Avaness has been cut off from the rest of the world, just after the great war between El-Shee and Humans. Shea used the last of her magical reserves to erect a magical barrier between the worlds and therefore ending the war. The people soon forgot all about Avaness, the land of the El-Shee, as it drifted further and further from conscious thought. Only a few remember the lost realm.
Even before the magical border cut it off, it was a perilous journey into Avaness. The paths lead either through Ardan Draca or the Carga Forest.
Ardan Draca – The Dragon Mountains – Western Avaness
Strange spires of granite rock cover a vast area. One can not cross over those grey mountains, but must follow the labyrinthine paths, in the hopes to cross the Valley of Fate and reach a large area called Boglach.
Boglach – Swampland – Western Avaness
The Talach Burn has its early beginnings in Ardan Draca, but not all the water flows evenly towards the south. A multitude of small streams are naturally diverted underground through caverns. The water then seeps back through the dirt in the western part far below the mountains, forming a swamp. Large, lichen covered trees dot the landscape. Sharp, hard grass mark the edges of a few remaining paths weaving through the treacherous area.
Cagar Forest – Whisper Woods – Eastern Avaness
A dark, old forest stretches along the eastern border of Avaness. Trees grow so close that the forest’s density allows only sparse sunlight. Strange creatures inhabit the twilit region of the ancient woods. Not much is known about this region, since most travelers avoid it and rather take their chances following the Ceobanach Burn north and then head west towards Ardan Draca. If a traveler is lucky enough to survive the woods, they will enter the Wastelands.
Wastelands – Eastern Avaness
Black rock formations litter the landscape. It’s a hostile environment, unable to sustain life. Once a fertile plain, now just a reminder of a long ago battle, fought with magical force. Ugly scars mar the ground; large and small fissures weave through the cracked dirt, expelling hot steam. This in turn covers the whole area in a thick fog, hiding Tur Eolas in its center.
Tur Eolas – Tower of Wisdom – Eastern Avaness
Once the center of learning, the tower has fallen into disrepair and stands forgotten. Here the El-Shee were educated in the use of magic. The tower consists of various levels of instructions. The pupil would enter the lower levels and learn about the use and power of magic.
Dorcha Raon – The Dark Plains – Central Avaness
The Dark Plains take up much of Central Avaness. A long time ago, long before the great war even, these plains were fertile farmland. Lush, dense grass covered the area and served as a great source of feed for a variety of livestock. Now, like most of the land, it is an unforgiving place. Neither grass, nor weeds will grow here, all that remains is dark, dead earth.
Siabra’s castle stands like a black sentinel upon a hill on its western edge, close to Ceobanach Burn. Even the river has difficulty crossing this terrain and its waters are a mere shadow of the strong current that began far to the north in Artanis and winds its way south through Avaness.
Sàmhach Woods – The Silent Woods – Southern Avaness
To the far south of Avaness, near the western edge, ancient trees grow tall and green. It is the last vestige of verdant life in this forsaken land. The Silent Woods are a haven in a dark place. No harm will come to the small and large woodland creatures that have fled the magical devastation. It is silent, because no magick will penetrate its bounds and no battle cry has ever echoed through this hallowed place.
Ard Tursachan – The Great Stone Circle – Found within the Silent Woods
It is said that a great circle of stones protects the forest. However, not many have laid eyes on it, for it is found deep within the woods. It is the only magick found here and only those who are chosen to be Sheelana – Earth Mother and Protector of Avaness, will find their way to it. Many covet the power of the life giving magick and have tried to seek out its source.
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