FFH2: The Lost Colony of Ljosalfar

[Gaebril]

Spring, 453 MP:
In the 453rd year of the reign of Queen Miriael Phaedra of the Ljosalfar, a fleet of Great Ships embarked from the harbor of Evermore to colonize the Golden Isles. I am Kiernan Amalasan, Lorekeeper, it is my task to record the history of our journey.


Day 57:
We have been at sea for nearly two months. The fleet has had an easy passage. Captain Amarada of the Queen's Grace tells me that we should reach the isles in another month at this rate, which is remarkable for a fleet our size. The sky is clear and only the sleek waverunners swimming alongside the bow wake provide any break to the monotony of the dark sea.

Day 65:
The skies are beginning to darken to the East. Captain Amarada expects that whatever storm is coming will find us in the next day or two. We all hope that it will pass soon and bring no harm upon us.

Colony year 1:
The storms reached us two days later. After two weeks of bitter storms, which battered the Great Ships of the Ljosalfar to tinder, we find ourselves far off course. The Golden Isles are no longer our destination and of the thousands of our people who set out we few remain. We have landed on some land that does not exist on any map left to us. Here we must survive and make what existence we can until we are rescued or can find a way to return to our homeland.
The elders of the fleet have perished, some aboard ships lost and some to the disease and starvation that followed. Arendel Phaedra, the young second daughter of our beloved Queen, has taken the reins of leadership to provide our people stability. She is directing efforts to settle this new land and explore the wild forests nearby.
We have built our homes with the weathered timber of our ships, in the trees between the coast line and the banks of the Mirror Lake. We have named the town Evermore after the Capital of Ljosalfar, may we someday return to its splendour. We are carefully tending this wild forest to provide the basic care for our people.
Our scouting parties have been exploring the land, mapping the region and supplementing our stores with the fruits of their hunting. Already they report of wild grapes growing on the west bank of the lake and small numbers of sugar cane grow to the south. We hope in a year or two we will have settled enough to harvest these precious gifts of nature.


Recorded in the 453 year of the Reign of Queen Miriael. A record of the colony of Ljosalfar.

 

[Gaebril]

It has been some time since I was last able to record the efforts of our people to prosper in this unknown land. Evermore has grown and we have settled into an existence of sorts. Many are homesick and lament the lost tomes and beautiful works of art taken to the bottom of the sea. Arendel Phaedra continues to guide our people and has shown great leadership for one so young.

Colony year 4:
Our scouts were in the wooded hills southwest of Mirror Lake, near the Golden Mount (so named for the light which shines on the lone peak at daybreak), when they found signs of precious gems. The few samples they were able to bring back included sapphires and rubies. Our artisans hope for diamonds, but it will be many years yet before we have the tools and are stable enough to warrant mining the gems.

Colony year 5:
Word flowed through the tree branches of Evermore today. The scouts returned from the western slopes of Golden Mount to bring word of humans. These humans call themselves the Amurites and are led by one Dain the Caswallawn. They come from the far west and are searching for mystical nodes of power. We have not come across any other than the power of our own Evermore, which is the power of Nature and all living things. The meeting ended peacefully and perhaps we will trade with the Amurites in the future.

Colony year 7:
Arendel Phaedra has summoned the first Elder Council in Evermore. The use of Elder Council seems generous since there are few who can recall the first hundred years of the reign of Arendel's mother. Even so, the people we pleased to see the wisest among us meeting to discuss the future of our people and the things we have learned in this new land. It seems that we are beginning to make a home of this land.
Word also came of wild pigs found in the jungle southeast of Golden Mount. There are many hoping that a village can be placed near the Mount to make it easier to harvest the riches of that region. Its too early to tell if the younger elves will get permission from Arendel to resettle there.

Colony year 9:
Our explorers have travelled far to the south, past a range of hills and mountains. There they have found a blasted and withered land where the forests have died and only sand remains. Only a small area of what once must have been a beautiful forest remains by the distant coast. A ruined tower stood at the southern entrance to the mountain pass and from there could be seen the entire land from the mountains to the sea. It appears that some ancient people once lived in that land, but whatever destroyed their lush forest seems to have taken them as well. The reports from that land indicate that there are large quarries of stone of building quality. However, it is very far to the blasted lands and I shudder to think of the effort it would take to harvest and transport the stones for our people.

Colony year 10:
Evermore is a fire with news. Word of contact with another human settlement is mentioned in every conversation. These Kuriotates are said to be led by Cardith Lorda, called the Boy King. Rumor says he is less than 20 years old! Even for the short-lived humans, that is young. Inconceivable that one that young would have the wisdom to lead his people. I hope Arendel will watch them closely as humans can be rash sometimes and the youngest are the most risky.

Colony year 19:
Finally our explorations have brought us to the lands of the Amurites and the Kuriotates. They are many months travel to the west. Far beyond Mirror Lake and the Golden Mount. Their lands are said to hold hills that shine with milky marble and forests with many bright plants for making dyes. Our people are anxious for any word about these lands and the possibilities they might hold for us in the future. Arendel Phaedra has been cordial in her dealings with both groups of humans. She is doing her best to maintain good terms with these peoples in hopes that we can exist harmoniously as nature intends.

