Kelethin

The Spirit of Faydwer

This tree city is one of Faydwer's most noteworthy and remarkable features. Built among the giant trees of the Greater Faydark, Kelethin is home to the Fier'Dal and a good portion of Norrath's Half Elves. The city was created long ago when the Elves from old Tunaria made an exodus across the Ocean of Tears and landed upon the fertile, green continent of Faydwer.
Where Felwithe is often thought of, at least by Elves, as the heart of Faydwer and Kaladim is widely known as the "jewel" or the "emerald of Faydwer," Kelethin is felt by many Elves and Humans to embody the eastern continent's spirit.

Points of Interest

The halls of Faydark's Champions, the Emerald Warriors, the Scouts of Tunare and the Soldiers of Tunare are considered cornerstones of Kelethite society. All stand out as prominent structures within Kelethin. The gnomish lifts also serve as particular points of interest to foreigners.

Faydark's Champions

This is unmistakably the largest building in Kelethin, where the city's elite rangers gather and tend to their business. The building itself is comprised of two main rooms and numerous smaller rooms in the back. The main rooms are used to hold meetings and assemblies, and the smaller rooms store bows, arrows, swords, spears, armor, and other items and gear necessary to the rangers' function.
Led by Maesyn Trueshot, Faydark's Champions are the final arbiter and magistrates under Kelethite law. The relatively young Guild Master Ran Sunfire makes her home here in the guild hall, and Guild Master Dill Fireshine also treats the hall as a home-away-from home, although he has a dwelling (with a wife and family) elsewhere in the city.

Soldiers of Tunare

Master Kelolan Heartwood runs the druids' guild in Kelethin. The platform on which the guildhouse is built is as large as that of the Faydark's Champions, yet the building itself is considerably smaller — the druids need little but a meeting area and a place to store some herbs and their druidic writings and reliquary. Kelolan currently hosts an emissary from Rivervale, the Halfling druid Belgo Crancake.

Packweavers

This platform holds a shop that specializes in packs and carrying items. Backpacks, sacks, pouches, and other leather or raw-hide cases can be found here. On rare occasions, store owner Tilluen Sylvanwing also carries book-covers and tool-rolls.

Trueshot Bows

Run by a cousin and a nephew of Maesyn Trueshot, this establishment crafts and sells bowmaking and fletching supplies. The Trueshots will also create a custom bow for the right price, measuring the customer and running him or her through various strength and agility tests in order to discern what kind of bow to create.

Myrisa's Tavern

This small tavern is a frequent watering hole for inhabitants and travelers alike. Myrisa Mistwood is a lovely young Wood Elf, having just inherited the business when her father passed away a few years ago. Myrisa's adopted sister and closest friend, Linadian, is also a semi-permanent resident of the tavern, helping Myrisa with the running of the place.

Sleepy Willow

Willow Greatleaf runs this linen store. There is a giant loom outside that is available for use by customers for a nominal fee. Tailoring materials such as thread and cloths can be purchased here, and clothing can be ordered from Willow on demand. Needles are sometimes available for sale (if the dwarven traders have been by lately), but these invariably sell quickly.

The Bank of Kelethin

Willaen Frosttree has run the Bank of Kelethin for several decades. When the economy started demanding a more flexible system than the traditional bartering used by the Fier'Dal, Willaen approached Maesyn Trueshot about establishing a more "worldly" way of obtaining goods. In addition to its functioning as a money-holding establishment, the bank now takes gems, jewelry, and other precious items in exchange for gold, silver, and copper pieces.

Balrio's Smithing

Gerienae Gildenleaf and husband Minamas are the proud owners of one of Kelethin's only armories and smithing establishments. Having employed a trio of dwarven journeymen for many years, the Gildenleaf family has brought a combination of elven design and dwarven functionality to the city of Kelethin. Their wares are not particularly fancy, but are surely the most durable and reliable weapons and armor available in Kelethin.

Skye's Pottery Supplies

Legweien Skye offers a small selection of pottery supplies. He apparently has a contract to produce regular quantities of unmarked vials for the Scouts of Tunare.

