Själring

It's a place for us to remember what we are really making these decisions for; that it isn't about who it is benefiting or who gets the last say. We needed somewhere to bring us back to reality and ground our thought process. Själring is for all of us, all at the same time.

— Lindfar

History

There was a time when Askvìniké was not so conflict-free, and when its people were not united. A group of pius, passionate city and civilisation leaders came together to agree on a truce and commit to collaboration. These revolutionaries met in the centre of Askvìniké, within Löftesglänta, a then-unnamed forest, to reach an agreement. Over the years, they returned often to discuss trade or laws deemed vital for their people’s welfare.

They needed a place to stay while meeting. Various architects from across the region attempted to design a monumental space; a building worthy of hosting all leaders, where the largest and grandest decisions could be made. It was no small task, and the pressure to get it right was immense. Idea after idea was scrapped, some even mid-construction, leaving haphazard foundations, discarded scaffolding, and framework jutting from the soil.

No one could agree on which style to adopt, or whose cultural features to showcase. Arguments erupted. There were fierce disagreements, and a few threatened to abandon the initiative altogether. That was until Lindfar spoke up; a quiet, reserved old Elvan man from the farmlands south of the meeting site. He had remained silent throughout the planning and debates. He wasn’t a political leader, king, or lord; in his own words, he was simply the elder from his village, nominated to speak on their behalf.

Lindfar suggested they stop building a monument altogether. They had met comfortably in the forest for years, so why change that now? Instead, he proposed casting a magical dome, and magic was familiar and used by all those involved. This dome would cover the entire meeting area, sheltering and preserving their earlier attempts at construction. It would keep them warm, defend them from forest animals, and most importantly, give them a view of the land they all sought to protect and better. It didn’t take long for the leaders to agree. One by one, they summoned their finest mages to cast the barrier.

Together, they chose to build the meeting table themselves. Despite having little carpentry experience, they constructed a massive crescent-shaped table. It was wonky, cracked, with bent nails hammered flat to smooth the surface. It was not a fine table, but they had built it together. At subsequent meetings, each leader brought a chair of their own, or someone to craft one with them. Each chair had its own cultural flair and story. A table and chairs were all they needed. They vowed never to change that.

They named it Själring, or Soul Ring—a reminder of what they aimed to accomplish. To this day, each season the leaders gather at Själring to touch base, organise trade routes, found laws or discuss any other pressing matters. It was here they drafted Själslöfte, the first official law document in Askvìniké; a monumental part of history.

Själring

The meeting site lies in the heart of Askvìniké, deep within the rainforest. It is far from cities or towns, still a day’s travel from the Elvan farmlands to the south.

It lies in the heart of Askvìniké, deep within the rainforest. It is far from cities or towns, still a day’s travel from the Elvan farmlands to the south. It is strikingly beautiful. From outside, a glowing transparent dome spans the area; stopping just shy of the treeline. The magic, a silvery white ripples and quivers yet maintains its form. Inside, the large crescent table sits at the centre, surrounded by eclectic chairs in every colour, style, and material. The table’s shape allows all who sit to see one another clearly.

Inside there are remnants of incomplete construction, walls, foundations, paths. Each abandoned mid-build. Some have weathered and eroded over time; others remain well-preserved. They stand as a reminder that their disagreements over petty trivialities like design are not what they are there for.

There is no door. Only those with a pass may enter. Each major civilisation is granted one, and each can determine who holds it for the meeting. The pass is magically linked, allowing the carrier to walk though while keeping out thieves, or wild animals.

Many activists and politically minded individuals make pilgrimages to Själring during their lifetime. Though they cannot enter, they can observe from outside; a place where their leaders once stood together in pursuit of shared progress.