Welcome to Celarruhn

Introduction

  Celarruhn [Kel-ah-roon] is an island full of wild beauty and magic, elements which are also reflected in the diverse species that call Celarruhn home. Whether on the land, in water or skies, humans, elves, dwarves and many other fantastical species live, work and roam. Magic, commonly known as arcana, can be found almost anywhere a trained eye knows to look, but not everyone can instinctively access or manipulate it. Whether born with an innate ability or not, it is possible for anyone to recieve training and become a witch, either through official educational institutes or independant study of books and scrolls.   The further north in Celarruhn you go, the cooler it gets as chill winds blow in from the Akeshi Sea, and down from the icy peaks of the northernmost mountains of the Rannoc Ranges. Beyond the Ranges the land is tough, but the people are gentle. Harsh winters have forced communities to gather closer together, forging bonds that go deep and traditions that extend a warmth to all wanderers. The south of Celarruhn endures much milder weather, and while the people may not be quite as friendly as in the north, they are by no means unfriendly. Of course, this is only speaking in a broad term for the collective northern and southern people, the individuals themselves are as diverse in character as one would expect.   The most popular tourist destinations include the crystalline shores of the far south, where many travel to visit the hot springs within the Emerald Coves, or sail across to the south-western isle of Trotora, an island of spirits. There are two clusters of floating islands in Celarruhn that many desire to visit, yet only one has proven accessible so far - the Cloud Isles. These float west of the Rannoc Ranges, and are seemingly anchored there, unlike their southern relations, the Storm Isles.   Whether hidden behind clouds or beneath waves, there is much of Celarruhn to be explored by curious minds. Everywhere one goes, there are stories to be unravelled, histories to be learned, and technology to be discovered. From the coldest caves in the north, to the sunny beaches of the south and everything in between, the land and its people offer adventures for the brave, comfort for the cautious and acceptance for all.  

