Anactar against their race (as the Styran fratra consist of Goltherlon elves that follow Helronn after the plague of 631 b.S.).

However, this is a trap. The so-called messengers are captives who were blackmailed with the lives of their families in case they don't cooperate. Helraiser is ambushed as he passes through the Thaelon. Outnumbered and encircled he does not surrender. He fights with all he got. And as Helraiser is undefeated in close combat, he is killed with arrows. It is rumoured that it takes 9 arrows to make him fall. After his death, Rannahir is offered to join the elven army with the rest of his elven companion. He refuses and they fight until the last one of his men dies defending his Anactar.

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125 b.S. High Elven Meeting at the Thaelon
The Maeverhim Rónn Aerhin attends the meeting at the Thaelon with a cadre of associates, and they side with the Quaelhoirhim. However, the Ylfferhim Anthioullsn becomes High Rónn of the Wood Elves. The Maeverhim do not protest.

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106 b.S. Alvang Descends on Thaelon
In the Month of the Burning Heavens in 106 b.S. A great host from Alvang descended on the Thaelon. What ensued was a great bloodbath. The damage done to Thaelon was immense and Anthioullsn would for the rest of his life mourn for it. Anthioullsn was eventually captured and taken to Alvang.

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ca. 100 b.S. Death of the Ylfferhim Leias Anthioullsn
The Ylfferhim elf Anthioullsn, one of the greatest Ylfferhim, who - according to the prophecy of the Ionmis Globe - managed to capture the Móh'rónn's heir in a final confrontation at the Thaelon. However, he loses his own son as well as his life in the dungeons of Alvang. His deeds will ever be remembered among the Ylfferhim elves.


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Bard Judith

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Re: Thaelon Forest ~ Revision

« Reply #1 on: 21 April 2008, 12:12:59 »

If you go to the compendium (www.santharia.com) and click the little magnifying glass search icon, you'll get 14 pages of results for "Thaelon".

You can winnow through those results to pick out the History events that happened in/at/around the Thaelon. You can also look at the many plant and animal entries that mention the Thaelon and cross-reference them in the Flora and Fauna section of the Thaelon entry. Don't forget to read little things like Artimidor's poem (under Poems of Nature)...

Good luck - there's lots of info to incorporate!


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Mannix

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Re: Thaelon Forest ~ Revision

« Reply #2 on: 22 April 2008, 19:42:42 »

Thanks, I will.

Mannix


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Re: Thaelon Forest ~ Revision

« Reply #3 on: 25 April 2008, 20:13:06 »

Ok, let's do a first rough check, Mannix: grin

- You write: "The Thaelon is rumoured to be the home of the enigmatic light elves, but are found by only the elves." Don't get that sentence... huh

- Try to provide reasons why e.g. some Aellenrhim live in the Thaelon and where they live. Remember that - when you describe the forest in detail - that the forest is enormously large and that there are probably various section of the forest. Some may be inhabited by regular elven tribes, then there surely is some sort of sanctuary part, which is the most magical and mysterious one. There light elves are supposed to live and perhaps the Tree of Life is there (hidden in a way from the eyes of the mortals) and one can literally breathe creation there.

Maybe it is supposed that this core of the forest cannot be reached at all - that is protected by pendrowe, the light elves and that there is unknown magic at work that fools the eyes and leads you away. If you'd know the entrance you'd probably just disappear between the woods and your fate remains unclear then (I have that picture in my mind of one of the final scenes in the "Twin Peaks" TV series, where the trees are brushed away like a curtain to swallow a visitor). Something like that.

- You got that right with the Silkel Tree being quite important for this wood, also the Mahood Euwen are very important, but this is already in the entry. You might hint at the fact that the Thaelon at time might appear like an enormous living and breathing creature if you like that appears to be alive to everyone passing through it, and forest parts might appear like rooms in a natural house or living area. It lifts the spirits and takes you in, welcomes you.

- As for flora (this also touches resources): A bunch of plants that are considered "magical" or at least rare and unexplainable, might be found in these forests. Maybe a certain magical aura helps producing these plants. Not that it makes them any more accessible, though. It might for one not be appreciated by elves if you wander into the heart of the forest and take something away. It might also be considered a bad omen to do that.

