Welcome to Ethgan'tor [Start Here]

[Adder]

Welcome to Ethgan’tor, holy city of the Esh’lahier elves.

This thread is to help you understand the city and to find your way around. Now it is not a detailed introduction to the city and if you intend to play here, there is a very high level of detail that you will need to become accustomed to, but that is too complex for this.

There is only one forum so you can find everything here, but I’d suggest that you use the maps to make sure that you don’t miss locations that would be interesting to you. Locations will normally contain NPCs (Non Player Characters) that you can use when self or peer modding posts in that location, as well as other information to help you. If there aren’t any such NPCs then it means that the location is modded directly by the GM (Game Master) and you will need to wait for a response. New players to Alleria might want to skip down to the second post of this thread.

This thread is organised as follows:

• A description of the city
• How to enter the city
• Some general things to remember when posting in Ethgan’tor
• Link Map - To all locations within the city
• Guidance for new players to Alleria
• Timestamping guidance

Moderator Note
I am very happy for people to peer mod in the city, especially previous mods of the city. If you have a thread that you wish to run, please feel free to PM me about it.


Short Description of Ethgan’tor

This city is very different to those cities that form part of the Allerian Empire. Unlike all the other cities, except perhaps Orckon, the orkish fortress, the city is not part of that Empire even though it sits within its borders.

The city is hidden deep within the Forest of Light and only rumours of its existence are known to those not of the Esh’lahier race. The Forest of Light is deep in the west of the empire and only a short distance from its border. The area is wild and few live there since the Forest has a reputation for strangeness and an intolerance for strangers.

The city sits high up in the hills and whilst is not subject normally to harsh weather, still it is cool in summer and cold in winter. The weather is fickle and as with any high location is subject to change without notice

Population: 30,000

Population Breakdown: 75% Esh’lahier, 20% Fae-folk, 5% Humans.

Publications:

Vaen Darthien Culture By Iranir Andares.

Eli'tha: An Inside Culture By Tiyribi Andares.

More Detail on the City

GMs Maddyn, Peach and others worked very hard on developing this small city. It is filled with intrigue and depth. If you wish to play in Ethgan'tor, you must understand that this place is not friendly to races outside of Fae Folk and Esh'laheir. Those of other elfin races or other humanoid races establishing him or herself here must understand the risks involved and play accordingly. This forum is not for every player.
However, if you believe yourself to have read about Ethgan'tor, what it has to offer, and are willing to take on its challenges, I welcome you to stay.


Abstract: The holy city of the Esh’laheir, nestled in the heart of the Forest of Light.

Geography:

Ethgan’tor is located in practically the epicenter of the Forest of Light, its foundations rested inside a small basin that had once been a clearing of wild grasses and flowers. The clearing still reaches on for about a half of a mile after the city walls, hence the evidence of the original surroundings. Not much besides trees, low creeping bushes of berries, and mushrooms grow within the confines of the forest. The trees are generally cedars, which are able to withstand the moderately cold winters and snows of the Lauryllian province. The summers are also mild in the surrounding area, and sometimes sea breezes can reach up to the forest and its city. In the fall, and stretching into the winter, a light mist can be present amongst the walls and the trees. It is more dense, however, when one moves towards the ocean and surrounding rivers of the province.

The city is built largely out of pristine white marble, excluding the shop of the weapon smith, since ash generally discolors its perfection. Some of the stones excavated from the mine are shot with a pale, rosy color, which is present in the more common establishments such as shops. The architecture in Ethgan’tor can be considered baroque, with domes and round stained glass windows in earthen colors instead of the spiky and more malicious gothic counterpart. It’s built in a circular fashions, and divided into nine sections, which the main streets run through like the spokes of the wheel. It was built like this to represent Ioannes and reinforce his trio of Justice. One major noble house can be found in each of the nine sections. A wall of marble encircles the city, although its main protection is in the Trials that lead up to it, and the powerful illusions that wipe it from the eyes of those with evil intent.