Key Locations

  The focus of these locations will be predominantly in the north of Celarruhn for now (with a few minor exceptions), as that is where Alenya currently resides, and is where her adventures take place.     The capital city Ellathas sits in the north-west, where the River Eila flows not only through the city, but also Queen Sayori's Palace. Not quite wondrous enough to be officially classified as a World Wonder, the Palace is definitely an object of pride for most Celarruhnians. Built on the very edge of the river, the palace was designed to accommodate all of Celarruhn’s inhabitants, especially those of aquatic or avian heritage, with its spacious underwater halls and tall towers. Being a keen astronomer, Queen Sayuri has also built one of the largest astronomical observatories within one of the tallest and widest towers of the palace which any fellow academic is granted permission to use. Diplomacy and discoveries are the cornerstones of the capital, pushing beyond all borders, whether geographical, political or technological.     Celarruhn's third largest city, Draxford is most well-known for the Academy of Arcane Arts. Aspiring witches from all parts of the island travel to take their place within the prestigious halls, alongside many others who journey to the city to walk in the footsteps of ancient dragons. The name of Draxford originates from the founders having believed this to be a place where dragons crossed the river; however, a later discovery of a prominent leyline corrected this assumption. Dragons have a sensitivity to arcana, so it was realised that this had actually once been a popular gathering place for them rather than a crossing. The presence of the leyline is the reason for the Academy's prestige, but there are also consequences of a more chaotic nature which the city has had to adjust to and combat in innovative ways.     Situated in the foothills of the Rannoc Ranges, High Rannoc is a quaint village where many adventurers stop during their travels. Despite the constant flow of travellers and adventurers, there is a sense of tranquility and quiet strength within the village. The pace of life is comfortably slow, the residents here sticking to their routines and little habits no matter what mischief unexperienced adventurers might bring. The lower slopes around High Rannoc is covered in a patchwork of farmland that has been lovingly tended to by generations of Rannoc residents. A few of the older farming families still live in a small hamlet in the valley, known as Little Rannoc.   Click here to learn more about the village and its inhabitants.     It is a well-known fact that creatures of the fae have a particular fondness for woodlands, and in Celarruhn that is not more evident than in Glimmerwood Grove. Stepping under the colourful eaves of tall trees, with footsteps softened by a blanket of moss, there is a sense of tranquility when first entering the Grove, yet this peace can be quickly disturbed. A path winds its way through the trees, interrupted occassionally by bubbling brooks or a rushing river, where at any point a traveller could come into contact with a Glimmerfolk. Some of these may be helpful, some might only be seen briefly, and others might prove to be more foe than friend. Within the Grove, it's not always best to stick to the path.     The cause of the continuous stench that covers the bog known as Blastfire is unknown, but there are a number of suspects that some might prefer to lay the blame on. One of these is the resident dragon species whose scales tend to be a blend of greens, browns and yellows which makes them hard to spot as they fly low over the boggy landscape. Aside from these dragons, the bog is also home to a number of gnome and goblin clans, lizardfolk, large salamanders and frogfolk. The slow-moving, murky waters are also home to plenty of fish, insects and other amphibians which are a great source of food for the numerous bird species that flock here during the spring months.     In a small valley east of High Rannoc lies the clear, sparkling waters of Melwater Loch, surrounded by pale sands and large boulders. At the heart of the Loch are a number of idyllic islands with patches of small woods and wild flowers. Whether walking the beaches or rowing across the water, there's plenty to discover in this beautiful location. One of the curiosities that resides within these waters is a fish with a peculiar skill - weaving wigs out of seaweed. Due to the power these wigs hold, they have become a sought after reagent for many witches which has caused a group of volunteers to form the Wigfish Protection Society. Situated on the shores of the loch, the newly formed organisation is keen to promote the wellfare of the wigfish and other native species.     Far beneath the tranquil surface of Meltwater Loch sits a beautiful yet broken city. While it might not be flourishing as it once was, long ago, it is by no means devoid of life. Few landwalkers dare to delve this deep, but those that do shoud be wary of just how far they go. There are many stories to be discovered here, and a number of folks who might be willing to share theirs under the right circumstances, however, some memories are best left undisturbed. Dreamwater is home to lingering ghosts, colourful merfolk and a great many other creatures. Perhaps the greatest of them all is the Guardian of the Depths, the Bás Báta. This powerful and majestic waterwyrm is a gentle giant, yet rumours have spread that recently something has disturbed it, and access to the Depths has become near impossible.     At the heart of the Rannoc Ranges stands one of the world’s natural wonders - Moonbreaker Mountain. This mountain stands tall and proud, with a peak constantly shrouded by clouds and a summit which very few have ever seen or stood upon. There is more than just weather and rockslides to watch out for when climbing these slopes as Moonbreaker is home to other creatures, and not all of them are friendly. There are a number of legends surrounding the name of "Moonbreaker", with the most common one being that the mountain reaches so high it can touch the moon itself. Another tale fancies that the mountain is actually a shard of the moon which had been thrown to the earth during a great godly conflict, and is the very source of arcana. These tales might go from the mundane to the obscure, with very few agreeing on anything, but it is without doubt that this mountain holds a majesty and beauty that draws travellers from all around the world.     Floating high upon a sea of clouds near the Rannoc Ranges are a number of islands of different shapes and sizes known as the Cloud Isles. Access to these isles is not cheap for those who do not have natural flight capabilities, as air-ships here are carefully controlled and limited, ensuring a safe and protected sky-zone. Something anchors these islands to this particular area - perhaps a strong enchantment cast by a powerful witch, or some other natural force that connects it to a close proximity to Moonbreaker Mountain, or it could even be the work of a minor god, none are too sure, but whatever keeps them in place makes navigating to and around them far easier. Unique flora and fauna can be found upon these islands, but while it may feel heavenly up here, be wary of the things with teeth.     Dangerous winds and thunderous clouds surround these floating islands south of Celarruhn, making it incredibly hard to reach them. It is still uncertain if these are caused naturally, or by some protective force around the islands. Yet there have been the occassional brave air captain that has succesfully navigated through the storm wall to the islands, and it is from such accounts that the islands' existence can be confirmed. Unfortunately, these same captains have come back with tales of creatures and inhabitants that are as dangerous and as tricky to deal with as the clouds around them, but this has not deterred others from attempting to reach them. Such folks are likely to hold the belief that these islands are so well protected because of what precious treasures they might hold, and if such treasures do exist, then the captains who have seen it may well want to keep this secret to themselves.     Any who doubt the legends of huge creatures that once wandered across the world should visit Hero's Hollow, a dungeon whose entrance can be found through the large skull of one such creature. To descend deep underground through the broken bones of an ancient creature might seem rather foreboding, but adventurers from across Celarruhn, and sometimes beyond, are often travelling here to either test themselves, or to search for hidden treasure. Within the twisting tunnels, forgotten tombs, and large caverns of this expansive dungeon are numerous creatures who prefer to live away from the light or who may even have been cursed and bound to the shadows. For those who are curious, but content to let others pursue these adventures, it is recommended to visit the Copper Fox tavern in High Rannoc, where adventurers often stay and are more than happy to share their tales.     There are certain areas across Celarruhn where access to other realms is possible via portals. If one has the means to, one such portal may be opened in High Rannoc which leads to one of the most peculiar places known in this world - a place which has simply been called The Strange. Accounts vary so much that it is hard to truly describe this realm, and even then words are difficult to find to do it justice. Home to friendly demons and full of chaotic and errant magic, it can be a confusing land to visit at first, something which the demons are well aware of and have been known to actively encourage. Fortunately, there are some simple rules that are best followed to make visits here more enjoyable, if not any less bizarre or bewildering. Anyone wishing to visit this realm might find the lack of concrete information frustrating, but it is a place best experienced and seen in person.