Scouts of Tunare

The guild hall for the rogues of the Scouts of Tunare in Kelethin is a small building. It is here that young Wood Elves and Half Elves are trained in the ways of the Tunarian scout. The guild's trainers tend to utilize the outdoors as a classroom more than guild rooms, though, teaching the young rogues how to move quietly, hide, and master the other skills of their profession.
Guild Mistress Lexine Brightpool keeps a watchful eye on this guild. While Lexine works closely with the druid and ranger guilds within Kelethin, her considerably younger half sister L'Diira , a ranking guild member, has an agenda of her own.

Kanoldar's Goods

Kanoldar Longwillow offers a small variety of general goods, from rations and water to lanterns, flint, steel, bedrolls, and torches, but Kanoldar specializes in domestic and imported wines and mead. This good-natured Wood Elf is known for going out of his way to procure an item for a customer, often traveling to Felwithe and buying goods from Kaladim in order to serve his customers' needs.

The Sparkling Glass

Kweili Surefoot sells gems and precious metals. She buys the items from Dwarven merchants who pass through the area and resells them at a slightly higher cost. While Fier'Dal rarely take much interest in jewelry-making, Kweili spent many years in Felwithe learning the craft. She is often commissioned to create special items for occasions such as anniversaries and birthdays.

Fletching by Sylnis

Proprietor Sylnis Oakstream offers low-end fletching supplies at a very reasonable price. She is a pleasant enough Wood Elf, if somewhat disorganized.

Krista's Bowyerie

Here, Krista Giltarrow takes commissions to produce her well-known, high-quality bows. She does tend to keep a few demonstration pieces around, which she will sell for the right price, but the vast majority of her work is done by order only.

Kelethin Fletching

Markan Leafveil makes all sorts of arrows and fletchings, and also sells fletching supplies (although he and good friend Sylnis tend to stock different items, thus minimizing their competition).

Potions by Ueaas

This small shop is Kelethin's biggest source of herbs and remedies. While most ailing Fier'Dal bring their sick to the druid's guild, Ueaas Songbrook provides many alternative remedies for common ailments such as headaches, fever, and sleeplessness. Some say he even weaves charms (small bags filled with special herbs) in order to help the lovesick and wayward.

The Heartwood Tavern

Manlawen Heartwood, a distant cousin of druid guild master Kelolan Heartwood, runs this establishment, Kelethin's largest tavern. One of the only inns in town that offer single rooms instead of just common rooms, the Heartwood Tavern has long been the city's most popular inn. It is also a common and lucrative place for bards to compete with one another in attempts to make a few coins from the patrons.

Kelethin Eats

Kelethin Eats is primarily a bakery, but owner and operator Weaolanae Sparrowsun also sells bulk whole grains, flour, eggs, salt and other spices, as well as a few local wines and preserves. Every morning, the city of Kelethin wakes to the warm, delicious smell of Weaolanae's fresh-baked elven bread. Baking supplies such as mixing bowls and recipe books can also be found here from time to time.

Tinolwenya's Boots

Despite its proprietor's remarkably young age (she turned 100 only last spring, so is really not much more than a child in Elven terms), Tinolwenya's Boots has quickly become one of Kelethin's most popular stores. Dainty young Tinolwenya Grassleaf learned her craft well from her father, and, eager to have work, charges minimal prices for excellent service. She offers custom-made shoes and boots, but also happily repairs holes and torn seams, missing soles, and loose heels for a mere pittance.

The Emerald Warriors

The Kelethin warriors' guild is commanded by Regren Steelforger. Though the guild's membership is smaller than that of the ranger's guild, Regren does an admirable job of recruiting young Fier'Dal and Ayr'Dal into his order. Regren's students generally take their lessons seriously, for someday they will be guarding the lifts and the city itself from the many dangers of the forest.

Songweaver's Hall

The second largest building in Kelethin, Songweavers's Hall is home to the bards of Kelethin. Guild Mistress Sylia Windlehands takes great pride in her guildhall and her students, who are among the best bards on Norrath. Here, students learn not only how to speak, sing, play instruments, and tell stories, but they are taught to memorize the history of Norrath, even as it unfolds before their eyes. The Songweavers have long been the carriers of oral tradition in Kelethin, learning the stories and legends of Norrath's past.