Background and History:

After betraying their dark elven cousins, the Esh’laheir race fell generally into a state of chaos, unable to decide whether they should follow their old Gods, or the ones who had spared them of a more miserable fate. They obtained no help from the Light Elves for their actions towards helping them win the war, and none was expected. The deed had been committed largely to help their own race heal from dark times, and a few slaughtered light borns meant little to them. With this controversial nature in play, they wandered the snowy northern areas of the Empire, avoiding contact with other races as much as possible. After many years, and the last few generations of Humans had died out, they found it safe to leave their mountain homes.

Some traveled to the cities to test the limits of the old hate, and help to heal wounds that had long since been in existence. Meanwhile, a band of the original Esh’laheir went searching for their new home. The mines, and the already-cleared area within the forest of the Lauryllian province seemed to be an answer to their prayers. In an attempt to start over anew, they built many aspects of their city around the beliefs of Ioannes and other Aetherian deities. Still, the dark beliefs lingered, and have not dissipated as of yet. None aside from their own kind were told of the making of the city, although Humans from surrounding towns were imprisoned for labor. When they returned to their families babbling about the White Elves, or did not in some circumstances, they were generally dismissed as ill in the mind. Since not many aside from a select few are able to find the city, it still remains mysterious and withdrawn from the rest of the Empire. Which is mildly ironic, indeed, since it is built on royal lands.

Society and Culture

For now, please read up on the Houses Discussion listed in the Realmcraft, found here by clicking! If you have an Esh'lahier PC and would like to start in one of the Houses, the best I can do for you is take away the starting crowns and the one room hovel and your PC may start in one of the lower five houses, most likely the Eigth and Ninth. Be forewarned that this requires you to read up on Esh'lahier history, language, and write ups to play the character adequately.

Major Landmarks:

The Bright Temple of Ethgan’tor is perhaps the most amazing thing to see within the confines of the city. It is gargantuan in size, yet still retains its beauty, and has a wing dedicated to each and every Aetherian God or Goddess. Some of these receive more traffic than the others, which is evident from the wear patterns on the surface of the age-old stone floors.

Lil Vigaj, or The Madness in the common tongue, is not a place for joyful travelers. The prison is situated completely underground, with only one main exit leading out to the world. It is rumored, however, that it has connected tunnels with the mines, allowing for prisoners to escape and flee its harsh realities. This is a hard thing to do for most races, however, due to the complete darkness and complexities of the earthen ways.

Economy:

The denizens of Ethgan’tor, themselves, prefer to make as little contact with the outside world as possible. They trade their arts and their stone, along with furs and the like, to the Eli’tha and the Vaen Darthien. These more free-range dark elves trade with people from the Empire, and bring some of their profits back to the holy city. In this fashion, it has continued its existence for many years, without too much incident. They rely mainly on a more refined work force than most cities, and their elegant weapons and jewelry is widely sold without knowledge of from where the items came. When the light races are ignorant of this, business is more profitable.


Benefits and Dangers:

There are many ways to better oneself in the city of Ethgan'tor. That is, if this individual is either an Esh'laheir or a Faerie. The fine Arcana institution is able to teach Sorcery and Song, and the Temple is oftentimes willing to give courses in Theology or Thaumaturgy. Also, the noble Houses have taken to teaching as of late, in an attempt to boost their popularity with the public. The military provides training to all that have a part in it, although usually only citizens have positions. In a time of uncertainty, it is easier to gain power, and just as simple to lose it. In Ethgan'tor, those pale elves that are tired of being segregated and mocked can have an indefinite respite from the rest of Telath.

Races aside from the two mentioned before will have a hard time living in the city. In fact, it may very well be next to impossible. Humans and light Elves are not allowed within the walls, unless they are to be used as slaves for work. And even that is only for the former. Vysstichi are strongly advised not to come near the city, and will be killed without a single warning upon approaching the gates. A dark-skinned elf with any sort of malicious look to them will be annihilated without question. Esh'laheir inside the city are very rarely threatened, aside from the uncommon assassinations usually taking place between the noble houses. Pale elves of the nomadic and rural sects are often treated with slightly less respect than the city-dwellers, due to their old fashioned ways. Still, this doesn't add up to anywhere near the predjudice that an Esh'laheir would face in a city of the Empire.

