| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Cyril Lokner |
Posted - 14 Feb 2013 : 23:57:18
AER ASCALTIA
“We elves stand alone against the many evils that plague our world. Drow, orcs, humans, these vermin have reduced our people to a mere shadow of the glorious realms we once ruled. Do not fear. We have much strength left in our blood. No more shall we stand by, believing that our patience will see us through to brighter days. The vermin at our borders knows only war and blood will be spilt. But it will not be ours this time. I will keep our children safe. I will see to their bright new future. I will be the leader that our people have needed since Faahresc. By our beloved Seldarine, I’ll keep this promise to you.”
—Anam Hyshaanth, Bow Chair of the Aer Ascaltia, on the day he was selected to take his place upon the Aer Ascaltia following the natural death of the former Bow Chair
Established centuries ago during the Twelfth Rysar of the Rystall Wood, the Aer Ascaltia brought leadership and stability to the southern reaches of the forest when the realm fell to the Branded Hoard in the Year of Gleaming Frost (-64 DR). What might the warriors of Tachepp can bring to bear, is directed against enemies of the Aer Ascaltia’s choosing.
BRIEF HISTORY
Tachepp has ever existed for the purpose of bringing death to the drow. For thousands of years, elves of the region have trained within the fortress known as CaelathShevarash. The elven warriors of Tachepp were commanded by the Coronals of Yrlaancel until the realm was brought low by the Branded Hoard under the command of the Daemon Lord Belpharasst. The Aer Ascaltia was born of that tragic event out of necessity. The defeated warriors of Tachepp scampered home with the enemy slavering at their heels. They were few in number and the Branded Hoard, while weaker from the war, was still many and hungered for elven flesh. Gone was the leadership from Yrlaancel and much of the command structure of Tachepp was dead or missing. Cyreth of the CaelathShevarash, Evavel of the Hall of Unceasing Vengeance, and Ahreen Villuth of the Silent Wind Tower, set the tradition that the Aer Ascaltia was built upon.
The Branded Hoard fell upon Tachepp like a plague of locusts. With nowhere to run, the tattered remains of the Rystallan forces were cut down in their desperate attempt at a last stand. Elven blood dripped from the crude weapons of the Branded Hoard, soaking the forest’s soil. The wailing of the wounded and children was drowned out by the victorious cries of the giants and orcs. It was into this hellish scene that the Cyreth, Evavel, and Ahreen Villuth emerged from the Silent Wind Tower.
In an act of desperation, these three elves that ranked highest among the remaining members of the CaelathShevarash, Hall of Unceasing Vengeance, and Silent Wind Tower had made an unholy bargain to gain an advantage over their enemy. They swept down from the tower, consuming the forces of Belpharasst like a raging fire burns the dry grass of a summer prairie. Now it was the blood of the orcs and giants that flowed into the forest’s soil. The three eventually found themselves standing before the Daemon Lord Belpharasst himself, and defeated him swiftly. Before Belpharasst took his last breath, he foretold the future of the elves of Tachepp, which the three kept secret from all.
Cyreth and Ahreen Villuth returned to Tachepp carrying the body of Evavel. They were welcomed by the few survivors with solemn silence. After Evavel’s funeral, Cyreth and Ahreen Villuth were selected by what remained of the most influential houses to lead the elves of Tachepp. They called themselves the Aer Ascaltia. In honor of the sacrifice made by Evavel, the elves chose Ansrelis from the Hall of Unceasing Vengeance to lead Tachepp in matters of faith alongside Cyreth and Ahreen Villuth. There was peace and the Aer Ascaltia’s power was entrenched during this time.
In the Year of Pages Perilous (262 DR), some of the members of House Hyshaanth who abandoned Myth Drannor rather than share it with the N'Tel'Quess, were welcomed with great honor by the Aer Ascaltia. House Hyshaanth quickly gained power in Tachepp and heavily supported Ahreen Villuth and orchestrated the plot that lead to the eventual death of Cyreth and the installation of Maliat Hyshaanth as the Bow Chair in the Year of the Crimson Tiara (303 DR). Maliat was quick to solidify his power and gathered the support needed to sever the last bit of influence that Yrlaancel had over Tachepp. Maliat was disgusted with the events unfolding in Yrlaancel, which was punctuated by the city renaming itself Ondathel.
