Illumé

Illumé is the capital as well as the biggest city of Ludinwehl. The city is in of itself a tribute to deity Illume, the Yin god of light. It is known for its beautifull illumination, enormous wealth, the strongest army in the world and it's refinement and elegance. It is by far the most impressive city any person has ever seen.   It is located on the island of Fhanor in Illumia, the center of the north. To describe the city's enormity; the city takes up about 50 percent of the land of Illumia, which means the city is almost as big as the island of Fhanor itself. There are a few farm villages and vineyards that surround this enormous city that provide for different varieties of food and wine.   Illumé is run by it's Ministry which has many divisions. Its army exists of an unknown amount of Warforged, naturally one of the most resilient creatures in Ludinhwel.  

History

  Illumé is a city founded in honor of the Light God, Illume. Before the God Wars, the High Elves established this city to celebrate Illume, whom they saw as the reason life was possible on the Material Plane. While the creation of different species is attributed to the combined efforts of the twelve gods, Illume was particularly revered for his contributions. At its inception, Illumé was not yet the powerhouse it is today. The land was fertile, yielding bountiful harvests, and the surrounding waters teemed with fish. While the city housed many brilliant minds working on technological and magical advancements, its wars still relied on mortal soldiers. During this period, many gnomes joined the city, drawn by its reputation as a hub for research and innovation. Illumé’s advantageous location kept it removed from major conflicts, and its already-impressive navy allowed the city to focus on improving daily life for its citizens. Governance was entrusted to an oligarchy known as the Luminous Concord, composed of representatives from the city’s founding families—at the time numbering around 40 houses.   However, everything changed with the eruption of the First God Wars. For the first time, Illumé prepared to send forces to the mainland, fighting not just mortals but also deities who had taken sides in the conflict. The city’s focus shifted from life-improving research to the creation of war machines. Many lives were lost, and several founding houses were extinguished, all in defense of Illume, the god to whom they owed their prosperity.   During this tumultuous time, internal dissent began to grow. Some citizens doubted Illume’s greatness, believing that Vel’Gon had contributed more to the world than he was credited for. Knowing such beliefs would not be tolerated by Illumé’s leaders, these dissenters gathered in secret and plotted rebellion. Illumé’s very existence was thrown into jeopardy when a legion of demons and werewolves reached its gates, supported by Karoshi Isle ships that breached the naval defenses. As the besiegers closed in, the Luminous Concord feared the rebels within the city would strike, creating chaos from within. With no way to distinguish friend from foe among the citizens, the city’s fall seemed inevitable.   Illyad of House Quoronriel devised a desperate plan. He called upon Calvorynth, an adult platinum dragon at the time, to delay the attackers. Fully aware of the dangers, Calvorynth agreed, trusting Illyad’s vision. While the dragon bought precious time, Illyad used his immense magical skill to feign an attack on the city, luring the rebels into action. The guards were prepared for this betrayal and swiftly cornered the plotters. Pursued deep into the caves beneath Illumé, the rebels found no escape. Viewing death as too merciful a punishment for their treachery, Illyad and the Concord erected a magical barrier, confining the traitors to the underground caverns within a 10-kilometer radius of the city. The traitors were left to survive in darkness, unable to harm Illumé again.   With the internal threat neutralized, the city turned its focus to defense. Thanks to Calvorynth’s bravery, the battle stabilized, and though many lives were lost, Illumé emerged victorious.   After the God Wars, an invention by Fenwickle Shimmerforge transformed Illumé forever. Fenwickle created the first Warforged, and the methods of their production became one of the city’s most closely guarded secrets. Over the centuries, Illumé manufactured enough Warforged to defend its cities and seas. These tireless constructs required no food or water, allowing the High Elves and Gnomes previously serving in the military to pursue other passions.   Today, Illumé stands as the most powerful force in the world. Many dream of living within its magnificent walls, believing life there to be magically better. However, the Luminous Concord enforces strict policies to limit immigration, requiring prospective citizens to prove their ability to contribute to the city’s greatness. While some criticize the Concord and accuse the nobles of arrogance, such dissent is never voiced openly. To speak ill of the city, especially where the Dawnward might hear, is to invite trouble.  

Known characters who came from Illumé

• Aerith and Zharrus were born here.

 

Party revelations

 

• They recently found out there is an experiment being done on Zharrus, Aerith's brother. There they are trying to turn Zharrus into a Warforged with the use of a Soul gem via torture.
• There is a not well known city that is underneath Illumé called Arnotar.