City Overview By GM Peach, with hardly any additions by Dark Bomee

[Adder]

Entering the City

Unless you are Esh’lahier or one of the Fae races, then do not assume that you will be able to enter the city. Anyone who is not of those races cannot post straight into the gates; instead you must first post into a new thread and find your way through the Forest of Light. Only if you are successful in overcoming the challenges there will you be able to post into the gate.

There is only one entrance into the city. Unless you wish to start as a resident of the city you must post into the Tel' Nim Ando. (Ethgan'tor's Gates)


The City

The population of the city is a mix of Esh’lahier and Fae but the culture is overwhelmingly that of the Esh’lahier. Much of the Fae population is actually transient since there is a large Fae population within the Forest itself.

Those wishing to transact official business such as house purchases should visit the Tel' Fenda. (Aedile's Office). The property and manor of the Eska en Tingilide Silma - Estate of House Melyannarim’Elena, one of noble Houses that sits as member of the governing body of the city, is illustrative of the formal system of Houses by which the city is organised.

For those visiting the city and who do not belong to one of the powerful ruling houses or perhaps just want to have a drink or a meal then the Mith'sereg (The Silver Ale Inn) is the place to visit.

One of the most important buildings in the city is the Tiri'yaana en Ethgan'tor [Bright Temple of Ethgan'tor], a building designed for prayer and worship and which has separate wings dedicated to each of the gods and goddesses. But for those for whom shopping is more important then there are a number of shops where you can spend your crowns: Aelantirial's Alchemy will satisfy all of your needs for lotions and potions, while Falma'makil (Crested Wave Weaponry) will allow you to outfit yourself with weapons, though be warned that the Esh’lahier have a somewhat unusual view on what weapons are acceptable. If it is animals that interest you then you can get a horse or stable yours at Ilma'rokko (Starlight Stallions Stables) or simply buy an animal at Kai'nuar's Pets. For those who need fashion or practical items then Lantaraana's Clothing will be pleased to assist you, though if you are of an artistic or literary bent then Melyanarrim’Elena Scribe and Print Shoppe should have what you are looking for. But if none of these have what you are seeking then it is always worth dropping into Raane'mahtar Wenyas (Wandering Warrior General Supplies) to see if they might have what you need.

The city teaches some arcana, though it is limited to sorcery and song, but if you are interested then apply to theIstimamen' Selu [Academie Arcana].

For those looking for jobs, the shops above may need help if you ask or you can try the The Ethgan'tor Mines. The noble House N’Mora is responsible for ensuring the mines remain operational as they provide much of the riches that the city relies upon in order to import what it needs to survive. If you have a military bent then there is always the Citizen Levy Command Center, though since citizens are required to submit for service in Ethgan’tor’s military at the age of 120 years and there are few ways to be excused from this requirement, few apply early.

Perhaps the only place to try and avoid is the Lil Vigaj: The Madness, an age-old prison, discovered long ago by the first Esh’lahier.

Credit to GMs Padawan and Chocolate for the template for this thread. Originally by Adder, Edits by Crow

[Adder]

Link Map
Gates
Tel' Nim Ando. (Ethgan'tor's Gates)

Government:
Tel' Fenda. (Aedile's Office)
Lil Vigaj: The Madness.

Tavern/ Inns
The Silver Ale Inn

Stores
Aelantirial's Alchemy – Herbs and Potions
Falma'makil (Crested Wave Weaponry) – Weapons and Armour
Ilma'rokko (Starlight Stallions Stables) – Horses and Tack
Kai'nuar's Pets – Pet Shop
Lantaraana's Clothing - Clothiers
Melyanarrim’Elena Scribe and Print Shoppe – Pens, Ink and Paper
Raane'mahtar Wenyas (Wandering Warrior General Supplies) – General/ Adventure Goods

Schools
Istimamen' Selu [Academie Arcana] – Sorcery & Song

Military

Religion
Tiri'yaana en Ethgan'tor [Bright Temple of Ethgan'tor]

Other
The Ethgan’tor Mine

[Adder]

Some things to remember while posting in Ethgan’tor.

These points are mainly directed at players who have been members for a few months and should be aware of the rules of the game. For players new to the game, some leniency will be allowed until you've had a chance to get familiar with the game. As always, if something is confusing and needs clarification, send me a PM or post your question in the OOC thread for Ethgan’tor.