- Fauna: I think we should perhaps create some sort of spiritual being that is considered to dwell in the Thaelon, though sources on that are limited and lots of theories could exist on that. But there could be ghost-like apparitions here and there appearing to travellers, showing them the right path etc.

- And of course you are allowed to add references of important historical events, where the Thaelon is mentioned. In the case of Katya for example you shouldn't mention that as fact, but more like a rumour. Dalá's Katya story at least is a (historical) novel written about Katya, and whether this all happened exactly as it is written there remains unclear. Nevertheless the mythical/mystical power of this forest has to be stressed, so you can mention such things to strengthen its mythical/mystical fame rather than discard it.

- Ok, so these ideas/suggestions should help a bit to make some more progress. You have collected a lot already from what you've found on the site, and you've done that quite well, Mannix, so you can build on that.

Personally I always try to get a bit more fantasy in our designs, and this forest definitely demands to have some more of that mystical/magical kind. So we should consider adding some very special plants or even beasts to the concept here, no need to stick only to what has been referenced. If we don't make things too fantastical, a little touch of magic won't hurt here, I'm sure, to make this an absolutely special place

- Nice progress so far, Mannix!


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Re: Thaelon Forest ~ Revision

« Reply #4 on: 25 April 2008, 20:21:06 »

As Arti said, adding a bit about the Pendrowe or even a Drasil, would provide some neat mystical elements to the forest. Many Pendrowe would definitely live in this forest. Perhaps even some myth or stories of Green druids?


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Re: Thaelon Forest ~ Revision

« Reply #5 on: 26 April 2008, 08:41:57 »

Thanks you guys. If you think some of my sections lacked depth it is probably becasue they aren't finished, it probably just the information on it. I'll get to work on your comments. Thanks again.

Mannix


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Re: Thaelon Forest ~ Revision

« Reply #6 on: 26 April 2008, 15:35:46 »

Art, your comment on 'fauna' made me think of something...

Perhaps this is the place - and time - to add our 'angelic' beings ... the parallel to demons which always seem to come up as a suggestion every few months or so. Of course none of us want the Terran suggestion and cultural layers which come along with the name 'angel' - nor would these be divine messengers. As proposed repeatedly before, we should simply have some 'forces of good' available in the universe to balance out all those demons.

How about spiritual beings resembling shafts of sunlight, clouds of mist, ( or even wafts of fragrant scent and chiming bells ) which aid, assist, guide, and provide an aura of well-being when encountered? It would add to the mystique of the Thaelon if they were to be found there, and we could create an entry for them which cross-refs and adds other places where they have been encountered.

Name suggestions: Apsaravae, Devae, Faenjels


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Artimidor Federkiel

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Re: Thaelon Forest ~ Revision

« Reply #7 on: 27 April 2008, 11:01:57 »

Hmmm... Some thoughts on angelic beings: It is possible that Wren's Four, the last of the Axhaí, are somewhat angel-related (serving as messengers) and that they partly returned to Avá's light etc. They might have taken other forms, but perhaps were basically spiritual beings. At least their presences still seems to be felt in the Thaelon in a way. So these would then be some of the main angelic beings.

The light elves also somehow stand between existence and "the pure light of Avá" if you so want. So they are also pretty much spiritual beings. So there seem to be layers of existence of spiritual beings. Light elves fade in and out of corporeal existence - or can do so at least.

Now you mention something like shafts of sunlight, clouds of mists that guide etc., Judy, and maybe we can make an interesting connection here. I think especially about the will'o'wisps. We had to remove that entry someone did, because it was outright copied 1:1 from another source, so we don't have them on the site at the moment. In many fantasy universes the purpose of these beings isn't fully understood, but we might be able to tie them in with the spiritual stuff we're discussing here. I could imagine having such wisps in the Thaelon, floating around here and there and giving these forests a somewhat enchanted character, and maybe an eerie one. They could be interpreted as good beings in general.

Maybe combined with other phenomenons like shafts of sunlight that suddenly dissipate to move sliently, this would add to the woods' character. There could be a plethora of unexplainable phenomenons that seem to have spiritual connections, e.g. standing stones that seem to emanate soothing auras etc. I guess it wouldn't be necessary to explain these phenomenons in detail - some might see them as direct messengers from the Gods or at least as spiritual beings that have a deep knowledge of past and furture, as maybe they can travel between the dimensions and layers of existence. And the Thaelon most likely represents such a gate between dimensions.

