An Thavan (On THA-von)
An Thavan ("North Post") is the northern most outpost of the Island Elves of the The Dark Land on Sgitheanach Dubh. The outpost is located in the Glen Conon region of the Trotternish peninsula. No one is certain when the outpost was originally created. It is clearly an ancient structure, existing before the Island Elves took up residence.
The outpost houses a colony of Island Elves, who live and work within the tree and its underground areas. The elves are ruled by a Prince of Islands Elves named Travaran Araleth. Several hundred elves call An Thavan their home, in addition to the large military presence located here to protect against the growing evils found in the north of the Trotternish.
The outpost is well hidden and protected from intrusion by extremely powerful magical wards, sigils, and barriers. This magical "fence" had been cast, improved and strengthened over untold centuries. Outsiders or travelers to the area see no vale nor tree due to powerful optical effects. People or parties will encounter a think fog or mist or snow or blizzard that will cause confusion and disorientation, eventually leading the traveler around the outpost without realization they have passed An Thavan. Once inside the magical barrier one can see the surrounding mountains as if looking through a two-way mirror.
Purpose / Function
An Thavan exists to protect the Fearann Dorcha aka The Dark Land as a first line of defense against attacks and incursions from the north. A large military presence occupies the plain around the main structure. This army is ready to battle and protect against the rise of evil forces that have amassed at times in The Quirang.
Architecture
The main structure consists of an ancient oak tree whose roots reach to great depths. The tops of the tree extend at least 300 ft., if not higher. The base of the tree is around 200 ft. with the branches above spreading to near 600 ft across. The tree sits on a wide plan. The plain is a part of a wide vale in the mountains of the Glen Conon spur of the Trotternish Ridge.
History
An Thavan was originally founded as an artist and craftsperson colony of Island Elves who heard the call to leave the Fearann Dorcha aka The Dark Land and travel closer to the Dwarves that lived under the Trotternish Ridge in the caverns known as The Lairs. These elves wanted to learn more about stonework and how it could be melded with their woodwork and other arts. The original colonizers also sought to be closer to sources of precious metals and gems to enhance their artistic endeavors.
During The Dark War the elves used the outpost as a sally point against the humans who led the conflict against the Dark Land. Not knowing of its existence, the humans were initially caught off guard by the appearance of elves from the mountains of the Glen Conon spur. The clans turned back the elves and fought to a stalemate in the region, pushing the elves back to An Thavan.
In more recent times, as threats and evil began to arise in the north near The Quirang legions of warriors were moved quietly north from the Dark Land to protect against the growing darkness. The elves are now girded for another coming conflict, this time with the Black Spider and the Red Hand who serve as his minions.
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