1. Timestamping is required at the start of each new thread, or your first post in a permanent location, such as a shop. If help is needed in working out your timestamp, send me a PM. Timestamps such as “a week after I arrived” are not helpful! Threads without a timestamp will not be moderated.
2. Please be careful with your fluid time. No one is happy to find out that a player is posting in different cities at the same point of their timeline. Keeping a fluid time journal is recommended, either as part of your CIR or just on a piece of paper by the computer.
3. Familiarise yourself with the rules regarding grandfathered threads. You can only start or join threads that take place in the current season (which is summer of era XI at the moment). Threads started before summer of Era XI are closed to new players.
4. Self-moderation is encouraged in threads where a transaction which is fairly straightforward occurs. If a price is not stated in the thread or there is some customising of an item, use your common sense to come up with something appropriate. If you want to check with me first about pricing, then send me a PM. NPC vendors, bartenders, officials etc will be provided in the threads for your use. There is no need to ask permission to self-moderate these threads.
5. Self-moderation is also encouraged for training threads. NPCs will be provided for various situations, but if one isn’t available for what you had in mind, you can have a go at creating one; throw a short description of the npc up in the storytelling development thread in realmcraft and I’ll give it a stamp of approval before you progress. Alternatively, I’ll help your PC find the npc trainer and then hand him/her over to you for the actual training. All training threads should be flagged up with me by PM before you begin, so I can subscribe to the thread and then follow your training. Also when you think you have finished, PM me so I can certify your training. If you need guidance on a training thread… PM me. I think there’s a pattern here
6. Other threads which you wish to either self-moderate or peer-moderate must be cleared with me first. These are mainly character development threads or adventure threads. PC to PC threads don’t need permission unless an event arises which would traditionally require moderation.
7. Regarding posts – these should be written in the third-person narrative, past tense. If you are uncertain about what that means, PM me and I’ll help you out. As far as possible, correct grammar and spelling is appreciated. Use the spell checker! Try to be descriptive in your posts, but don’t feel the need to post 5000 characters for a simple transaction. And finally, there is no need for Out-of-Character comments at the start or end of IC posts. If you have a question relating to your thread, either PM me or the person concerned, or stick your question/comment in the OOC board. Posts or threads started by PCs which are purely OOC posts/threads will be deleted from the IC boards.

Okay so, basic idea of how to play and character created – great. Now to make you first few posts. If you are not a seasoned player of role play games and have not played in a format like this before, you might be wondering how to begin. The best advice I can give you is to keep it simple at first. Bear in mind that your starting character has no skills, few crowns and a tent to live in so rushing off to hunt orcs is not the wisest move. Instead, do a few posts where you’re trying to get a feel for your character and how they interact with others.

First posts ideas:

• Drop into a tavern for a drink! Look for threads which you might be able to join, or be bold and start your own, putting OPEN at the end of the title to your thread. Even if no PC is around to join you, a friendly npc will probably make an appearance.
• Create a thread which describes your home! Whilst you begin with a tent, it will still reflect your character and you never know when a neighbour might drop in on you.
• Go shopping! After all, you have 500 gold crowns to your name and no one can go adventuring without some equipment.
• Get a job! Visit the Aediles Office for some career advice, or just try your luck by asking for work at the various stores and offices.
• Sign up for some training! Future heroes and villains need skills if they are going to advance.

Remember also that you are not tied to one city. If you want to move on, then do so. Travel through the wildernesses, visit other cities. If you want to sell your home, then visit the Aediles Office and you’ll have even more crowns to fritter away.

In the end, the point is to have fun exploring your character. If at any point you need help there are lots of places and people you can turn to and these are just some of them:

• GM Adder/ Crow/ Oracle – Yes, that’s me. Send me a private message, or post your question in the OOC thread for Ethgan’tor. I’m not at all scary. Honest. I can’t be… OK, I am… .
• The Player Advisors – This is a team of people dedicated to helping new players settle into the game. One of them will be sending you a welcome message soon after you register and this thread tells you what they do.
• The OOC thread for Ethgan’tor – This is where any questions regarding Ethgan’tor can be asked, as well as any comments, suggestions and requests can be made. Either myself or another player will drop in to help you out.
• The Question and Answer forum – If you want to ask a question about anything to do with Alleria that you need help with understanding, this is a place where you will get your answer. It’s quite likely that your question has already been asked before, too, so browsing this forum can be quite educational.
• The Chat Room – For immediate help or answers to questions, or just a place to hang out and get to know some players on Alleria, this is a great place to go. If you see me there, say hi!