Wisps of course are also said to have malicious intent, e.g. when encountered in swamps etc. where they are said to guide travellers to their doom etc. We had such things already in the old entry. So there could be versions of wisps that were ripped out of their sancturies by rampant darkwinds etc. Things like that. What do you think?


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Re: Thaelon Forest ~ Revision

« Reply #8 on: 27 April 2008, 14:52:39 »

Like it! I'll ponder a name and some beliefs about them... for example: "wisps are seen as primarily good in intent, but those which are of evil inclination are even more dangerous than the average malicious spirit, as people are inclined to trust something that resembles a wisp and presents itself so attractively...'

Perhaps just an overview on the various phenomena that have a 'good alignment' would be interesting, and could include a number of your ideas, rather than separate entries on wisps, stones, mists, etc...


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Re: Thaelon Forest ~ Revision

« Reply #9 on: 28 April 2008, 15:16:29 »

Okay I have finished...well sort of. Everything is completed in the entry, it's just I think I need some help. I would like pointers on how to add the mysteriousness to the entry. I could also use some help with the spiritual beings. Suggestions on anything to add will be appreciated. I am also unsure about the green druids. Thaelon is actually derived from 'covered woods' not 'covering woods', should I change it because i thing it sounds better as it is. And finally I am unsure if the pendrowe and drasil are flora or fauna. The pendrowe is listed under both the Bestiary and the Herbarium, wherea the drasil is only in the Herbarium. Mannix


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Re: Thaelon Forest ~ Revision

« Reply #10 on: 28 April 2008, 19:11:45 »

The Pendrowe should be listed under the Herbarium. They are essentially "intelligent plants" meaning that they possess an instinctual intelligence like an animal, but are 100 percent plant. It was decided not to list them under Bestiary anymore after my revision.

Any connection to the green druids and the Thaelon is not required or expected...and can be a simply quick connection to them. I like any kind of forest or plant entry I do to make a reference to the druids as I happen to like druids and due to their mysterious nature, I thought they would fit well in this forest. Speak with Pikel Thunderstone for better druid info. But, if you can't manage a druid connection, it's probably no big deal.


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Re: Thaelon Forest ~ Revision

« Reply #11 on: 28 April 2008, 22:20:55 »

Well, I've given already some pointers on what could still be added, e.g. splitting the forest in various sections, so that you have a sanctuary section and, a sort of protecting section, a regular wood (parts with elven inhabitants) and some periphery. One could add nice Styrásh names to represent these sections.

Then the wisps would surely be a good theme and other phenomenon as Judy described it. These things added to the description surely can add a good deal of mystery and eerieness to the Description section. Standing stones with magic properties are an option (we even have a picture of such stones by Arbaon). I'd intentionally keep things a bit vague on how they work, but the fact that they exist constributes to the atmosphere we want to create.

However, I've promised that I will contribute my part in this entry, so I will go over it in detail (most likely on Labour Day, May 1st, where I have a day off) and bursh it up whereever I can from top to bottom., basically adding mystery elements and stuff in I have mentioned in my previous posts.

In post-Santhros history there is also reference (1503 a.S.), see History Forum, that the Thaelon was crossed by goblins and that a good deal of them was lost in the woods. Things like that.

It is important to get this entry right, so I will have to do some more research to paint the picture accurately, but I guess we have a solid base now. So you might try to add some more of the mentioned things here and there, but I guess indeed that it is ready for me to be taken over and add some more flesh to it. Just be aware, Mannix, that in order to add stuff and improve things here and there some things will be moved around or rephrased, but hopefully just for the good of the entry. - So stay tuned, I will get to it on Thursday (at least will start with it then)! Until then you can still try to add some things.


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Re: Thaelon Forest ~ Revision

« Reply #12 on: 28 April 2008, 22:32:20 »

I haven't read the submission, so I can't say, if there are already some clearings, especially in the inner forest with mystical character of course, sunbeams breaking through the dense canopy etc, hitting the morning mist....


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Re: Thaelon Forest ~ Revision

« Reply #13 on: 29 April 2008, 14:26:17 »

I’ll be away for a few days so I won’t be able to modify the entry, but I will when I get back.

Mannix


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Thaelon Forest ~ (Mannix Revision)