InsaneJournal

Welcome to Elysium.

        Elysium has been a protected Elven land for as long as elves have walked upon the earth, though it was not always known by this name. It used to be the First Home, but the elves who lived there abandoned the area thousands of years ago. It has been empty of elves and civilization, though full of other types of life, since those times. The ancient remains of those who came before still rest upon the land, which has been newly built upon to house all of the new establishments and houses to make it a haven. The exact location of Elysium is in a valley of the Balkan Mountain range, hidden from human eyes through Elven magic. It is connected to Lake Ohrid, one of the oldest lakes in Europe. The climate is classified as continental type, providing four distinct seasons throughout the year with fair rainfall in the summer and snow in the winter.

        Helicharis is the only established city. There are many residential areas throughout the land, such as the town cottages, forest cottages, or the water bungalows. Farmland and livestock ranches are over to the west. A few people live over there, especially those who tend to the farms and animals. Plenty of forests spread across the land in Elysium, though the forest land is generally only referred to in two sections: the Northern Forest in the north and the many Southern forests in the southern parts of the land. Each are home to many forms of life.

        Lake Alata’elen, meaning “Radiant Star,” is the large freshwater lake. 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). There is plenty of marine life in the freshwater lake. Connected to Lake Alata’elen is a freshwater lagoon, Silmé Lagoon, whose name means “moonlight.” Water temperatures in the lagoon are generally warmer than the lake with the waterfalls keeping it from getting too hot. The lagoon is empty of marine life. Van’taurë Lake, which means “Fair Forest,” is a large saltwater lake with water temperatures that stay fairly constant throughout the year, never dropping below 21°C (70°F) with the average around 24°C (75°F). Marine life thrives in this lake.

        Historical locations are also present in Elysium, and all places are visitable and open to all residents in Elysium. The Abandoned Elven Palace is an ancient building to the northeast, where elven aristocracy once resided. The interior is kept clean through lingering old magic. It was once known as Laurina Aduial, “Golden Evening,” for the way the walls caught the glow of the setting sun. The Ancient Elven 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.

        At last, there is the Ancient Elven Tree. Many 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 has shimmering golden bark and leaves. Athan’dae is open to all visitors throughout the year, just do not be disrespectful or the elven guards will chase you away.

        Historical locations are also present in Elysium, and all places are visitable and open to all residents in Elysium. Steeple Rock is home to the gryphons. They may be visited, for gryphons are militant but friendly, though they are very serious creatures. The caves of Elysium are also home to some dwarven communities, such as Herek the Third’s dwarven kingdom in the North. Unsupervised visit is not allowed for one location inside of Elysium: 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.

Distances from Helicharis to:
     ♦ Waterfront Bungalows, Lake Alata’elen, Van’taurë Lake: 30 minutes (on horseback)
     ♦ Silmé Lagoon, Elven Palace, Forest Cottages, Elven Tree: 40 to 50 minutes (on horseback)
     ♦ Ruins, Farmlands, Steeple Rock, & outlying areas of Elysium: 1 to 3 hours (on horseback)
     ♦ Note: If traveling on foot increase time appropriately.

Map of Elysium.
Psst! Most of the names on the map are clickable! Try it out to get a closer look of the area.

Map of Helicharis.
Map does not show the entire area. The residential area is very large and extends past what is shown below.

Residential Areas.

No matter where one chooses to live in Elysium, they will most likely find themselves in a cottage or a bungalow if they are of the two-legged sort. The inside layouts and outside appearances are not all exactly the same and are subject to small changes based on personal preference. The following illustrations below are merely for knowledge of space, size, and appearance. Click the photos for a closer look at the inside layouts of cottages and bungalows!

Town Cottages - Maximum Floors: 3 - Maximum Bedrooms: 4 - Maximum Bathrooms: 2

Forest Cottages - Maximum Floors: 3 - Maximum Bedrooms: 4 - Maximum Bathrooms: 2

Water Bungalows - Maximum Floors: 1 - Maximum Bedrooms: 2 - Maximum Bathrooms: 1