Ylfethas
Ylfethas is a humble, seaside Eldrim village located on the planet Eryn. Built shortly after the War of the Twins ended, it serves as a sanctuary for elves seeking a simple, traditional life away from the advanced technology of Mar and Valaralda.
Geography and Environment
Ylfethas is situated on the shores of the Kaja Ocean, bordering the hostile, sweltering jungles of Eryn. The Eldrim specifically chose this coastal location because the native rylak do not know how to build boats and generally avoid the ocean, providing the village with a natural defensive boundary.
The village architecture blends natural elven aesthetics with functional coastal design. Key features include:
- The Banquet Hall: A long, narrow room with one entire wall open to the ocean to allow the cooling sea breeze to enter. Multicolored fabrics hang from the walls, fluttering in the wind.
- The Flat Roofs: Unlike typical elven buildings, the topmost structures in Ylfethas feature large, flat roofs equipped with metal-ringed fire pits, where the community gathers for traditional mentorfires.
- Archer Towers: Defensive structures, such as the western tower, overlook the jungle to protect the village from the hostile wildlife and rylak.
Culture and Society
The Eldrim of Ylfethas intentionally eschew the modern magitech of the other planets, preferring to live off the land as their ancient ancestors did. They subsist on a simple diet of roasted potatoes, leeks, and a local grilled fish known as alaka. The community is led by Council Leader Tannyll, alongside other Council members such as Agis and Shalendra. Other notable residents include the strikingly handsome greeter Althidon and the storyteller Kila (an alias of Kythaela).
Key Events
Arrival of the Envoys
Decades after the end of magic, Rylan and Elanil travel to Ylfethas from Mar as official envoys, bringing their young daughter, Lysa, with them. They are warmly welcomed by Althidon and hosted by Tannyll for a banquet and a traditional firestory told by Kila. During their stay, Tannyll explains the perilous nature of Eryn, warning them that the world is locked in a constant, brutal struggle between the ellr (elves), the rylak, and the recently introduced dragons.
The Fall of Ylfethas
The peaceful gathering is violently interrupted by the arrival of a small, blue dragon named Gala. The dragon warns the village that the rylak are mobilizing in unprecedented numbers, led by someone who is not a rylak. Moments later, hundreds of rylak warriors swarm the village.
Despite the efforts of the Eldrim archers (including young Lysa) firing from the defensive towers, the rylak's sheer strength easily overwhelms the village. The attackers slaughter the defenders, brutally killing Tannyll and Althidon. In the midst of the carnage, the ancient mage Calarel (Cariel) appears hovering in the sky. Using an army of rylak and advanced technology, she subdues Rylan and Elanil, taking them prisoner and vanishing through a portal, leaving a devastated Ylfethas and a stranded Lysa behind.