The Gnomish Lifts

The gnomish lifts are located in the western, southeastern, and eastern portions of the city, each near the outskirts. Those who desire access to the platforms of Kelethin need only step upon the nearest ramp and pull the lever. After about 30 seconds, the giant lift lowers itself to the ramp and remains there until the lever is pulled again.
Each lift is roughly 30 feet square and can hold approximately 40 elves or 35 humans at once, or a maximum weight of 12,500 pounds.

Society

While the Fier'Dal are officially subjects of the Koada'Dal king in Felwithe, Wood Elf society is anything but feudal; it is instead loosely egalitarian, its many unwritten codes and statutes arising from deeply ingrained natural principles regarding freedom of choice, hard work, and the protection of the natural world.
Due to an innate desire to exist within and protect the balance of nature, most Wood Elves follow some sort of Tunarian path. Whatever the Elf's life path — warriors, bards, scouts (rogues), even common merchants and craftsfolk — most Fier'Dal develop a basic understanding of druidic magic and ritual. Children who continue down the Tunarian road generally become druids or rangers. All trades and vocations are respected and honored equally.
Interestingly, rogues are not regarded with suspicion and hostility in Kelethin. Wood Elf rogues are known as the "Scouts of Tunare," and they serve their people well by becoming the eyes and ears of the forest (working closely with rangers and sometimes druids). These scouts not only serve as spies and scouts for Kelethin, but they are also among the finest woodland warriors and hunters that Norrath has to offer.
Kelethin is a free-living town, and newcomers may be a bit aghast at some of the local customs. For instance, children are found playing freely upon the dangerously high platforms. Of course parents keep a watchful eye so that the young ones do not wander too close to the edge, but then it is said that Wood Elf children are taught to climb trees and rope ladders before they learn to walk.
No taxes are imposed upon the people of Kelethin. While one of Felwithe's sovereigns long ago attempted to institute tax collection from the Fier'Dal, Kelethites fought this idea fiercely, claiming that the High Elves dare not collect dues from those who take only what they need from the world around them. By the same token, though, Kelethin families who run into hard times or find themselves in dire need can almost always count on the community around them to offer assistance.
In fact, local custom regarding even visitors to the city is most easily summed up by one simple premise: "What is ours is yours." Kelethites are known far and wide for their hospitality. Guests who find inns full up for the night are often invited into neighboring homes, where they are treated to a fine dinner and given the best of the household's beds. The master and/or mistress of the house has no issue with climbing into an old hammock to sleep for the evening if it means his or her guests are comfortable. Arguing with a Wood Elf over this custom is futile, as it is considered impolite to sleep soundly in one's own bed while there are newcomers tossing and turning about.
Most of the lower platforms of Kelethin are dedicated to merchant shops and guilds halls, while residences are usually built higher up (often above the shop the inhabitants own or work for). Children are taught at a very young age to keep a sharp eye to the ground in order to watch for danger. Fully twenty percent of the orc sightings within Kelethin are made by the young.
The most powerful group in Kelethin is, without a doubt, the order of Faydark's Champions. This association of rangers has a long and respected history, and was recreated on Faydwer to answer the ongoing threats to the people of Kelethin. The widely esteemed Maesyn Trueshot, head of one of the most ancient and respected Fier'Dal families, has been the undisputed leader of the Champions for nearly a century, and he is the closest thing Kelethin has to a local ruler. Some have suggested that Trueshot and King Tearis Thex are unfriendly, but Maesyn is the first to deny these claims.
In truth, Maesyn and the Koada'Dal king quite like and respect one another, and they play well to one another's weaknesses. Where the Thex is rather stodgy and stern in his disposition, Maesyn is free-willed and spirited, a presence that a Koada'Dal such as King Thex needs in his company from time to time. The two share a fine meal a few times each year to discuss current events on Faydwer and to reminisce. Maesyn has no desire to slip out from under Felwithe's "rule," for the canny old ranger knows, as does King Thex, that the Fier'Dal govern themselves perfectly well, adhering to the old Tunarian laws as set forth in the times of Takish'Hiz.
Half Elves are a noteworthy matter in Kelethin (and in Felwithe, for that matter). When Humans from Antonica began to travel more frequently across the ocean, intimate contact between Elves and Humans became inevitable. The Koada'Dal rarely found good reason to consort with non-elves, but the Wood Elves developed an instant liking for the feisty, passionate Humans. Soon, inevitably, Half Elves were born, and while the tragedy of one parent aging — and dying — much more quickly than the other is always an issue, children born of Elf and humankind are treated as family in Kelethin.
Rumors have also spread to the effect that those few Koada'Dal who do become intimate with Humans (and produce offspring) are forced to send their children to Kelethin to live and grow up in foster families.