THE ORGANIZATION
The Aer Ascaltia is organized under three chairs: the Chair of the Bow, Chair of Magic, and Chair of Faith. Historically, the Chairs were also are the leadership of the CaelathShevarash, Silent Wind Tower, and Hall of Unceasing Vengeance. This tradition gradually changed as the leadership realized that these organizations would remain strongly loyal to the Aer Ascaltia without the heads of those organizations holding a Chair.
The primary responsibilities of the Aer Ascaltia are those concerned with the security of Tachepp. In order to accomplish creating a safe haven for the elves, the early Aer Ascaltia established that every elf of Tachepp would give fifty years of service starting upon an elf’s 100th birthday. The first five years of service are overseen by the Chair of Faith. During this time, elves work to maintain sufficient stores of supplies, provide aid to citizens in need, and take on building projects. The next 35 years of service are overseen by the Chair of the Bow. During this time, elves take up training in the arts of warfare and serve as active soldiers of the CaelathShevarash. The last ten years of service are given to the individual elf to decide if they will stay on under the Chair of the Bow, take on another term under the Chair of Faith, or move on to service under the Chair of Magic. If an elf chooses to serve under the Chair of Magic, the last ten years is spent in studious preparation in order to petition to become an apprentice of the Silent Wind Tower. Elves that choose to go down this path will give more than 50 years of service as their true training in the Art usually begins around their tenth year under the Chair of Magic.
Each Chair often has personal agendas and interests that they take on aside from their primary duties of security. In order to accomplish their goals, each Chair creates their own support structure upon attaining their position. This has ranged from a handful of advisors to a complex, shifting group of many supporters.
There are no set guidelines as to how a Chair is chosen. Individuals have traditionally served as Chairs for life unless they choose to step down. There have been a few instances throughout the history of the Aer Ascaltia where a Chair was removed by force, but that has been very rare.
The Chair of Faith: High Cleric Calyn Rumthas of the Keep of Sahandrian took the Chair of Faith upon the natural death of Simal Jaraias in the Year of the Sword (1365 DR). The unexpected ascension of Calyn threw the office into turmoil. Always had this role been filled by a leader raised from the Dhaerowathila and the support structure came from the Hall of Unceasing Vengeance, whose members were long used to fulfilling that role. High Cleric Rumthas immediately cut all ties from the Hall and began expanding the role the Keep of Sahandrian clergy played in the responsibilities of the Chair of Faith. The maintenance of the supply stores and advancement of projects all saw delays and problems as Calyn and her staff learned their new roles. The Chair of Faith came under several attacks for incompetence during the first couple years but she quickly got things under control. Despite his best efforts, Lord Hyshaanth could not unseat her through his best political efforts. Some even secretly accuse him of some of the mysterious accidents that befell High Cleric Rumthas early in her career.
Calyn’s greatest ally and advisor is Mystic Illonmarakash “Illony” Ruanallalas, who ordained Calyn to be the Chair of Faith. Prior to Illony speaking in favor of High Cleric Rumthas taking the position, these two had no prior relationship. Illony’s support was a complete surprise as Calyn had not been vocal about seeking to take on the responsibility of the Faith Chair. Illony selflessly gives her time and shares her wisdom simply because a vision of Sehanine Moonbow had commanded her to aid the unbranded. Illony’s meditations led her to believe that Calyn was one of the unbranded that her goddess spoke of in her vision.
Early in her career, several highly suspicious accidents occurred whenever Calyn was inspecting building projects. During the first inspection just weeks into her taking office, Calyn was buried under a wall that collapsed. Ilimali Ahnvaelaelua (NG female copper elf fighter 5/champion of Corellon 3), who had replaced the Dhaerowathila project overseer, rushed to Calyn’s aid and saved the High Cleric’s life with her healing touch. Ever since that day, Ilimali has not strayed from Calyn’s side. The High Cleric has always assumed that her loyalty derives from her devotion to Corellon Larethian, never realizing that the fiery passion that burns in Ilimali’s eyes is love for Calyn herself.
