Issue: Athellion


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Athellion ... where do we start?

Athellion is one of the largest empires (based on land mass) and at the same time one of the most impressive. Not least due to the fabulous Floating Mountains, the home of the guardiandragoness Galvatros (for more information, see the issue: The Guardiandragons). These flying mountain formations are the result of a mighty, magical cataclysm that, according to the scholars, occurred in an age before the guardians. These powers shaped large parts of the country into what it is today and have thus created a breathtaking backdrop that offers a sunset that is second to none. So don't miss the opportunity to pose for an impressive painting and capture the elegance of a flying griffin at the same time.

(Note for travelers: The floating mountains of Athellion do not have a fixed position and are in constant slow motion, which unfortunately rules out precise mapping. Private and public trips should therefore be carried out with great care and it is not advisable to cross the hiking routes of the Stormfronts.)

(Note for travelers: The floating mountains are the home of griffin clans who defend their territory. Entering their areas without their consent can result in aggressive actions, which can result in serious injuries or even death!)

But as beautiful as these pictures may be, there are still dangers lurking between the rocks. The cataclysm also brought with it some Stormfronts, which from then on run through the drawn landscape. These storms are of no natural origin and, to this day, have not shown a single sign that they would subside. They are generally referred to as the "Eternal Stormfront". A total of five such Stormfronts are listed, which move in repetitive patterns across the landscape. The storm clouds cover an estimated radius of a few kilometers and are considered death zones. Massive hailstorms and flashing discharges are only parts of the destruction they bring with them. The wind forces in the center of these zones reach such proportions that even the wings of the strongest kite would easily break. Thanks to their fixed routes and the slow speed of movement, they are easy to avoid. A Stormfront moves at a speed of 10 to 15 kilometers per day. Occasionally it happens that two Stormfronts cross. Should this happen, their destructive power increases and their radius can double. At this time, the immediate vicinity of the storms should also be avoided until they separate again.
(Note for travelers: Stormfronts are considered a death zone and must be avoided under all circumstances. It is not recommended to set up camp on the route of a Stormfront. Failure to do so can result in serious injuries or death.) (Note for freelance airship captains: Always follow the flight routes marked on the navigation charts. Failure to do so can result in severe damage to the ship and crew.)

But don't let that cool you down. A visit to the city of Gal’Vatros is always worthwhile. You may even be able to meet the guardiandragoness yourself. If not, the memorial will certainly be equally attractive in her honor. Pose in front of the true-to-original images of Gal and Vatros inside the temple complex and let yourself be enchanted by the magical sparkle of their eyes. It is rumored that this glow comes from the guardian herself and that she has everything in view through the eyes of the statue. If the temple complex does not completely convince you, you can also enjoy the wonderful view of the incomparable backdrop.

The floating mountains are only part of Athellion. Those who venture further north will undoubtedly see the jewel of the country in the sky. The flying city of Haven. Many believe in the erroneous rumors that it was built on one of the Floating Mountains, but that is wrong. The real reason is far more exciting.

Haven was still on the ground a few centuries ago and further east in what is now known as the Crater. The city was under siege at the time and was hopelessly inferior to the attacking troops. The local order of mages, The Vigilant Hand (see the issue: Guilds and Groups for more information), created a magical barrier around the city for defense. This dome shield was supposed to protect them from the siege weapons of the attackers, but something seemed to have gone wrong in the execution. The dome effect tore open the earth around the city and lifted it into the air. The whole city and much of the land mass below began to float.

It didn't go exactly according to plan, but the effect was the same. The city was out of reach for the attackers. Later, however, a new danger emerged. Haven was drifting west, threatening to collide with the Floating Mountains. The Vigilant Hand offered its services again to deal with this problem as well. But contrary to expectations, the residents of the city decided against it, as many feared that unexpected effects would occur again and the whole rock might even crash. They chose a more conventional method. Huge, massive chain links were forged and connected to form a huge chain. With the help of dragons and griffins, they pulled the upper noose around the rock of the floating city and anchored the other end to the ground. The city was literally put on a leash.

