| |
| Eleusis | |
| Leader | Blackwillow |
| Council | Ilsefi Stormsong, Thato Stormcrow, Arheimar Blackwing |
| Divine Patron | Gaia, the Earthmother |
| Founder | Covenant Stormcrow, Tearstorm Le'Yuet, Riakar Nakanishi, Elsp Le'Yuet, and Mysti La'Saen |
| City Tutor | Aine |
| City Guardian | the Guardian of Thorns |
| Heraldic Arms | Vert, a stag rampant Argent |
| Allies | Dryads, Tsol'aa Village |
| Enemies | Ashtan, Cyrene, Hashan, Mhaldor, Targossas |
| Key Documents | The Viridian Charter and the Precepts of Eleusis |
Located in the depths of the Eastern Ithmia, the forestal village of Eleusis was revealed by the dryad queen Titania to a group of Sentinels in the year 271 AF following Vixen's bout of illness. Eleusis is a naturally formed habitat in the Ithmia's treetops for the forestals of Sapience to call home. Dedicated to the preservation and expansion of Nature, Eleusis follows the words of the Viridian Charter in efforts against cities of iron and stone and those that infringe upon Nature and those that do it harm.
The village of Eleusis was officially formed in the month of Daedalan, 324 years after the fall of the Seleucarian Empire, by Covenant Stormcrow, Tearstorm Le'Yuet, Riakar Nakanishi, Elsp Le'Yuet, and Mysti La'Saen. It is led by a council made up of five Hierophants who are elected by popular vote. From these five, one leader is chosen to be the Speaker of Eleusis. The term Hierophants, for the council members, used to be Leath-ris (literally, "half-kings").
Formerly the home of The Sylvanic Fellowship, the Sentinels of Nature, and the Ancient Circle of Druids, now the Heartwood Kin and Scions of the Ithmia stand proudly upon its boughs.
Eleusis is guarded by Tsol'aa archers, Dryad Enchantresses, Briar Knights, Woodland Rangers, Eleusian Elementalists, and Treekin warriors, as well as its Greater Eidolon, the Guardian of Thorns.
On 1 Sarapin, 960 years after the fall of the Seleucarian Empire, Eleusis ascended to become the Primordial Empire of Nature. Through the use of both martial prowess and diplomancy, the Empire was raised in offering to the Earthmother, Lady Gaia.
Laws and Policies
The laws of Eleusis are in the form of Precepts, which are blazoned upon on a cairn stone at the entrance to the village. The Viridian Charter is a key document of Eleusis which all villagers of Eleusis must follow and adhere by.
Government and Political History
On the 13th of Daedalan, 882 AF, 558 years from the day of its contemporary re-founding, the dulcet tones of the Nymphean Octave rose towards the heavens in a soaring refrain sung in triumphant exultation of long-awaited consolidation as the village of Eleusis became a representative theocracy.
Village Ranks
- Freeman
- Ranger
- Tender
- Warden
- Watcher
- Elder
Village Patrons
- 324 AF - Lady Demeter became the first Patron of Eleusis.
- 365 AF - Lord Aegis replaced Lady Demeter.
- 395 AF - Lady Kastalia replaced Lord Aegis.
- 432 AF - Lord Thoth replaced Lady Kastalia.
- 452 AF - Lady Artemis replaced Lady Kastalia.
- 506 AF - Lord Vastar replaced Lady Artemis.
- 525 AF - Lady Artemis replaced Lord Vastar.
- 591 AF - Lady Kastalia replaced Lady Artemis.
- 610 AF - Lady Artemis replaced Lady Kastalia.
- 619 AF - Lady Gaia replaced Lady Artemis.
- 677 AF - Lady Artemis joins Lady Gaia as Patron of Eleusis.
- 844 AF - Lady Gaia becomes sole patron, following Lady Artemis' passing.