Ilimali Ahnvaelaelua hates herself for what she does best. Ever since her youth, swordplay has been as natural to her as breathing. Never did she desire to extend her abilities beyond play and sport. During her 35 years of service to the CaelathShevarash, her superiors recognized her impressive abilities and assigned her to missions where her talents would be most useful. Each time Ilimali drew her blade, she wept for the lives she took. They were always enemies of Tachepp, and the lives of others depended upon her taking those lives. She finished her last term of service under the Faith Chair and dedicated her life to the Keep of Sahandrian. To this day, she weeps whenever she draws her blade.
The Chair of the Bow: This chair is currently filled by the long lived Lord Anam Hyshaanth of House Hyshaanth and has been since the natural death of his father Kethlonsan in the Year of the Labyrinth (1003 DR). In the centuries since assumption of the role of Bow Chair, Anam has insulated himself with a network of spies, enforcers, and self-important lackeys.
Above all, Anam uses his position to further elevate the status and wealth of House Hyshaanth and advance the goals of the Eldreth Veluuthra. Lord Hyshaanth has always found a convenient way to use the CaelathShevarash to those ends while masking his efforts as altruistic for Tachepp. Certainly many know of Anam’s true motives, but they are so fearful or profit so much from Lord Hyshaanth, that they stay silent.
Lord Hyshaanth is never far from the protection of his elite guard, known as the Ky’Caelon, and are recognized by the blood red quivers they each bear. The Ky’Caelon is made up of a dozen gold elves of varying talents and captained by Afsan Ryhar (CE male gold elf rogue 3/sorcerer 1/assassin 4), an elf incapable of remorse. Afsan’s true loyalty is with the Eldreth Veluuthra and his twelve Ky’Caelon share that same attribute. Unknown to even Anam, Afsan’s mission is to further infiltrate Tachepp’s power strtucture to ensure the Eldreth Veluuthra’s eventual total control of the Aer Ascaltia.
The Chair of Magic: This chair has always been filled by the highest ranking wizard of the Silent Wind Tower and is currently held by Master Alolanhuor Haerneliyth. The goals of the Order of Silent Wind and the responsibilities of the Chair of Magic, perfectly mirror one another and the mages efficiently perform their duty. Alolanhuor and his mages focus their studies on magic that helps defend Tachepp from its main adversaries: drow, orcs, and humans.
When elves enter into the third leg of their service to the Aer Ascaltia and choose to begin their studies in magic, they end up taking one of three paths once they’ve learned the basic cantrips of the Art. A few are selected to continue their studies as an apprentice because they have displayed the aptitude to handle the intricate complexities of higher magical understanding. Fewer still are chosen to study bladesong. Most end up leaving the Silent Wind Tower with just a rudimentary understanding of the Art. Some of these do end up leading quite successful careers as adventurers.
MOTIVATION AND GOALS
The Aer Ascaltia has always worked to secure the safety of Tachepp while striving to resurrect the Rystall Wood as an elven nation once again. The organization as a whole is xenophobic and, due to the influence of House Hyshaanth, is heavily influenced by the Eldreth Veluuthra. The Dhaerowathila have also had a heavy influence upon the Aer Ascaltia, giving the organization a heavy slant towards aggressions against the drow.
The past mistakes of Yrlaancel and Myth Drannor have always been the example that the Aer Ascaltia have used to demonstrate the dangers of mingling with weaker races. Centuries of this rhetoric have made even the purest of heart afraid of non-elves, if not hostile towards N'Tel’Quessir.
ALLIES
Due to the insular nature of the elves of Tachepp, they believe that they alone must be the ones to bring about their goals. After centuries of little progress, the Chairs are working towards some alliances in hopes of finally reclaiming some of the realms former glory. Currently the Aer Ascaltia officially recognizes only one alliance.
The alliance with the Ten Tribes of Twilight was brokered by Lord Anam Hyshaanth and has ended the hostilities that have existed between the elves and the faeries for thousands of years. Both the elves and faeries are able to pass through the others territory, with certain restrictions, unmolested. The agreement also requires the Ten Tribes to pull back on their attacks on the Shattered Stone Orcs, which has caused the orc clan to repeatedly make supply raids into the northern area under Tachepp’s protection. In return, the Aer Ascaltia has committed some of its forces to the attacks against the Zhentarim out of Snowmantle. This alliance has allowed the elves to strengthen its defenses against the human lands to the south and at entrances to the Underdark.
