Arrival of the Elves

Long ago, before the rise of human kingdoms and the crafting of dwarven halls, the Elves arrived in Aedelore. They came not by chance, but by necessity, fleeing a great calamity from beyond the vast seas—a cataclysmic event they called the Sundering. Their ancestral homeland had been fractured, its people scattered, and its magical cities reduced to ruins. Guided by the stars and ancient prophecies, the Elves sailed across treacherous waters, their enchanted ships carrying them to the shores of Aedelore.

The Elves first made landfall in the north of Aedelore, where the land was rich with untamed magic and ancient forces that resonated with their own. Though they had escaped the destruction of their homeland, they knew this new land held dangers of its own. Dark powers lurked in the southern reaches, old as the world itself, threatening to rise and spread their malevolence across the land. Aware of the dangers, the Elves resolved to build a new realm—not just for their survival, but as a bulwark against the evil stirring in the south. Led by the noble House Lorendel, the Elves sought to build a fortress city that would stand as the first line of defense against the darkness.

They chose a strategic location in the southern reaches of Aedelore, where they could watch over the borders of their new domain and stand vigilant against the encroaching shadow. Thus, Lorenzia was founded—a great city-fortress constructed from shining stone, its walls enchanted with ancient wards that pulsed with protective magic. Positioned in the south, Lorenzia served as the Elves’ shield, a place where warriors, mages, and scholars united to ensure the darkness could never breach their borders. It was a place of strength, both physical and magical, embodying the Elves' commitment to keeping Aedelore safe from the lurking evil in the distant south. Lorenzia’s towers stood as watchtowers over the dark lands beyond, and its people were ever vigilant, knowing that the darkness would one day test their defenses.

Over time, Lorenzia became not only a fortress but also a symbol of hope—a testament to the Elves’ defiance of the ancient evils that sought to rise. However, the Elves were not content with merely defending the south. The northern reaches of Aedelore, particularly the northwestern lands, were of equal importance. There, a vast and wild landscape of mountains, rivers, and forests held untapped magical potential. The Elves knew that if they were to truly safeguard their people and Aedelore as a whole, they needed a place where magic could be channeled and controlled, a city that could wield the power of the land itself. Thus, Rivermount was built in the northwest, near the headwaters of powerful rivers that flowed through the land. Unlike the fortress of Lorenzia, Rivermount was a city of magic, a place where Elven sorcery could flourish and be used to contain the dark powers that stirred in the world.

The rivers that coursed through the city were more than just sources of life—they were conduits for magic, channels through which the Elves could weave powerful spells to purify the land and prevent the spread of corruption. From Rivermount’s high towers, the Elves looked out over the northern forests and rivers, maintaining their vigil against threats both magical and mortal. It became a city of scholars and sorcerers, where the most ancient of Elven magic was studied and harnessed. Rivermount’s magic helped maintain the delicate balance of Aedelore, ensuring that the land's natural forces would never be overwhelmed by the darkness below.

Though separated by vast distances, Lorenzia and Rivermount formed the two pillars of Elven defense in Aedelore. Lorenzia, in the south, stood as the sword and shield against the dark, while Rivermount, in the northwest, was the wellspring of magic, channeling the land’s power to protect the world. Together, these cities ensured that Aedelore would remain a bastion of light, forever