Iadara
The illusion-shrouded city of Iadara (pronounced eye-uh-DAR-ah) is the beautiful capital of the elven kingdom of Kyonin.
Layers of illusion and mists hide the elven capital from unwelcome onlookers. For the invited, however, a splendor as awe-inspiring as any sight on Golarion reveals itself. No spot in this city of spires lies untouched by magic and brilliant craft. Trees intertwine with buildings in artful joinings. Patterns within patterns adorn every surface, down to the bark on saplings. Towers of silver and crystal thrust high above the treetops, and elven crafters are always decorating or enchanting some new aspect of the city. Indestructible roads and soft earthen paths open into large, circular courtyards, and elven laughter mingles with birdsong to provide a constant backdrop of nature and joy. Non-elf visitors are the object of stares but are rarely made to feel unwelcome—provided they stay in their designated areas and have officially sanctioned reasons for being there.
The Sovyrian Stone is an enormous crystal that the elves use to control the ancient portal arch that links Golarion to the fabled elven land of Sovyrian. In addition, the crystal also provides the power for all the Aiudara or Elf Gate used by the elves to travel across the world instantaneously. Though the artifact is well known to all within Kyonin, it is well-hidden somewhere in Iadara; few have ever laid eyes upon it.
Sovyrian Stone
History
The true history of the Sovyrian Stone has been lost to the ages. Legends speak of the mythical elven hero, Candlaron the Sculptor, who created both the Sovyrian Stone and the elf gates that the elves use to this day. These elf gates form a network throughout the elven homeland of Kyonin and across Golarion. These gates, although thousands of years old, are mere copies of the far more ancient magical portals that exist on Golarion. After the exodus of the elves from Golarion via the portal controlled by the Sovyrian Stone, the exiled demon Treerazer attempted to wrest control of the stone in 2632 AR and attempted to refocus the link away from Sovyrian and forge a connection to the Outer Rifts instead. This prompted the return of the elves, and Treerazer's plans were foiled as a result.Religion
Followers of the elven goddess Alseta revere all aiudara and the Sovyrian Stone in particular as sacred. Paladins of the goddess are tasked with protecting the artifact with their lives.Demographics
Primarily Elves.
Government
Iadara is home to the Kyonin monarchy and its ruling queen, Telandia Edasseril, bearer of the Viridian Crown, and is a hotbed of intrigue and political maneuvering.
Recent changes
With the re-emergence of Tar-Baphon in 4719 AR, the elves of Kyonin refocused their attention from purely internal matters to what lies beyond their domain, and reached out to neighboring countries for mutual defense. They also began to allow non-elves to enter Kyonin in greater numbers, although this is much less true in Iadara. Because of the critical importance of the Sovyrian Stone to all aiudara, much of the city remains hidden in supernatural mists and illusions that keep non-natives from discovering sensitive areas.History
In the past, magic was used purely to enhance the beauty of the city. As the nation has become more and more isolationist, however, magic is now used to obscure the true extent of the city via magical fog and twisting vines that cover the architecture. Since the arrival of Treerazer in Kyonin, the city has been under demonic threat.
Tourism
Although non-elven visitors are becoming more common in recent years, they are nevertheless rarely subjected to anything worse than curious stares from the city's elven inhabitants, provided they keep to their designated areas.
Geography
Although the city is intentionally hidden and obscured via illusion and magical fog, the elven capital is an awe-inspiring combination of elven magic and architecture with the natural environment of the Fierani Forest. Indeed, most buildings are artfully intertwined with the twisting trees, designed to protect and augment both. The structures are mostly constructed from silver, crystal, and wood, and smooth, twisting towers are popular architectural motifs. Music, laughter, and birdsong are the first sounds visitors hear when they approach Iadara.
Iadara is located on the banks of the Endowhar River. Shortly downstream of the city, the Endowhar is joined by the Kyonin River, which eventually flows into the West Sellen River.
Alternative Name(s)
City of Mists
Type
Capital
Population
56,340
Inhabitant Demonym
Iadaran
Location under
Included Locations
Owner/Ruler
Characters in Location
Related Reports (Primary)
Related Reports (Secondary)