There is the unofficial alliance with the Eldreth Veluuthra, which most elves of Tachepp are loath to admit to. It was because of the connections that the Eldreth Veluuthra had with Gabranael’s Court, that Lord Hyshaanth was able to secure the alliance with the Ten Tribes of Twilight. Even since the end of the Weeping War, the Eldreth Veluuthra has held influential positions within the Aer Ascaltia, using the elves of Tachepp to further their own goals. Because of these ties, a great deal of financial, magical, and personnel support that Tachepp receives comes from elves sympathetic to the goals of the Eldreth Veluuthra.
ENEMIES
A great many enemies exist for the elves of Tachepp. The Shattered Stone Orcs are quickly regaining their strength after their defeat in the Fight for Dagger Falls in the Year of the Gauntlet (1369 DR). The human lands of Daggerdale constantly push deeper and deeper into the Border Forest seeking natural resources. And the refugee drow of Maerimydra are finally in a position that the forces of Tachepp can finally rid the region of the elves hated brethren.
Since the fall of Maerimydra, the drow refugees have scattered across the Deep Wastes seeking a place to hide and heal. Many have found their way to caverns beneath the Border Forest and come to the surface in search of food and water. Attacks by the drow have been increasing steadily and the elves of Tachepp have recognized them as desperate attempts at survival. The Dhaerowathila are constantly making demands of the Aer Ascaltia for support to finally rid Tachepp of this threat from below.
Daggerdale has grown more stable since the end of Zhent occupation. The humans are working to regain lands lost during the wars and need the resources to support that push. Unfortunately for Daggerfolk, the best source of timber and game lies in lands under the protection of the elves of Tachepp. The elves view the hunters and loggers who trespass as acts of human aggression. Lord Randal Morn has been forced to send in his armed forces to protect the hunters and loggers, which has escalated into skirmishes between the Freedom Fighters and the CaelathShevarash. Lord Morn does not want to have the potential of war simmering in the Border Forest and his attempts to open up talks with the Aer Ascaltia have been unsuccessful.
The Aer Ascaltia sees the Shattered Stone Orcs as the least of their worries. Their scouts tell them that the clan lacks the strength to pose any threat in the foreseeable future. This has been the stance of the elves for ages, which has allowed the orcs to survive and thrive. With the more pressing issues of the humans to the south and the drow beneath them, the orcs are effectively ignored at this time. This suits Chief Vernnargar just fine.
FALL OF THE DAEMON LORD BELPHARASST
As Belpharasst knelt before the three, the last of his blood draining from his wound, he laughed as the three stood haughtily above him. “I see you’ve been branded as I have been. I now understand the role I played, and I give thanks to the Branded King for that. Look about you! Just as the blood of elves and the Branded Hoard are joined in the earth of this forest, so shall the blood of the elves and the Branded Hoard be joined within your lines.” As Belpharasst chest heaved as he gasped for his last few breaths, Evavel of the Hall of Unceasing Vengeance stared at Belpharasst in horror as he realized the terrible mistake he and the other two made.
“Forgive us Shevarash,” Evavel whispered as he staggered backwards from the body of Belpharasst.
“Desperate words of that dying filth,” came the soothing reply of Ahreen Villuth of the Silent Wind Tower. “Take no head of them Evavel.”
Evavel’s eyes shot from corpse of Belpharasst to the faces of Ahreen and Cyreth of the CaelathShevarash in frantic fear. “Look!” Evavel shouted, pointing his shaking hand at Belpharasst. Before the eyes of the three, the body of Belpharasst transformed into that of a beautiful elven male.
“None shall know of this,” Ahreen said evenly as he watched the body change at his feet.
While the other two started at Balpharasst, Evavel drew his blade and stepped towards Cyreth. “The Branded Hoard will end here with our deaths.” Evavel swung his blade at Cyreth’s neck but steel rang against steel as it met Ahreen’s sword.
Quicker than a thought, Cyreth drew his blade and drove it through Evavel’s heart. As Evavel slid backwards off of Cyreth’s weapon, Cyreth responded coldly to Ahreen. “Of course, none will know.”