Observances & Festivals

While Kelethites never pass up a reason to celebrate and feast, there are a few special annual festivals in Kelethin: the Champions' Archery Tournament, the Great Hunt, Tunare's Renewal, the Songweaver's Feast, and Spring Solstice are the five major holidays.

The Champions' Archery Tournament

The Fier'Dal are famous worldwide for their natural affinity for archery, and they have fully embraced this talent. Every Wood Elf in Kelethin learns at least the basics of fletching and archery. The city's ranger guild, Faydark's Champions, host a tournament every year open to celebrate their love for the skill. It is divided into three events, taking place on the tenth, eleventh, and twelfth days of the sixth month. The first day is open to all non-Fier'Dal residents and visitors to the city, which are numerous during this world-famous event. The second day is open to all Fier'Dal who wish to compete, except the city's professional rangers, and the winner of the first day's event. The final event is open only to the professional rangers of the Faydark's Champions guild, except the guildmasters, and the winner of the second event. Each event winner receives a reward regardless of how they place in subsequent events and all participants are given free food, drink, and lodging for the duration of the tournament.

The Great Hunt

The Great Hunt takes place every year at the end of summer, the last two days of the eighth month. In order to enter this competition, one must offer up an item of moderate value as an entry fee, which is then placed into a "pool" composed of all the entry fees. The participant who returns after two full days with the most captured rabbits and foxes — called "kills," though it is considered a great disgrace and sacrilege to actually kill an animal during the Hunt — is named Tunare's Champion for the year and wins the pool. All of the captured animals are then released back into the wild, followed by great feasting, drinking, and carousing high within the trees.

Tunare's Renewal

Tunare's Renewal is a yearly event that lasts the entire first month. During this month, all Kelethites are expected to give up some kind of vice, practice, or activity in order to honor the Mother and the sacrifices she has made over the year. These small personal sacrifices can be anything from giving up alcohol to putting aside sweets for the entire month. Children often give up their best and most favorite (and often only!) toy for the month, finding other ways to pass their time.

The Songweaver's Feast

The Songweaver's Feast is a huge spectacle, lasting the entire second week of the tenth month, which inevitably draws at least some attendance from the far corners of the world. Bards from across Norrath dream of the day when they might make their way to Kelethin in order to participate in Songweaver's bardic competitions. Prizes are donated by the royal House Thex of Felwithe, and can sometimes include enchanted instruments or similarly wondrous items. Many who have no skill in the bardic arts (but who have the money to travel) make the journey to Faydwer and Kelethin at least once in their lives to see this magical event and hear the stories and tales from abroad.

The Spring Solstice

The Spring Solstice is honored upon the first melting of snow in Kelethin, celebrated on the first day of the third month. While this event is usually celebrated by Fier'Dal only, the Wood Elves welcome any and all who wish to take time to pay homage to Tunare and greet the coming spring. Breads, cakes, fruits from Felwithe, spiced meats, and even some gnomish pastries are sold throughout the day. Solstice is a time to offer thanks to Tunare for her great bounty, but for many (especially the non-elven inhabitants of Kelethin) it has simply become a day of gorging and drinking far too much wine.

