The Sylvan Heights is a mountain range that spans from the northeastern portion of the
Astar Kingdom all the way down south, stopping short of the
Starlight Glen. Within the mountains is the town of
Briarstone, home to the kingdom's most significant mines, producing precious metals and gems. The
shadow elves made the Sylvan Heights their home, where they harvest powerful crystals and gems in the ever-changing tunnels within the mountains.
by Kyraxys (pixabay)
Large, rocky mountains with snowy peaks are the first to greet you as you walk east. The closer you get, the coarser the ground becomes. Cliffs just out from the mountains, echoing a dangerous death if one were to fall off the edge. Small towns and villages coast along the mountains with some built into the mountainsides.
Mining shafts are located at the base of the mountains with railways crafted to bring the ores and gems to the depositories and storage units. The creaks and groans of the mines can be heard outside the tunnels alongside the tinking of metal picks against stone. As wind howls through the mines and cave openings, the dank smell of stagnant water can be a reminder to be careful near the mine.
by alanajordan (pixabay)
Every day a
disorientating mist rolls through the Sylvan Heights. After many years of practice, only the shadow elves know how to traverse the mist without getting lost, and even then, they never travel alone. It spreads quickly, like a soggy blanket and coils its tendrils around unsuspecting travelers. The mist is so think that bonfire light cannot be seen from a quarter-mile out. So, the shadow elves have even begun using a bell system that rings every hour on the hour for five minutes to help lost travelers attempt to find their way back.
During the wee hours of the afternoon, when the sun is at its peak, the mist dissipates for a short period of time. The shadow elves have come to know this as the "
time of cleansing", when they can quickly bathe in the refreshing rivers and pools that snake through the mountains. This period lasts for about three hours before the mist comes rolling back in and any who are caught in its embrace are swallowed, sometimes never seen again. If a traveler does happen to find salvation or is rescued by the shadow elves, the traveler is known as a
mist lost, a being with cloudy eyes and a whisperer of secrets.
There have been times when the mist decides to roll in early and ensnare victims much quicker, and disappearing during the middle of the night. These random events have sparked a much needed investigation into what is causing the mist.
Comments