Sources: CHAMPIONS OF RUIN by Jeff Cook, Wil Upchurch, Eric L. Boyd; CITY OF THE SPIDER QUEEN by James Wyatt; DUNGEON MASTER’S GUIDE by Monte Cook, Skip Williams, Jonathan Tweet; ELVES OF EVERMEET by Anthony Pryor; LORDS OF DARKNESS by Jason Carl, Sean K Reynolds; PLAYER’S GUIDE TO FAERÛN by Richard Baker, Travis Stout, James Wyatt; PLAYER’S HANDBOOK by Jonathan Tweet, Monte Cook, Skip Williams; RACES OF FAERÛN by Eric L. Boyd, Matt Forbeck, James Jacobs; RACES OF THE WILD by Skip Williams; THE RETURN OF RANDAL MORN by Jim Butler; UNDERDARK by Bruce R Cordell, Gwendolyn F M Kestrel, Jeff Quick |
| 8 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Zireael |
Posted - 23 Feb 2013 : 09:42:09
This is brilliant! |
| Cyril Lokner |
Posted - 15 Feb 2013 : 22:36:08
quote:
Originally posted by sleyvas
I must admit, I haven't been a big follower of the elven lore as in power groups in myth drannor, etc.... This is filled with names of groups and leaders that I never heard of. Just wondering, how much of this is homebrew or joining of homebrew made by fellow scribes? Not saying that that's bad, just trying to figure out HOW out of tune I am. For instance, this CaelathShevarash, where'd they come from as an organization? I recognize the name Shevarash as the elven "vengeance" god that hates drow, but I'm not aware of WHERE he was from as a mortal etc.... and I'm kind of wondering if he didn't arise here or something in some canon lore.... or maybe someone just totally made up this CaelathShevarash name?
You're probably more in tune than you want to admit! If you find it a little difficult to separate out homebrew from cannon, then I feel like I've done a decent job at making the Aer Ascaltia "feel" Realmsian. I've tried extremely hard to not contradict or overwrite any existing Realmslore through 3.5. (I'm not interested in the Realms beyond that.) The CaelathShevarash is homebrew. I do use other homebrew written by other scribes here at Candlekeep with their permission. For instance, the items on Belpharasst comes from Scribe Snowblood. I'll take your question asking where the CaelathShevarash came from as a challenge to make these articles better. I'll also see what I can dig up on Shevarash to further flesh these writings out some more. |
| Cyril Lokner |
Posted - 15 Feb 2013 : 22:01:17
quote:
Originally posted by The Sage
I like the tying together of abstract pieces of Realmslore, Cyril. Good stuff!
Thank you Sage. As you know, everything is connected. I hope that some of our friends here at the Keep find these ideas interesting at the least. |
| Cyril Lokner |
Posted - 15 Feb 2013 : 21:58:56
quote:
Originally posted by Thauranil
Wow good job. Interesting stuff here.
Thank you Thauranil. I fear that as I keep building off my previous articles, the newer ones are getting harder and harder to follow. I do have to make the assumption that the previous articles have been read, otherwise I end up repeating previously released material. |
| sleyvas |
Posted - 15 Feb 2013 : 17:00:35
I must admit, I haven't been a big follower of the elven lore as in power groups in myth drannor, etc.... This is filled with names of groups and leaders that I never heard of. Just wondering, how much of this is homebrew or joining of homebrew made by fellow scribes? Not saying that that's bad, just trying to figure out HOW out of tune I am. For instance, this CaelathShevarash, where'd they come from as an organization? I recognize the name Shevarash as the elven "vengeance" god that hates drow, but I'm not aware of WHERE he was from as a mortal etc.... and I'm kind of wondering if he didn't arise here or something in some canon lore.... or maybe someone just totally made up this CaelathShevarash name? |
| Thauranil |
Posted - 15 Feb 2013 : 15:11:46
Wow good job. Interesting stuff here. |
| The Sage |
Posted - 15 Feb 2013 : 01:21:13
I like the tying together of abstract pieces of Realmslore, Cyril. Good stuff! |
| Cyril Lokner |
Posted - 15 Feb 2013 : 00:02:24
This is the article on the ruling body of Tachepp. You'll need to reference the links in my signature to get the full picture. Please feel free to tear it apart and offer whatever type of criticism. It only makes the story better. A scribe here named Fellfire requested this over a year ago. I'm sorry it took so long. <insert typical excuses here> I hope you find this useful.
Cheers, |
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