Skyestra

While relatively new, Skyestra is a widely diverse city, attracting members of all races due to a magical allure and status as a refuge after Sravine's destruction. In addition to the more familiar and expected inhabitants number many different, less expected people:

• The Grilindur: This race of humanoids first emerged after the fall of Sravine, likely due to the magical instability as an aftereffect left by the Celestial Lance. Grilindur have translucent, gemstone skin that refracts both light and magic, and many of them can channel magic directly through their bodies. Some among them claim to have once been human, having lived near the edge of the fallout area affected by the Lance.

• The Gleidbarn: These forest-dwelling people share a special kinship with ancient trees, often with bark-like skin and leaves for hair. Their connection to the Lionwood in particular makes them natural protectors of Skyestra, and they often serve as rangers and scouts. They’re highly regarded for their knowledge of the forest and its magical properties.

• The Vetra: Another recently emerged people, created when pockets of residual magic in the Rift Expanse merged with wild elemental spirits, Vetra are ethereal beings with a humanoid form but a body composed largely of swirling air or flame. They’re often hired as messengers or for magical research, and their innate connection to elemental magic makes them valuable allies.

Skyestra’s government is led by the Celestial Council, a group of powerful casters and spiritual leaders who claim communion with divine entities. These individuals are chosen based on their ability to channel, summon, or interpret the will of these higher beings, and each council member represents a unique divine aspect relevant to the city’s survival, such as protection, wisdom, or healing.  

The High Summoner

The city’s primary spiritual and political leader, the High Summoner, is believed to have the most potent connection to divine entities. They oversee rituals, summoning ceremonies, and maintain communion with god-like beings, who provide wisdom or protection as needed. Their position is one of deep respect, viewed as both the voice of the divine and a steward of Ayonore’s fate.  

The Oracle

This council member is responsible for interpreting divine messages and prophecies, often through visions or signs that emerge from communion rituals. The Oracle is also a guide for Skyestra’s scholars and magic users, helping them understand the balance between mortal and divine realms. Their insights shape much of the city’s policy, particularly in its relationship with magic and the dangers of the Heavenscar.  

Guardians of Light

A religious-military order, the Guardians protect Skyestra from threats and uphold the divine mandates of the council. They are warrior-priests who blend martial skills with divine magic, channeling blessings and defensive spells. Guardians often accompany expeditions to the Heavenscar and maintain order within Skyestra, enforcing edicts with the authority of both law and divine mandate.   Beneath the Celestial Council is the Council of Summoners and Scholars, composed of mystics, scholars, and mid-ranking clerics who manage the city’s day-to-day affairs. They record divine visions, study ancient texts, and assist with rituals. This council also oversees the Sanctum, where ritualists prepare for summoning or consulting with entities from higher planes.

Skyestra’s infrastructure is designed with a blend of natural and magical elements to harmonize with the Lionwood’s ecology and ensure sustainability. Buildings are often integrated with living trees, with magical wards reinforcing structures rather than metal and stone.  

• Elevated Platforms and Bridges: Due to Skyestra’s forest setting, many parts of the city are elevated, creating interconnected platforms that weave through the Lionwood’s canopy. This design allows for efficient transportation without disrupting the forest floor. Large, vine-grown bridges link various districts, and transport is often assisted by gentle air currents controlled by Vetra inhabitants.

 

• The Reservoir: At the heart of Skyestra is a magical water source believed to be blessed by the spirits of the forest. The reservoir is said to cleanse magical auras, healing those who have suffered from overexposure to the Heavenscar's unstable magic. Its waters are carefully rationed, with a council-led ritual held monthly to preserve its purity.

 

• Market District: Skyestra’s market thrives on magical goods and rare forest resources. Merchants from all over Kyraelm travel here to trade enchanted items, magical flora, and potions. Traditional coin has little value; bartering or magical exchanges are the norms.

 

• The Crystal Archives: This grand library contains knowledge salvaged from Sravine and new discoveries about the arcane, focusing on protecting Ayonore from further destruction. The archives are also a place for studying Scar-based anomalies, where scholars and Grilindur inhabitants work to unlock the secrets of the unstable magics left by the Celestial Lance.