Government

King Tearis Thex is accepted by the Fier'Dal as Kelethin's formal ruler, but the Wood Elves look to the Faydark's Champions in times of need, for the rangers have been the city's main source of leadership since Kelethin's founding. Recognized as the protectors of the city, these wise and strong folk do their best to maintain Kelethin's wellbeing and prosperity. Working closely with the Champions' current leader, Maesyn Trueshot, are his chief aides Dill Fireshine and Ran Sunfire.
Dill Fireshine, the eldest of the rangers, offers his experience as well as a healthy conservative view on matters. He is usually the last to speak on matters and, much to the dismay of Ran and many of the younger generation, the most long-winded. His motives and intentions are always pure, however, for he is dutiful and always seeks the solution most beneficial for all.
Ran Sunfire is the youngest of the three guild leaders. Born with fiery red hair and a matching temper, Ran is also easily the most passionate of the three. Her youth and skill are respected, however, and Maesyn chose Dill and Ran as his aides so that they might balance one another. When Dill seems averse to the idea of leading small raids against Clan Crushbone, Ran is the one who urges him into action. When Ran is considering a rash maneuver, Dill cools her fires and helps her to see the potential consequences of her directives.
The druidic Soldiers of Tunare are also respected as diplomats and news carriers. With their ability to travel the stones of Norrath, the more experienced druids may step into a druid ring and come out hundreds, even thousands of miles away. This gives the druids of Kelethin a great deal of freedom and allows them to monitor, and manipulate, events not only across the Faydark, but all over Faydwer and even greater Norrath.
The Soldiers of Tunare work hand in hand with Faydark's Champions. Druids are often called upon when Maesyn's rangers are in need of advice, especially regarding Tunare's wishes. While the rangers may know every rock, tree, and path that winds through Greater Faydark, the druids hold the song and heartbeat of the land within them. Furthermore, during times of strife, with the Orcs specifically, druids and rangers band together in small task forces, and these often include the Scouts of Tunare as well. These special parties usually have specific instructions to investigate an Orc attack or to retaliate against Clan Crushbone, seeking out and destroying all wandering Orcs within a certain area, for example.

Laws

No written laws exist within Kelethin. Certain common laws do exist, however, and have been passed down by Fier'Dal bards for many generations. These verbal laws are known to most Fier'Dal by rote, and encompass the most general concepts of decency and goodwill: do not murder; do not steal; do not raise your hand to your children, comrades, or spouse; and so forth. Similar laws are set forth by most societies, but they are adhered to with great reverence in Kelethin.
Other laws of Kelethin speak to more than just property, personal wellbeing, and happiness. They concern the forests and the creatures that inhabit them. Trees are considered sacred to the Fier'Dal, so, for instance, only deadfall may be used in wood-cutting. During the building of Kelethin, some trees were cut down in order to build the platforms and buildings, but only after the Soldiers of Tunare had given their blessing. It is said that the druids can discern what sort of spirit lives within a tree. Only trees that house no spirits are used in carpentry and woodworking. On the first of every month, the druids gather and walk through the forest, selecting those trees that are acceptable to remove and those that are not.
Perhaps the single most important rule of the Fier'Dal regarding nature might be summed up thusly: "Take only what you need from the land and you will prosper. If you seek to take more than you need, you will always reap what you have sown. Wastefulness is unwise, and a good Kelethite seeks to have his possessions and his world last as long as possible."
Perhaps understandably, then, poachers are considered to be among a Kelethites most hated enemies, next to the Orcs. Rangers who catch people in the forest killing an animal without utilizing all of its parts are immediately taken into custody and brought before the order of Faydark's Champions for punishment.

Trials

Those caught breaking the accepted codes of conduct in Kelethin are brought into custody by the Faydark's Champions. A single ranger always presides over the assembly, but he or she may, and often does, call upon experienced druids and bards to answer questions of divine will or practice or historical precedent. Any and all witness testimony is heard immediately — both for and against the accused — before any judgment is made. Further evidence may also be brought forth, and each piece of evidence is considered both on its own merit and as part of the progressive weight of circumstance. A judgment is almost always reached immediately by whoever presides over the assembly.
Maesyn Trueshot, Dill Fireshine, and Ran Sunfire are almost always the rangers in charge of an assembly of this nature. Should none of these three be available, then the Champion with the most rank is expected to make a ruling; otherwise, the accused is held in custody until an assembly can be formed. Kelethite law is very simple, but not to be taken lightly, and it is instilled within all rangers starting at a very young age. Kelethin has surprisingly few assemblies. This is partially due to the remarkable degree of leniency given to those who break minor social codes, such as stealing. Another factor is the punishment and swift justice that ensues. There is little or no waiting period once an individual is charged.
Kelethites rarely bring one another to assembly, preferring to settle disagreements outside the formal means. Unlike Felwithian law, which condemns vigilantism, the Fier'Dal almost prefer that their citizens take matters into their own hands, believing that Tunare will inevitably judge the matter in the end, one way or another.