Village Leaders - Speaker
- 324 AF - Covenant Stormcrow
- 356 AF - Tearstorm Le'Yuet
- 387 AF - Greyda Corten
- 414 AF - Landon Stormcrow
- 445 AF - Ravien Corten
- 665 AF - Alrena
- 702 AF - Rangor Corten
- 726 AF - Sarathai El'Rian
- 740 AF - Kondar Whispervale
- 748 AF - Zenii Corten-Tasa
- 800 AF - Andraste Montenegro
- 814 AF - Myna Vorondil
- 835 AF - Colgano Vorondil
- 869 AF - Andraste Montenegro
- 888 AF - Santar Darkwind
- 889 AF - Aodfionn Wintermourne
- 889 AF - Santar Darkwind
- 891 AF - Aodfionn Wintermourne
- 900 AF - Blackwillow
- 923 AF - Treyal Wintermourne
- 948 AF - Blackwillow
Landmarks
This small forestal village is rich with culture. It has grown immensely since adventurers started trampling through its branches just over a century ago, but still remains quaint and quiet, keeping its unique solitude.
The entire village is a landmark in itself. No other "city-state" and indeed, no other village can claim to be anything like it. Upon entering the village, you must trek up a spiraled staircase which will take you up a level into the trees. You walk along the tree branches for wherever you need to go, only ever seeing ground level again if you wish to visit the Sentinel or Sylvan House halls, the Eleusian Fields and stables, the bait shop, or the lush chapel on the Zaphar River. The Gaian Vale, Eleusis' subdivision, may be found near the river.
One may be inclined to visit Muria along the Oaken Way of Eleusis and hear her tales of Sentinel history. Unveiled by Lady Gaia, find the Viridian Charter cast against the Great Oak. Its golden script can be seen throughout Eleusis, but read more clearly by the arboreal ramparts near the Central Hall in the Great Oak, a local meeting place of Eleusis. A great statue of Covenant Stormcrow, the first speaker of Eleusis, graces the hall, seemingly ready to come alive and belt out a yodel for all the world to hear. The Cauldron of Infinity can be found at the Tears of Eleusis, a permanent reminder of the War of the Divine Child (See also: City-relics). The Collosea en Duir, or "The Colosseum of the Oak" in common Achaean, is the Eleusian arena. This all-natural terrain arena can be found in the southwestern part of Eleusis. Moving beyond the subdivision and the bait shop, a lush chapel overlooks the river, holding within the Flame of Nature and Altars reflecting different environments.
Inhabitants
Aside from the various guards found along the streets in Eleusis, the following is a list of notable citizens worth mentioning:
- Aemilie, the Eleusian weaver
- Aeron, the Eleusian Whittler
- Aine, the Eleusian Sheriff
- Alianna, the Malefic Dryad - former dryad apprentice to Aeron
- Amerante, the Eleusian Barkeep
- Anil-Gadith, Hostess of Oastan Eleusia
- Arixa Stormcrow
- Armond Longshanks
- Arscot, the Eleusian Baker
- Bryan, a simple fisherman
- Burp, the Gatehouse humgii
- Canntaireachd, Mistress of Revels
- Celede, the Serving Wench
- Ceredic, the farmhand
- Cwincan, the Gaian Knight
- Daestin, the Eleusian merchant
- Elias the Gatekeeper
- Ellie an iridescent cloud form
- Epona, Eleusian Ostler
- Erine, the farmhand
- Eulalia, a gallery attendant
- Grenden Blackthorne
- Hongi, the Anachaine Headhunter
- Iuchair, Eleusian Locksmith
- Khalys, Lady of Doves
- Koladhi, the Horticulturist
- Krelli, a fisherwoman
- Lhaya, of the Raven Locks
- Lloen, the wayward
- a little girl named Averan
- Miri, the Tea Mistress
- Muria of Eleusis
- Nyeli, a little girl
- Orei, a fisherwoman
- Semanthia the Merchant
- Taurelasse, the Silver Weaver
- Tiah, of the Golden Arrow
- Vamuria, the newspaper editor
- Zincara, the Ithmian Gypsy
These citizens can be found within their respective House estate:
- Antion, the Falcon Master
- Dyyn, Oracle of the Elements
- Faeore, Oracle of Seasons
- Jallah, Eldest of the Druids
- Jurrien, the Verdant Sage
- Mehrien, of Jaguar Black
- Naylu, Oracle of Secrets
- Onakk, the Raven
- Ruiha, the instructor
- Vixen, the Wilderness Guide
These citizens are no longer found within the village:
Facilities
The main facilities of Eleusis are located on the eastern side if the village, while the forge and stables can be found at the northern end of the fields, below the shopping district. Most of these services can be used by citizens and visitors alike.
