 |
|
| Istarion | |
| Leader | Kirithrandir Avathar'an, the King of Istarion |
| Religion | Life |
| Founder | Faithful Shepherds (from Tsol'dasi: Tsalaisa Pala'nahk) |
| Discoverer | Alemiorri and Muirne |
Geography
Istarion, or the City of Stars (from Tsol'dasi: Liehka-raia), is built within the boughs of Istar Jungle, nestled in Anake's Elbow.
History
At the heart of Istarion, two crownwood trees grow intertwined: one silver and one gold. These ancient trees act as a conduit for a powerful stream of life energy, similar in many respects to the soulbleed nexus of the Underworld. Many centuries ago, the tsol'dasi separated from their brethren, the Tsol'aa, quitting the world of humankind and travelling to the far north. There they discovered the jungle of Istar and founded the city Istarion within the branches of what would come to be called the Two Trees.
Powerfully adept at magic, the Tsol'dasi were able to manipulate the flowing energies of the Two Trees and create the magical Wall of Power to seclude themselves from humanity and the Divine war they had fought on their behalf.
Istarion was suddenly revealed to the world when the Wall of Power failed in 553 AF, their life energy secretly being drained away by the Magisterion via proxy. A band of adventurers were exploring the newly accessible jungle when Arafaile, a priestess of the Tsol'dasi Cabal of Life, encountered them and recruited their help in solving the mystery of the ailing crownwood Trees. After the undead menace was rebuffed and the Two Trees saved, the king of Istarion addressed the heroes and spoke of Istarion's debt for their service before calling for an end to the tree city's period of isolation.
Inhabitants
Istarion is inhabited by Tsol'dasi of all ages and occupations, including the following named denizens.
- Arafaile, priestess of Life
- Celepharn, High Priest of Life
- Cervantha, the Caretaker
- Dalendra Asgarai, Revered Counsellor
- Elhellond, the Preceptor
- Eriador, the Tsol'dasi merchant master
- Hethern Silwenil, Revered Counsellor
- Khurthia, Sword Ascendant
- Kirithrandir Avathar'an, the King of Istarion
- Maal'ryn Asgarai, Outrider Ascendant
- Naerwain, the Tsol'dasi merchant mistress
- Norielhela
- Oraiya Silwenil
- Rheddrian Zorinar, Revered Counsellor
- Saldesari Elisanil, Warren Ascendant
- Santhrar Avathar'an, a young prince
- Sariontari Avathar'an, Queen of Istarion
- Shantuir, Watch Ascendant
- Sindrastar Nerrinth, the High Counsellor
- Tsui'zhir, Whisper Ascendant
- Vargalast Megurun, Revered Counsellor
Culture
The city of Istarion remains open to those who wish to walk its hallowed boughs, and its citizens generally maintain a pleasant, if distant attitude towards adventurers and explorers. Elite guardsmen ride spiders through the jungle and keep careful watch over the inhabitants. Priests of Life and Tsol'dasi merchants mingle with the populace and offer their services to inquiring minds.
Flora and Fauna
Star-shaped ferns thrive amid the living bridges of Istarion, and liana vines tangle themselves throughout the jungle canopy. Blue-crowned ifrits can be found darting through the treetops, while a spider warren is breeding grounds for the sword, watch, and whisper spiders utilised by the Tsol'dasi as offensive mounts.