Punishments

Punishment, like the Kelethite assembly itself, is swift and often harsh. Those found guilty of heinous acts, e.g. cold-blooded murder, are executed at once and their remains set upon a pyre to burn.
First-time poachers are branded with a mark that identifies their misdeeds to any Fier'Dal, Koada'Dal or Half Elf they encounter. Second offenses in poaching are dealt with by a second brand and banishing the guilty from Kelethin and the Greater Faydark. If the individual is caught within the lands again — and such infamous folk are almost invariably recognized by any Kelethites they might encounter — they are killed on sight.
Thievery is handled in a much more lenient manner, of course depending on the circumstances surrounding the incident. For example, if a youth is caught stealing bread for his starving family, he might be required to work off his crime in the establishment from which he stole. Often, in such cases, the establishment takes the "criminal" on fulltime as a worker. This in turn helps the youth to better support his family and learn a more structured work ethic.
Major theft of property and precious items, especially where there is no mitigating need on the part of the thief, is dealt with a little more severely. Firstly, the items are to be given back at once. If the items are not recoverable, the thief must come to some arrangement with the victim that satisfactorily compensates for the loss. Those who make this sort of thievery habitual are eventually branded, much like a poacher, and finally sent away from Kelethin, never to return.
Punishments regarding wastefulness, including illicit tree-cutting, are dealt with on a case-by-case basis. The least of these crimes result in the guilty enduring a specified duration of unpaid labor. The more serious, e.g. mass illicit tree-cutting, provoke more severe and often memorable punishments.

Defences

Kelethin's very nature functions as a defense against her enemies. Being built into the trees, it presents a unique set of problems for even the most inventive foes. Since the construction of the gnomish lifts, rope ladders have long since fallen into relative disuse. The lifts now provide Kelethin with three convenient means of gaining access to the city. The occasional drunk or suicidal Orc makes an attempt to storm the lifts, but always meets in short order with the quick blades of the Emerald Warriors or the astonishing precision of a Champion’s arrow.
The height of the city also gives a huge aerial advantage. From so high above, Faydark's Champions and the Scouts of Tunare can scrutinize the ground below for signs of danger. However, the Orcs have learned over time never to underestimate the skill of a Kelethin ranger.
During attack, the warriors, rangers, druids, and scouts of Kelethin are not the only ones participating in battle. Children, craftsfolk, and laborers all take up arms against their enemies. Most [fierare proficient in the use of the bow by a very young age, and the rest assist by throwing rocks, chunks of wood, and nets over the edge. When it comes to the defense of Kelethin, no resident sits idly by.

Industry & Trade

Kelethin's economy was once based solely on a barter system. The Fier'Dal left the coin-making up to their high elf cousins, opting to keep their city as simple as possible in terms of economy. However, as foreigners came from abroad, the citizens of Kelethin began to adopt the Koada'Dal manner of buying and selling. Bartering and trading are still widely accepted in Kelethin, although gold and silver coins are almost the rule now, for merchants at least, as opposed to the exception.
One of Kelethin's biggest exports is archery and fletching supplies. Few places on Norrath can produce bows equal in quality to those created in Kelethin. The art of bow and arrow making has been passed down from generation to generation among the Fier'Dal for countless centuries. Where Felwithian Elves tend to follow their family's trade, almost all Wood Elves are taught the fletcher's craft. In fact, if a Fier'Dal child cannot put together a decent bow by the age of ten, it is generally assumed that something is horribly wrong with the child and his family.
Linens are also created in Kelethin, made from the silks produced by nearby moth farms. These linens, less delicate and shimmering than Koada'Dal silks but sought-after nonetheless, work well for creating the light, airy clothing that most Wood Elves opt to wear, and they are extremely easy to dye. Where the hunters, scouts, and druids of Kelethin prefer some form of leather for protection, the common Kelethin citizen can be found wearing this durable yet light-weight material.
Leathers and furs are another mainstay of Kelethin craftsfolk. The dwarves are among the most avid customers of the leather-working shops of Kelethin. They utilize these materials for armor and armor straps as well as thick smithing aprons. Furs are also a major export and trade item; barbarians have a keen taste for kobold, brown bear, and red fox skins produced by the Fier'Dal, which the Elves trade for highly desirable polar bear and seal furs. Musical instruments also form a significant portion of Kelethin's product. Wood from the sturdiest trees in all of Norrath — Faydark's Broadroots — coupled with strings made from some of Faydwer's unique fauna combine to produce the most reliable and durable of lutes and lyres. Horns and wind instruments are also produced here in considerable quantities.

