danielsmaps

The Elven Capital of Calinestelë

Added 2024-09-12 07:00:05 +0000 UTC

Hey everyone! Let me present to you the City of Calinestelë, the second map for the Great Cities theme.

Calinestelë is the city beloved by every elf in the land of Ninwenorë. The city was built according to the elves' ideals of balance, harmony and beauty. Unlike many other elven settlements, this city was not grown over time, but carefully chosen, designed and realised to serve as an example of elven culture at its best.

The land of Ninwenorë was discovered and populated by the elves many centuries ago, long before anyone alive can remember. When their ships first landed on the shores, they started building settlements; homesteads, villages and spacious cities. These were all built according to traditional elven design, and grew as more elves arrived in their new home. The settlements were carefully integrated in their natural environment, winding around rivers, tree lines, cliffs and waterfalls. Over time the settlements grew larger, both in size and number, but the city of Calinestelë was yet to be founded.

When the elves had set the boundaries of their new homeland, and secured stability the wisest and oldest of them gathered to discuss plans for a city, worthy of being the capital of all elves. Its location was decided to be in the heart of their new home, at the mouth of the river Duinestelë. They gathered seeds of the golden trees of Eleseyar and Calialda, which they planted and carefully grew. Then they started construction of the palace of the High-King and the surrounding gardens, as well as the streets, bridges and harbours. They built many temples, including the temples of Aladan, the God of the Sea and marine life, and Furnadan, the God of Plants and Animals. They also built the Great temple of Milory, their most beloved deity, the Goddess of Nature.

As they spent more time on their new home they communed with ancient spirits that have lingered in these lands since long before the elves came here. These spirits, too, were honoured in the Shrines of the Faerie Triad, where the elves pay respect to the old shepherds of their new home.

When the city was completed it was named Calinestelë and made the capital of the elves. Now the High-King and his High-Council linger in this place, where they ensure the prosperity of the elves for generations to come. Their task is not an easy one: they fled Wordal in fear of the Elven Purge, a brutally violent attempt by humans to eradicate all elves. But their new home, Ninwenorë, though isolated, is part of a much larger continent. Once again they share this land with humans, though of a different culture. It is up to the High Elven rulers to make sure that peace with these people is maintained.