[Dark Bomee]

Guidance for New Players to Alleria

Warning! The links are largely inactive at the moment – this will be corrected as the articles come back online.

First of all, welcome to Alleria, or rather, welcome to your new addiction. For those who love writing, interacting and immersing themselves in a fantasy world, this is the game for you.

Next, you might be wondering how to play this game? Basically Alleria is a massive forum where players write out the story of their character, interacting with other players and having their adventures moderated by Game Masters, Peer Moderators and occasionally, moderating their own actions. Cities are laid out in forums where descriptions of locations are used in these adventures, and these cities are overseen by the GMs. There are a number of resources already written to help you get started, and rather than repeat what’s been already done, I’m going to list what might be most helpful to you initially.

Warning: You might feel like you are getting an information overload at first. This is normal! Take your time looking around, there is no rush as this game will wait for you. As you start to post, things will begin to fall into place and after a month you will feel like you’ve been here forever.

The following pages will give you an initial introduction:

• Quick Start Guide – Actually not that quick, but it gives you a good idea of what you can achieve in the game!
• Robert’s Guide to Beginning in Alleria – This is the one to read if you truly want to get to grips with the game. Grab a coffee or whatever is your tipple, sit back and absorb …

Now you’re probably wanting to create your character, or you may already have done so, but you’re beginning to realise it might need adjusting to fit in with the Allerian world. These pages will help you tweak your profile into place.

• Character Creation – This page helps you fill out the different fields in your profile. If you need to edit your profile, click the icon at the top which says Prefs and then click on Edit Profile. Voila!
• Races – Alleria has a variety of races which you can choose from and they are all listed here. Only those with Player Character next to them can be used. The one especially relevant to us is Esh’lahier
• Character Naming Policy – To avoid Alleria being over-run with elves named Legolas, this tells you what names can and cannot be used. The name of your account which you registered with is also the name of your character in the game. To change your name, click the icon at the top which says Help and then click on New Ticket to make a request to change your name. For more advice on how to make a ticket in the Help Desk, follow this link

[Gryffin]

Timestamping - What you need to know!
Lichen’s Timestamping guide shows how to make a fancy timestamp in detail. I’m not too worried about getting all of those details into a timestamp though and something as simple as Brightening 4, Aperitus, Summer, Era XI will do just as nicely.

Currently the season is summer and it is Era XI. This must be in the timestamp. After that choose from one of the six months of that season – Cryxatum, Aperitus, Optia, Ioannes, Imperos or Junctior. Then choose a cycle from 1 to 5 then a number from 1 to 10 for the brightening of the event. As long as you keep a record somewhere of how your PC’s timeline fits in all your events chronologically (even if it’s just in your head) you’ll be fine with me.
Quick summary of time in Alleria

The Day is called a brightening.

It consists of 29 candlemarks (hours). 14 candlemarks are for candlemarks of light, and 15 candlemarks are for candlemarks of darkness. Some PCs refer to night time as darkening (as opposed to brightening).

There are 10 brightenings in a cycle (week).

There are 50 brightenings, and hence 5 cycles, in a month.

There are 10 months and usually 4 seasons in an Era. The seasons are the same as in real life, winter, spring, summer and autumn. The number of months to a season varies with each era. Don't assume they are evenly divided between the seasons.

There are three eras to a pattern. The pattern is a little odd as we don’t have a real life equivalent. All you need to remember is that your PC’s age is measured in patterns. So when you say that your PC is 24, for example, he or she is 24 patterns and not 24 eras. The GD will make an announcement when it’s time for you to age your PC another pattern.

For a list of the names of all the brightenings in a cycle and months in an era, check out this guide.

Confused? Need help to make a timestamp? Let me know by private message or ask in the OOC thread for Ethgan’tor.