Infrastructure

Kelethin is one of the most unique and spectacular cities on Norrath. While the Aviaks of the Karanas also build their homes in the trees, Kelethin is a breathtaking wonder. Built in the branches of the Faydark's giant Broadroot trees, Kelethin is a city known near and far for its great beauty. The city itself rests within the very heart of the Greater Faydark. The trees upon which the city is constructed are some of the tallest, strongest, and oldest trees in the forest. The two central trees are easily twice as large in circumference as those surrounding them. Each tree within the city has at least one platform built upon it at the most stable sections. The height of these sections varies, making it necessary to provide relatively flexible means of crossing over from one platform to the other. Rope bridges are utilized more often than not, for wooden ramps and catwalks are infinitely more difficult to position in a safe and stable manner.
Shops and houses in Kelethin are built upon the platforms, with mercantile buildings primarily built on the lowest levels and residences on smaller platforms above. Buildings are made of wood, and have sturdy roofs that can withstand the occasional burst of wind and rainstorm. There is little concern about damage to the structures from shifting, as the branches of the huge Broadroots upon which the city is built are far too large and sturdy to be moved even a fraction of an inch by the most savage of winds.
Ropes are used not only to create bridges from one tree's platform to another, but also to climb from lower platforms to upper. Some of the more daring Kelethites swing from one place to another on them, although this is generally discouraged — children often try to copy these antics and even those who are very adept risk a rather ominous fall if they miscalculate only slightly. Newcomers have been known to become disoriented by the height of the tree city's platforms, and unfortunate tragedies have been known to happen from time to time when individuals plummet to the ground below.

Accessing City

The most common method of reaching the first level of platforms in Kelethin is the lifts. Kelethin has three lifts that are closely guarded by the Emerald Warriors, who stand constant vigil so that none may use them but friends of Kelethin.
The lifts were designed by Gnomes some 200 years ago. It is said that upon visiting Kelethin for the first time, the Gnomes grew so tired climbing up and down the rope ladders that they swore they would create something to lift them up onto the platforms effortlessly. While the Fier'Dal were wary of this idea, the Gnomes were insistent. Some of the city's inhabitants suggest that, having seen the glorious tree city for the first time, the Gnomes were so enamored with it that they simply couldn't stand not to place their own mark upon it somewhere.
The Gnomes purportedly spent a year perfecting the Kelethin lifts. By utilizing pulleys, gears, and some gnomish trickery unknown to the people of Kelethin, the Gnomes fashioned these lifts so that they operate with very little maintenance. The lifts are located on the eastern, southern, and western borders of the city, leaving the north area inaccessible from the ground except by climbing, if only to offer a little more protection from the Orcs to the north.