- The Eleusian Archives - Newsroom.
- Lofty Aviary - Post office run by Khalys, the dove lady.
- The Eleusian Bank of Commerce - Bank.
- Blacksmith's workshop - Forge.
- A grass-covered shieling - Stables (can be used by Eleusians only) and mount food, run by Epona.
- Locksmith of Eleusis - Locksmith, run by Iuchair.
Shopping
Eleusis is unique in that it has few adventurer-run shops. The Eleusians enjoy the quaint atmosphere of their village and do not want the haven ruined with such things. Several proud merchants provide for the village, including the weaver Aemilie and the merchants Daestin, Taurelasse and Semanthia.
- Art of the Wilds
- Wooden statuettes by Aemilie, the Eleusian weaver
- A Cluttered Atelier
- Bookbindery by Lloen, the Wayward
- The Eleusian Inn
- Amerante, the Eleusian Barkeep, sells food and drinks here
- The Eleusian Trading Post
- Commodities
- Eleusian Woodcrafts
- Wood vials, pots, and pipes by Aeron, the Eleusian Whittler
- Farmer's Market at a Mill
- Day to day goods
- Forestal Whispers of Romance
- Aemilie's forestal wedding catering
- Roughened pathway
- Produce from Eleusis' farm sold by Nyeli, a little girl
- Silver Threads
- Crafted forestal goods by Aemilie
- Sugar and Spice
- Teas in several flavours by Miri, the Tea Mistress
- Sylvan Colours
- Basic vials, inks, and sigils
- The Weald Club
- Silver creations by Taurelasse, the Silver Weaver and forest wristlets by Zincara, the Ithmian Gypsy
- Within a small reed shed
- Bait shop
- Ye Olde Bake Shop
- Muffins, donuts, and more, created by Arscot, the Eleusian Baker
Additionally, food for steeds can be purchased from Epona, Eleusian Cibeir.
Dining and Recreation
Eleusis has several unique eateries that have regular visitors to the village coming back for more.
- The Eleusian Inn - Operated by Amerante who supplies the village with a range of basics foods and fine forestal beverages.
- Oastan Eleusia - Hosted by Anil-Gadith, this forestal restaurant is sure to please! Celede and Canntaireachd provide service and music, respectively.
- Sugar and Spice - The Eleusian Tea shop, run by Miss Miri, the Tea Mistress, and her daughters, Averan, Lhaya, and Tiah.
- Ye Olde Bake Shoppe - Arscot, the Eleusian Baker, runs this unique bakery above a granary among the trees. Buy a donut, a tart, or anything else to go with that perfect cup of tea!
- Located on Roughened pathway, Nyeli, a little girl sells produce from the Eleusian fields.
Famous Faces
Keleus, a Tsol'aa from the Aalen Forest, was the city's first founder and King of its original monarchy.
Stationed at the entrance to the village is Elias, the gatekeeper, while Sir Cwincan, the Gaian Knight, diligently stands watch below the barracks of the Eleusian Rangers. Vamuria, the newspaper editor, is settled by the newsroom, gathering the news of the day.