Recorded by Kiernan Amalasan.

The attached art was drawn by Llardel in Colony Year 55 to commemorate the founding of the village of Hyll on the Mirror River southwest of Evermore.

 

[Gaebril]

Colony year 27:
To commemorate the first quarter decade of the colony and to memorialize the loss that led to the founding of Evermore, a great stone obelisk was erected in the sacred grove of Evermore. The obelisk is inscribed with the names of all those who were lost during the voyage that has landed our people on this unnamed land so far from our original destination. The people of Evermore met the unveiling with great joy and celebratory cheers echoed the forest.
Our lives in this land have not been easy, but the perseverence and indomitable spirit of you all has led us to this great day. It is with solemn hearts that we first made land fall in this unknown territory. Sorrow at the loss of our brothers and sisters and the shock of knowing we could not continue to the fable Golden Isles could have driven us to melancholy and despair. Yet you rose to the challenge and have prospered in this place. Even now the forests begin to adapt to our presence and begin to resemble the fabled ancient groves of Ljosalfar. It is in the memory of those who were lost and your accomplishments in the face of tragedy that we dedicate this monument to our past and future. May the sacred angel Cernunnos continue to bless our efforts that we may grow strong and healthy - Dedication ceremony speech by Arendel Phaedra.

Colony year 36:
This year has brought wonderful joy to the people of Evermore. In the sacred heart of our city, the elders were able to unveil Avera-su-Cernunnos, a sapling grown from a small clipping of the great Fellowship tree in Ljosalfar. Finally, our people have a Fellowship tree at which to worship in its calming shade. Gelendel Asaldra has assumed the post of Tender to the sacred tree. It is a blessed day for all our people.

Colony year 38:
The idyllic childhood of our colony was shattered this year. Our warriors, returning from a trade mission to the lands of the Amurites and Kuriotates were attacked. Evil skeletons of long dead humans assualted our brave warriors at nightfall. Only the faith and skill of our warriors allowed any to survive the horror of the attack and to return with word. Arendel has decreed that no one is to travel beyond our lands without her consent or that of the council. Gelendel Asaldra is communing with Nature at the sacred tree to gain insight into the source of the abomination that has reached this land.

Colony year 50:
It has been many quiet years in Evermore. No further dangers have afflicted our people other than the normal ravages of time. We have grown and prosper in our new land.
The time has come for our people to spread out to new groves. I have heard the petition of the younger members of our community. After consultation, the Elder Council and I have decided to allow a small group of us to travel to the region south of Mirror Lake under the setting sun shadow of Golden Mount to found a new settlement. The new village will by named Hyll for the rolling forested hills of the region. Join us in wishing these brave souls good fortune in their venture. - Speech by Arendel Phaedra to announce the mission to found the village of Hyll.

Colony year 55:
It is with pride that I record the successful founding of the village of Hyll in the Golden Mount region. The location of the new village and the planned connection between Hyll and Evermore will bring great conveniences to our people. Plans are underway to build roads between the two enclaves. Until then, our people will travel via the Mirror Lake. Already the artisans of Evermore anticipate the opening of the gem mines near Hyll and the wonderous artifacts they will be able to design. Not to mention my own desire to see what our great chefs can do with the newly domesticated pigs from Hyll as well.


Selected entries in the colony records of Evermore as penned by Kiernan Amalasan.

 

[wiseguy101]

I like this story a lot so far. Keep it up. I like the amount of detail you put into it.

 

[Gaebril]

Thank you, wiseguy101!

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Colony year 59:
The fittest among us were sorely tried in the defense of Hyll. Dreaded Goblin raiders came to sack the village and burn the forests. Our archers were able to make the vermin pay dearly for the encursions and repulse them before they could cause too much damage. Several trees may die from the ravages of the flames. One particularly notable occurence in the defense was a young elf who snuck out to help the defenders. Gilden Silveric, only 50 years old!, killed two of the beasts himself during the fighting. His parents were shocked at his rashness at joining the fight, but after worry over their son, they beamed with pride when describing his actions later.

Colony year 77:
Ambassador Jarpa of the Kuriotates has brought dire news from the west. It seems that the barbarian tribes of that region have united under a single leader they call Orthus the Barbarian King. The Ambassador told fearsome tales of Orthus' prowess with the axe in battle. We pray for peace for our distant neighbors and that they are safe. Arendel Phaedra has moved a small contingent of the first Archers to Hyll to ensure better defense of our borders if Orthus and his minions decide to venture east.

Colony year 86:
Joyous times in Evermore. The first large scale production of flasks of Mirror Lake wine have begun to flow into the city. The eldest among us are pleased with the smooth texture of the drink obviously blended with the clean waters of the Lake over which the vineyards rest.

Colony year 91:
Our scouts have found signs of Orcs beyond our borders to the south. The Orcs appear to have come from the blasted lands far to the south. Arendel has asked the first Archers to begin patrols of our southern forests to ensure that the Orcs stay out of our lands.

