InsaneJournal

Elysium.

Elysium has been protected elven land for as long as the species has walked upon the earth, though it was not always known by the name of Elysium. It was originally the First Home, a place where all elves lived and learned of their new found abilities and the world around them. As time passed, their own curiosity caused them to stray from the comforting arms of the valley and into the world outside. One by one, the first of the elves left their ancestral home and created new cities beyond the mountains. The elven remains of those who came before still remain upon the land.

Elysium lies within the Balkan Mountain range in a valley that is hidden from human eyes through elven magic. It is connected to Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in Europe. The valley has an impressive evergreen forest to the North and a more deciduous forest in the South. There are also farmlands that lie near the base of the Western mountain range. The climate is classified as a continental type. Medium annual temperatures average sround 11.4°C (~52°F). Medium monthly temperatures average to about 21.2°C (~70°F) in July and August, and 34.4°C (~93°F) being the absolute maximum in August. The lowest medium monthly temperature amounts to 1.5°C (~34°F) in January, whereas - 17.2°C (~1°F) is the absolute minimum.

There are many places of interest within Elysium. There is only one established city known as Helicharis. However, there are many residential areas throughout the land. Most people choose to live in either the town cottages, forest cottages, or water bungalows. Various bodies of water are located within the land and plenty of forests, though the forest land in generally only referred to in two sections: the Northern Forest and the Southern forests. Many historical locations are also present in Elysium, and all places are visitable and habitable.

One location inside of Elysium is off-limits, but the danger of anyone going there is unlikely. The Isle of Tol'hith, which resides in the middle of Lake Alata'elen, is a dangerous isle full of man-eating beasts and monsters. Citizens may only visit this isle with proper guides, although it is doubtful anyone would want to go there.

Cities & Towns

• Helicharis, located in the center of Elysium, slightly to the north.

Residential Areas

• Town Cottages, located in Helicharis.
• Forest Cottages, located in Northern Forest.
• Waterfront Bungalows, located on Lake Alata'elen.

Lakes and Lagoons

• Lake Alata'elen (Freshwater Lake) - "Radiant Star": The water temperature in the deepest layers of the lake is approximately 6°C (42°F), whereas the surface layers may warm up to 24°C (75°F), and even to 26°C (~78 to 79°F) closer to the shore. There is marine life in the lake.
• Silmé Lagoon (Freshwater Lagoon) - "Moonlight Lagoon": Water temperatures in the lagoon are generally warmer than the lake with the waterfalls keeping it from getting too hot. There is no marine life in the lagoon.
• Van'taurë Lake (Saltwater Lake) - "Fair Forest": Water temperatures of the saltwater lake stay fairly constant throughout the year never dropping below 21°C (70°F). The average temperature is around 24°C (75°F). There is marine life in the lake.

Forests

• Northern Forest, the thick and evergreen forest in the north. It stretches across the entire northern front of Elysium, and it is home to many creatures and beasts.
• Southern Forests, the deciduous and sparsely growing forests to the south. There are many separate forests in the south, and they are not all connected to each other.

Historical Sites

• Abandoned Elven Palace: Ancient elven aristocracy resided in this now abandoned palace. It is large palace and the interior is kept clean through magic placed on it by the last of the elves that left the area. It was once known as Laurina Aduial (Golden Evening) for the way the walls caught the glow of the setting sun. That name is all but forgotten by most elves, though there are a few in Helicharis that would know of its history. The palace is now open to all residents of Elysium, just be careful not to get lost wandering through the corridors!
• Ancient Elven Ruins: The ruins lay in the South of Elysium and is home to Euryale, the last Gorgon and the oracle that foresaw the fate of the world. She is guarded by two sphinxes who will stop any intruder who does not answer their riddles. However, the sphinxes will not mind random exploration of the ruins as they are full of history!
• Ancient Elven Tree: Ancient and modern elves alike hold the belief that they are descended from the oldest trees on the planet and that these trees are the source of their magic. The tree in Elysium, named Athan'dae, is the oldest in the Elven community. It is also one of the most beautiful trees in the world, with shimmering golden bark and leaves. The magic within the tree can be felt by all creatures. Athan'dae is open to all visitors throughout the year, just don't be disrespectful or the Elven guards will chase you away.

