Chronicles of Astravara

Where gods whisper and empires rot.

Name: Sylvaran

Type: Semi-autonomous forest city-state

Region: Sylvara Forest (southeastern Astravara)

Reputation: Peaceful, mystical, reclusive, ecologically balanced

Government Type: Druidic Council (mixed elven-human)

Capital Settlement: Sylvaran (tree-city)

Symbol: The Blooming Tree encircled by two moons

Races Present: Elves, Humans, Half-elves, Gnomes, Magical Refugees

History & Foundation

Sylvaran was born just two centuries ago, making it a relatively young realm by elven standards. It began as a refuge for persecuted humans fleeing southward, and elves of Sylvara Forest who wished to preserve their land’s harmony without isolationism.

The union was brokered by two visionaries:

Eryndor Sylvane – an elven druid of immense wisdom
Lirion Thalas – a human leader and spiritual seeker

Their pact gave rise to Sylvaran, a rare realm of coexistence and sustainability, where nature, community, and arcane freedom are sacred.

Government & Social Order

Sylvaran is led by the Council of Elders, composed of 5 members:

3 Elves
2 Humans

Decisions require consensus and are guided by prophecy, tradition, and natural omens.

The society is built on collaboration and non-hierarchical exchange. Each citizen contributes to the balance of the realm — be it through craft, study, protection, healing, or farming.

Cultural Characteristics

Religion is spiritual, not dogmatic: reverence for nature, ancestral spirits, and the moons
Magic is respected, but heavily regulated to avoid imbalance
Art, music, and storytelling flourish in community rituals
Festivals follow lunar phases and natural cycles (Equinoxes, Blooming Days, etc.)

Architecture and Geography

Sylvaran is built into the forest, not upon it. Its settlements include:

Canopy Villages – homes and bridges built among tree branches
Root Halls – gathering spaces woven into the forest floor
Glimmer Springs – communal healing and meditation sanctuaries
Plaza of Harmony – central forum for debates and celebrations
Refugee’s Tower – arcane school and home for exiled magi

Key Figures

Eryndor Faelthorn – great-grandson of Sylvane, archdruid, and spiritual leader
Lirion Thalas II – human diplomat, balance-keeper in the Council
Maelis Veridar – half-elf commander of the rangers, loyal guardian
Artemis Caldir – mage exile and headmaster of the Refugee’s Tower

Relations with Other Nations

Eldoria: Cautiously cordial, despite ideological differences on magic
Caltheron: Cold and tense; Caltheron considers Sylvaran’s magical tolerance blasphemy
Norvhar: Mutual respect, though minimal contact
Elves of Sylvara: Split — some revere Sylvaran’s openness, others consider it a betrayal
Tribes of Rakkesh: Few direct links; some trade with nomads

Notable Places

The Blooming Grove – ancient site of the elven-human pact
Whispering Glade – rumored to be touched by fae or forgotten spirits
Moonwell Sanctuary – sacred pool said to grant clarity or visions
Flamebark Tree – lone tree struck by celestial fire, worshiped as omen

Magic, Rules and Refugees

Sylvaran is one of the few places in Astravara that harbors fugitive magi — those fleeing from Inquisition or war zones. They are allowed to stay under strict observation:

Rules for Refugee Magi:

May only study in Refugee’s Tower
Cannot perform rituals outside of the Tower without Council permission
Must contribute knowledge/artwork to the community in exchange for protection

Despite these constraints, Sylvaran is seen as a beacon of hope for hunted arcanists.