History

The Fier'Dal, like the Koada'Dal, were once inhabitants of the great city of Takish'Hiz. While the Koada'Dal were creatures of politics, organization, and law, the Wood Elves preferred the natural order of things. According to Wood Elf oral tradition, the Fier'Dal serve Tunare by providing her with druids who watch over her lands, rangers who protect her creatures, and bards who carry history and lore down through the ages.
When Solusek Ro destroyed Takish'Hiz and the Elves migrated to Faydwer, the Koada'Dal seemed eager to rebuild their marble halls and towers of sorcery, but the Wood Elves were smitten by the beauty of the Faydark itself. Their eyes lingered on the strong limbs of the trees and the lush green grasses. Much like Takish'Hiz, they all agreed, yet much more wild.
Thus, the Fier'Dal set about building their temporary homes on the edge of the Greater Faydark. Their villages, however, were immediately noticed by the Orcs who inhabited the northern parts of the forest. It was not long before the Orcs began to raid and pillage the budding community. The Koada'Dal had by this time grown tired of trying to convince their Fier'Dal cousins to join them in Felwithe, so they left them to their own devices in the hope that the Wood Elves would eventually give up and return to them.
The Fier'Dal, however, were intent upon creating their own city in the forest. Despite the destruction of their first attempt at an independent city, today known only in whispers as Shadow-Wood Keep, the Wood Elves persevered; they soon began construction of an even larger and more magnificent home. In time, one of the Wood Elves' oldest and most venerable rangers, Kele, put together a team of rangers who drew the Orcs away from the location of the new city, protecting the villagers while their craftsfolk built platforms high in the trees.
Despite regular Orc raids — thankfully diverted by Kele and his champions — and new enemies, the Fey, who did not like their pristine home disturbed, the Wood Elves built platform after platform, then hut after hut, until the entirety of their community could be situated well above the ground, hidden carefully high in the great trees. So Kelethin, or "Child of Kele" in elvish, was born and the Wood Elves took to the trees.
The Orcs, utterly enraged by the Wood Elves' seeming disappearance, made attempts to burn down large swaths of the forest, thereby driving the elves out of hiding. A few elven buildings and lives were lost during this period. It was only then, after the Wood Elves had successfully built their own city, that Kele approached the royal Koada'Dal house and asked for aid against the marauding Orcs; the Koada'Dal agreed to send warriors, of course, since they had only been waiting for their sylvan cousins to ask, and the Orcs soon thereafter became less of a threat and more of a nuisance. While the Elves of Kelethin were free to create their own government and laws, though, the Koada'Dal made it clear that if the Fier'Dal were to expect Felwithian aid, they must remain loyal to the Koada'Dal crown.
Today, Kelethin remains much as it was when it was built many generations ago. It has, over time, expanded to surrounding trees, but the expansion is relatively slow. One major difference, however, has been the slow but steady increase in the numbers of Half Elves among them. For the past several centuries, as Humans began to cross the Ocean of Tears regularly, the two races met and mingled quite frequently, resulting in a surprising number of interracial love affairs and marriages. Thus, Kelethin has the largest concentration of Half Elves of all the cities on Norrath.

Maps

• 

  Kelethin

Founding Date

5000

Type

City

Population

7,500

Inhabitant Demonym

Kelethite

Location under

Greater Faydark

Owner/Ruler

Tearis Thex

Characters in Location

• Belgo Crancake
• Dill Fireshine
• Gerienae Gildenleaf
• Kanoldar Longwillow
• Kelolan Heartwood
• Krista Giltarrow
• Kweili Surefoot
• L'Diira Brightpool
• Legweien Skye
• Lexine Brightpool
• Linadian Mistwood
• Maesyn Trueshot
• Manlawen Heartwood
• Markan Leafveil
• Minamas Gildenleaf
• Myrisa Mistwood
• Ran Sunfire
• Regren Steelforger
• Sylia Windlehands
• Sylnis Oakstream
• Tilluen Sylvanwing
• Tinolwenya Grassleaf
• Ueaas Songbrook
• Weaolanae Sparrowsun
• Willaen Frosttree
• Willow Greatleaf

Related Historical Events

• 5400 AN
  The Return to Orc Hill
• 5400 AN
  Some More Downtime in Kelethin
• 5400 AN
  The Songweaver's Feast
• 5400 AN
  Back to Kelethin
• 5400 AN
  From Kelethin to Felwithe
• 5400 AN
  A Stop in Kelethin
• 5400 AN
  Regrouping in Kelethin
• 5400 AN
  The Party Comes Together
• 5000 AN
  Kelethin Founded

Guilds
Emerald Warriors (Fighter)
Faydark's Champions (Ranger)
Scouts of Tunare (Rogue)
Soldiers of Tunare (Druid)
Songweavers (Bard)
Militia - 185
65 Kelethin Watch
50 Faydark's Champions
30 Emerald Warriors
30 Soldiers of Tunare
15 Scouts of Tunare
Wealth
1,575,000 gp
Resources
Fletching supplies, bows, arrows, linens, furs, leather products, musical instruments
Demographics
Wood Elf - 71.4%
Half Elf - 14.5%
Human - 6%
High Elf - 4%
Halfling - 2.3%
Dwarf - 0.7%
Other - 0.7%
Goliath - 0.4%