Colony year 101:
The village of Eventide has been founded along the northern coastline west of Mirror Lake. Our borders continue to expand and our people have truly embraced this land. The forests of this land welcome the ministrations of Gelendel Asaldra and the other Tenders and begin more and more to resemble to majestic ancient forests of Ljosalfar.

Colony year 118:
Our scouts have located the Orcish city of Ultigar. It lies far to the south along the only river in the blasted lands. Arendel Phaedra has commissioned the first Archers to foray against the city and stop the Orcish incursions which have increased of late. A great battle was held at the edge of our borders and the Archers crushed the brutish Orcish spearmen. Flush with success, the Archers march on to Ultigar.


Selected entries in the colony records of Evermore as penned by Kiernan Amalasan.

 

[Gaebril]

Colony year 120:
A dark day for our people. Dire tidings have come from the siege of Ultigar. The first Archers have been repulsed at the walls of the city. One in three are dead or wounded. The pride of our colony bloodied by the vile Orcs. Even now, our brightest warriors are filtering back into the forest to regroup. We will have to redouble our efforts in watching our border to the south. The Orcs will be emboldened by their success.
It is a sad time for us all. Our brothers and sisters have gone to commune with Cernunnos. We must take time to mourn their loss and then look to the future. Our lands are not safe with the powerful orc city to our south. We must regroup and fight again. - Comments made by Arendel Phaedra beneath the sacred limbs of Avera-su-Cernunnos in Evermore at the memorial service for those lost at the siege of Ultigar.

Colony year 125:
The people revelled in the wooded glens of Evermore this day. Performers from Hyll and Eventide arrived in brightly colored wagons and performing wonderous feats of acrobatics and skill. Children played at games of skill and there were the most fantastic of animals displayed. Those young and young at heart were joyful as the Carnival of Alevar opened in Evermore.

Colony year 137:
Master of the huntsman, Eledar Ffaera, rode into Evermore on the first of the wild horses of the north to be broken for riding. A small herd was captured in the grasslands north of Evermore and after months of work, the first of what will someday be a great many strong and majestic horses are trained for use by the messengers of our colony.
...
The fashions of Eventide have become all the rage throughout the towns and villages of the colony. The latest wonders from the weavers and tailors are the silk robes and gowns worn by the wealthier townsfolk. Already orders have been placed and shipments of Eventide silk are expected to flood into Evermore and Hyll.

Colony year 159:
A second offensive against Ultigar began early this year. Gilden Silveric, with the blessing of Gelendel Asaldra and Arendel Phaedra, has led the 2nd and 3rd Archers to assault Ultigar. Under Silveric's command, the troops moved stealthily south through the forests and then during daylight, which is when the Orcs are least vigilant, they moved into position around Ultigar.
The initial attacks were faint probes at the defenses of the city. The Orcs had dug trenches around the vile and odorous blight that is Ultigar. Beyond the trenches, Orcish spearmen waited for the Elven attack. Arrows cut into their ranks, laying them low like a scythe through wheat. Days and days the attacks continued and it continued to amaze us that the Orcs could stand against such losses, through away lives in a cause that seemed hopeless. So well was the battle going for us. Silveric was nearly ready to storm the city.

At dawn, with our final assault prepared, our hearts emboldened by our successes we heard the first cries from Ultigar. At first I thought they were aware that today was the day we would storm the city. But as I listened, I discerned that these were not criest of alarm, they sounded anxious and hopeful. The chanting and cries grew as daybreak began to shine behind the city. I moved to the forward ranks to see what was causing the commotion. The first rays of light were bathing the faces of my men as I reached the point where I could clearly observe the Orcs. I was shocked to see them staring back toward the city, they were turned away from us as if we didn't exist!
I had little time to wonder at this odd state of affairs. A shadow began to grow over the rooftops of Ultigar, rising ever higher. The chants were increasing in intensity such that I could hear what was said, "Archeron!". The Orcs were chanting a single word! Archeron. How that name will chill the hearts of our people. As it did my own on the field that day. Archeron the Red Dragon rose from Ultigar and the Orcs cheered.
Sensing the havoc that would ensue, I called the Elves to withdraw as the dragon soared over the city, circling toward our ranks. As it began to loose its hellfire upon us, we fled from its savagery. - Account of the end of the second siege of Ultigar by Gilden Silveric.

Our forces withdrew with heavy losses to regroup in the hills west of the city. A permanent encampment was placed there housing the 3rd Archers company. They are tasked with watching for the Orcs and Archeron. Gilden Silveric and the remnants of the 2nd Archers returned to Evermore with the disasterous news of how the Orcs stopped the fall of Ultigar.
...
If only we had the famed Paladins of Ljosalfar here. Archeron could be laid to waste. How I fear for our people in the coming days with that fiend at our doorstep. - Personal journal entry by Arendel Phaedra circa colony year 159.


Selected entries in the colony records of Evermore as penned by Kiernan Amalasan and other documents.

Attached is a drawing by Llardel of the current state of the colony and environs circa colony year 191.