The only access routes into the city are via the trade routes of the airships or by dragon and griffin flight. Daredevils are also welcome to try their hand at climbing the big chain. (Note for travelers: Climbing the Haven-chain is a considerable risk and we strongly advise against using this route to get into the city.)

Another “wonder” can be discovered on the northern borders of the country. The city of Sorlacom with the magnificent cathedral, the headquarters of the Priests of the Five (for more information, see the issue: Guilds and Groups) and the large library, in which the remaining obsidian tablets of the prophecy (for more information, see the issue: The Prophecy of the ancients) are covered. Do not miss to take a look at the faithful statues of the guardiandragons, as well as the magnificent window, which tells the amazing story of this imposing building. Let yourself be inspired by the magnificent sight of the five cathedral towers and listen to the bright sound of the five, dedicated to the guardians, silver bells.

If you can't get much from the buildings, there are also beautiful backdrops in the landscape to open your eyes. The country is criss-crossed by fertile pastures and small rivers. The gentle hilly landscapes of the Pitch and the incomparable horizon in the southwest with the Floating Mountains. The western coast flows into the Blue Bay with its rich fishing grounds. From the top of the Ivel tower you have a wide and magnificent view of the curved coastline. Let yourself be enchanted by the charm of the fishing villages, or take a small boat tour right away. Who knows what you will discover, you might even come across one of the legendary dragon turtles. Or something even more spectacular that your relatives back home wouldn't believe you. (Note for travelers: The Blue Bay is home to dangerous creatures. Among others: dragon turtles, sirens, chuule and sahuagin. The long-range tour is only recommended with a battle-hardened escort)

Along the eastern border there are several breathtaking vantage points, some of which even offer a view of the mountain fortress of the Dragons Dogma. Do not miss the opportunity to take a look at this unique building. (Note for travelers: The Dragons Dogma is a strictly prohibited area and is ruthlessly defended by the dragons and griffins that live there! It is strongly advised not to exceed their limits!)

In the center is the generous Red-Ore-Lake. It owes its name to the abundant red ore deposits in the mountains that surround this body of water. It also shines with a reddish sheen when the morning sun falls on the surface of the water. Red Ore is the raw form of arcanine sulfate and is mined in the mines by the TMC (Tormenter Mining Corporation). The mining is considered dangerous for living beings, which is why this is mostly done by the Tormentergolems. The biggest problem with red ore mining is the fine dust and the anti-magical effect. Even in the raw form, the red ore shows its inhibiting effect against magicians and the fine dust damages the respiratory tract of living beings even in small quantities. For the Tormenter, as non-living beings, this is not important. How they solved the problem with the anti-magical effect is unclear.

(Note for travelers: Arcanine sulfate or the raw form in red ore are anti-magical. (For more information, see the issue: Magic and Rituals) Immediate proximity or direct contact blocks the access of a magician until the area of influence is left.

(Note for travelers: The TMC mines are strictly prohibited and are considered as the territory of the Tormenter collective. Re-entry is considered as a hostile act.)

The east is marked by the extensive Sparkle Wood. Countless wisps give this wood a very special charm and if you look closely you can also see the eponymous sparkle in the night.

(Note for travelers: The Sparkle Wood is particularly dangerous at night. Wisps lure unsuspecting travelers into the areas of treeshepherds, who ruthlessly defend their forest. Packs of flickerdogs also roam the thicket and hunt unwary hikers. The area should only be entered with an escort and, if possible, only during the day.)

A swampy landscape stretches along the coast in the south of the country. The Black Swamps flow directly into the Black Coast and show a picturesque spectacle at dusk. The reddish rays of the sun fall on the low fog and cover the water with a shimmering curtain. At night, small lights cavort over the shallow banks and enchant your senses with their hypnotic movements. Do not miss the opportunity to see this spectacle.

(Note to travelers: The Black Coast is a dangerous wetland area, especially at night. Confirmed sightings of chuuls, sahuagin, gricks, carrion crawlers, wisps and even hydras explain the numerous disappearances of travelers. The area should only be entered escorted and, if possible, only during the day.)

If we have piqued your interest, please contact the Daracoss Tourism Agency (a company of the Five Dragons Corporation) for a fun tour through the beautiful landscapes of Athellion.

(Your experience may differ…)