Illustus

Illustus is the home to the Sun Elves on Solinar, second of the Elven nations to arise after Quinvala. As one of the most ancient of places, it teems with magic and wonder that few can match. None but Elves are allowed within the deep forests, yet any visitor may come to Elfhome to meet with and trade with the Elves. It is known that in the western reaches of the great forest Centaurs and Felians have made their homes, the lands bequeathed to them by the Elves. Waterton is a protectorate of Illustus as well, forming a great northern nation.

The kingdom simply called Illustus in the tongue of Man is the home to the reclusive Elves of Aver. It is known that they, along with the Dwarves of Earth Home, and the Halflings of Waterton, lived upon Aver long before Man came to her shores… but they offer little in the way of lore to those not of their blood. To this day, no Man has ever set foot within the Forest of Illumination without heavy escort by the Elves, and even then they are unable to speak of what they have witnessed to anyone not of Elven blood. It is said that the wizards of the Elves bewitch those not of their blood and make it so that they can never reveal secrets they have learned… but the truth is unknown.

A vast tree and ground city is known to exist in the wood from tales told by those Elves that were willing to speak of their homeland. A place of such wonders and beauty that no man could ever lay eyes upon it and speak of it afterward… for the words to describe what was witnessed were beyond those of Man. Whatever the truth, the Elves have lived within these forests for generations, and few are found outside of the leafy green canopy. Rumors persist by seafarers that there is a hidden island north of Aver that the Elves claim as their own, fiercely defended and spell cloaked to keep out non-Elven people. The truth of these rumors has never been plumed as most would much rather avoid the certain death that waits for any too bold to try.

Elfhome

One of few places that those not of Elven Blood may freely congregate in Illustus, Elfhome has become a haven for Half-Elves and others at the border to the great Elven nation.

Ruled by Ebarin Izarifel, a Human spellcaster favored by his God, the land serves as the neutral ground that the Kingdom of Raran, Earth Home, and others come to speak to the Elves.

Elfhome is a small village the Elves established when Man came to Aver. This village is home to very few Elves really, but a great many Half-Elves live here and serve as messengers for those that seek audience or favor from the Elves.

A few Humans have found refuge in this village as well, though their customs and ways are more closely tied to the Elves than those of their ancestors.

Leadership – Elfhome is led by Ebarin Izariphel though even he serves Queen Illana.
Population – Less than 20 Elves live in Elfhome, but over 500 Half-Elves and 100 Humans make the village their home as well.
Shops – Minimal by Human standards.
Defense – No defenders are present within the village, instead living in a large tree fortification just north of the village itself. It is unknown how many are present in this fortification, but it is estimated that approximately 500 Elven warriors, wizards and priests make their home there.
Local Lore – Elfhome was established when Man first set foot upon Aver as the Elves foresaw a time when Humans would attempt to invade their lands. The establishment of Elfhome has served to keep Humans at bay up until now. No local lore exists of the village itself, but the forest northward is alive in history and mystery.

Waterton

The small hamlet of Waterton was the scene of a long-ago battle between Elves of Illustus and Dwarves of Earth Home. The two nations went to war over the vast fresh-water underground sea beneath the land... until the fateful day the battle raged to the lands occupied by the Halflings.

With an uneasy peace brokered, the Halflings once again ruled their own lands... but saw the need to strengthen their position so that something like the war never happened again. Formally accepted into the Kingdom of Illustus, the Halflings have known prosperity for their people unlike any time beforehand.

Waterton is a Halfling village allied to the Elves and falling under their protectorate. It was assumed that the land once occupied an area near a body of water, but no man has ever seen this for themselves. The truth is that Waterton sits atop a vast underground lake of fresh water, watched over by the Halflings. This lake serves as an emergency source of water for the Elves of the forest in times of draught, and it also serves as the primary means of livelihood for the Halflings.

The lake is filled with fish that is the diet of the Halflings, and the hard, boney head of these fish serves as material for small sculptures which have made the Halflings wealthy. Human nobles have been known to spend lavish amounts of gold on a shipment of Halfling sculptures, and trade between the Halflings and Humans has risen in the last decade to reflect this popularity.

Leadership – Waterton is led by the aging Mayor Balyh Proudtoes.
Population – A full census of residents has never been taken before, but it is estimated that approximately 12,000 Halflings populate the hills surrounding a small village of 400. This would make Waterton the largest population center of Halflings on the face of Solinar.
Shops – Minimal by Human standards.
Defense – Waterton is defended by a dedicated crew of Halfling warriors numbering at roughly 500, led by Sheriff Hestan Tallfoot (HalflingM; NG; Fighter 8; Rogue 4). In addition, the Elves protect Waterton in times of war.
Local Lore – Lore of the area centers around the Dark Lake buried beneath Waterton. The Lake is said to be some two days boat ride in width, one day boat ride in length, and fed by a huge underground river that comes from the mountains to the west. Rumors of dark magic and illithid enclaves further downstream persist to this day, and no Halfling will go further than a day's ride away.

RIVERSPOT

Riverspot is a new hamlet that has sprung up on the southern border within Waterton. This hamlet, though currently small(ish), is growing. Current inhabitants only number to under 50... with the majority being Halflings. Humans make up the remainder of the population except for one, lone Dwarf that runs the local forge.

Leadership – Riverspot is led by the local mayor of the hamlet, a Halfling named Tomas Proudfoot.
Population – Less than 50 inhabitants call Riverspot home. This is broken down to 60% Halfling and 40% Human, with one Dwarf.
Shops – Minimal by Human standards.
Defense – No defenders are present within the hamlet. All able-bodied inhabitants will help to defend the hamlet if the need arises.
Local Lore – No local lore exists of the hamlet itself, but the area is strongly linked with Waterton to the north.

LAKEVIEW

Lakeview is the Mythal shrouded island in southern Illustus that serves as the retreat for the Royal Family. Few know it even exists and none but Elves, and Ebarin, may even step foot upon the island.

FELIAN SETTLED LANDS

The descendants of Mufano who refused to initially settle into one location eventually did so, settling in the western forests of Illustus where they serve as a buffer between Elven and Dwarven land. The area was ceded to them, granting them full autonomy of the area, though they work closely, and well, with the Elves of Illustus.

CENTAUR SETTLED LANDS

Centaurs were invited to settle within the western portion of the forest, serving as defenders of Illustus. They did not ask for similar treatment of the lands as the Felians did, therefor the Centaurs are considered Elven subjects, and remain happy with this fact.

MILITARY TRAINING ISLAND

This island serves as the location all members of the Elven military train. Civilians and other races are not allowed on this island unless associated with the military of the Elven nation.

ELVEN TREE TOWNS

Throughout eastern Illustus many Elves live, mainly in treetop hamlets. All living in peace with nature around them.