Other Notable Sites

• Steeple Rock, home of the gryphon pack. They may be visited, for gryphons are militant but friendly, though they are very serious creatures. Their leader is Argylos.
• Mountain Ranges, circle the entire expanse of Elysium's land and serve as added protection against the outside world. The mountains are visitable for citizens.
• Caves, home to some dwarven communities, such as Herek the Third's dwarven kingdom in the North.
• Farmland and Livestock Ranches, many farms and ranches are out to the west. A few people live over here, especially those who tend to the farms and animals.
• Tol'hith, an isle on the east side of Lake Alata'elen, close to the mountain ranges. Unsupervised visit is not allowed, though it is possible at the risk of death or mutilation by the beasts, such as the chimeras and manticores, that live on the isle.

Distances:
From Helicharis to:

• Waterfront Bungalows, Lake Alata'elen, Van'taurë Lake: 20 to 30 minutes (on foot)
• Silmé Lagoon, Abandoned Elven Palace, Forest Cottages, Ancient Elven Tree: 40 to 50 minutes (on foot)
• Ancient Elven Ruins, Farmlands, Steeple Rock, and other outlying areas of Elysium: 1.5 to 3 hours (on foot)
• Note: If traveling on horseback, times are reduced by 30 minutes or more.

Map of Elysium.

Residency in Elysium.

No matter where one chooses to live in Elysium, they will most likely find themselves in a cottage if they are of the two-legged sort. Large houses are not built for individuals, and all people live in similar-sized living quarters. There are cottages for single individuals, or cottages for families or roommates with multiple floors (floors normally do not exceed the number of four). The inside layouts are not all the same and are subject to change based on personal preference. The following illustrations below are merely for knowledge of space, size, and appearance.

City of Helicharis.

TOWN HALL HEAD COUNCIL: Theora @ ELUNESGRACE Dylan @ WISHGRANTED Constance @ CONSTANTGUARD LAWYERS: Pietro @ NOSUCHTHINGS	MEDICAL PAVILION DOCTORS: Zane @ NOSPOON Giles @ THECARINGCURSE Pryce @ PRYCEISRIGHT ASSISTANTS: Adio @ EYESOFTHETIGER MEDICAL EXAMINERS: Lucretia @ BLACKMAGICWOMAN	LIBRARY LIBRARIANS: Sascha @ BOHEMIARHAPSODY Kelsey @ NOSUCHTHINGS Duncan @ CHOOSEWISELY TEACHERS: Emily @ HEALINGENERGY
TEMPLE * CLICK FOR INSIDE IMAGE * PRIESTS/PRIESTESSES: Theora @ ELUNESGRACE Dylan @ WISHGRANTED	BLACKSMITH & WEAPONSMITH WORKERS: Aveira @ REDCANDY	WITCHES & SORCERERS' CORNER
COMBAT GYM TRAINERS: Adam @ CONSTANTGUARD	ALCHEMY LABS TRAINERS: Constance @ CONSTANTGUARD	MAGE QUARTERS
HERBALIST	STORAGE FACILITIES	STABLES

GIFT SHOP WORKERS: Riley @ ROLLWITHTHEPUMA	TAILOR SHOP WORKERS: Kazuki @ BLOODISYOUTH	CERAMICS SHOP
SWEET SHOP	THE CAFÉ * CLICK FOR CLOSE-UP IMAGE *	THE BUTCHER WORKERS: Radu @ ITSNOTACURSE
MAGICAL SUPPLIES	ART SUPPLIES	GLASSBLOWERS
THE WOODSHAPER WORKERS: Rion @ OHDEER_	THE WINE BAR * CLICK FOR INSIDE IMAGE * WORKERS: Eliza @ NOSUCHTHINGS Sheldon @ THEGAMBLER	THE RESTAURANT
BAKERY	FRESH FOOD PAVILION

THE TIKI HUT OWNER: Loki @ LOKITHEMUSE

THE DOCKS

FARMLANDS WORKERS: Jack @ JACKTOSHOW

Map of Helicharis.