Antevitia

"Now, now, little Lidwina. Sit on Uncle Aldercy's lap and let me share you a story. A story of eons and vows forgotten, and a story as true as the horns on our heads..."

Myth memorized by all His children

A strange and powerful entity used to walk the lush forests now known as Capra Copse. According to legend and myth, even before Freefolk were freed from the shackles of the yuan-ti, a whole different civilization used to exist in northern Bravalon. Built around the god-like figure of Wyldpater and their "children", different beastfolk and likeminded wood elves, this city came to be passed down in legends as "Antevitia" (Before Sin).
Unlike any other empire or kingdom in recorded existence, Antevitia existed in harmony with its surroundings. No walls were erected to protect its populace, and neither were wars waged to acquire its lands. In the wisdom of the Wyldpater, His children had chosen a parcel of land suitable to hold a large city without them having to reform the land. Instead of cutting and burning, homes were grown by the strong, otherwordly magic of the Wyldpater. Antevitia was grown from colossal trees piercing the silhouette of the dark forest and from pale stone, forming itself into igloo-like shapes and even grand cathedrals.

"And as the Old Father has finished his construction, came the great opulence of living in a City of Harvest. Where you were granted as much as you needed, not more, not less. Where friends shook hands, and any animosities were left outside of the fair hovels of the humble inhabitants of the city."

Inhabitants

Quite early on, Wyldpater's children found their likemindedness with the wood elves in preserving the land and granting it as much as they took from it. This was unheard of or seen by the elves, who travelled in small bands not to overpopulate the land. Living in a large society shared by other fey-like folk opened the wood elves eyes to the powers of the Wyldpater and to the sacredness of Antevitia.
As Wyldpater's children were vast in numbers and types, no definite proof exists on how many and how much different kinds of children he had created from the very soil and animals of the land. Most popular remnants of this myth, who continue to carry it and relish it like a religion to this day are the Caprine. Goat-like humanoids that have dedicated their life to the Wyldpater in building monasteries and chapels in the Wyldpater's name, and allowing passersby a night of rest, good food and fellowship in their chapels. According to the Caprine, Antevitia used to exist deep in Capra Copse.

"...And as the Children multiplied, with their numbers ever-high and divided into different, just clans and castes, the Law of the Father remained. For all beasts and elves alike knew that there was only one to judge and to carry the wisdom of Antevitia: Wyldpater himself."

Rule in City before Sin

Wyldpater was the god-king ruler of Antevitia and all of his children bowed before him and trusted him in any judging and decisionmaking considering the future of Antevitia. it is said that Wyldpater knew his children better than anyone else could ever know, and he appointed them to suitable tasks. The Caprine are certain that they were appointed as the leading clergy and protectors of nature in Antevitia, but there are myths circulating an army of defenders that Wyldpater created, of artistocrats who ruled the land and of the commonfolk.
Unlike in most modern societies, atleast in the myth of Antevitia concepts like deceit or corruption do not exist. So tight is the bond between their creator and the creators children, that no ill will harbored the streets of the City Before Sin. Whenever a foul deed would be committed, all of the Wyldpater's children would rally to confront the prepetrator, and continue to bring them to be judged by Wyldpater himself.

"Alas, as many things in this strange world we live in, the city was shrouded by mystery."
"Yes, yes-... I know what the Old Father said."
"I weren't going to ask you that, little Lidwina"
"What were you going to ask then, Uncle Aldercy?"
"Behind those large, glinting eyes - What do YOU think happened to Antevitia? Do you hope to discover it some day?"

Disappearance

In the end, Antevitia has slowly faded away to myth due to its disappearance. As it is a myth living in both elven and beastfolk societies, there might be some legitimacy to a city by the name Antevitia existing at some point in history.
According to this same myth, Wyldpater had recognised a severe change in Taurua and in the mystical realm from where he had come. Over the splendid show of magic, all of Antevitia seemed to wither away and vanish from the forest floor, taking some of its inhabitants with it. As some children not taken with Wyldpater cried out to their patron, asking why they were not allowed to come with him or what was happening, Wyldpater had responded: "One day we will all meet in the Veiled Forests, when thou have understood that we were never meant to be."
The exact phrasing and translation of Wyldpater's last words has been up for debate, and many Caprine monasteries have their own versions on the show. Some believe that Wyldpater's words meant that the moment all of his children have accepted their role in the world humbly, Antevitia will return. Others have formed religions and sects around these words, being assured that after death they will venture to this "Veiled Forest" to rejoin their far-lost Father.

"Uncle Aldercy, I bet Wyldpater hid the city deep in the forest not to be disturbed!"
"And why would a King fear to be disturbed, little Lidwina?"
"Because... Because he is rich, and has many treasures that many would want to steal from him!"
"Quite a theory, small one-... Where are you going?"
"To find the city! There are still three hours before dinner!"

Wyldpater by Hiisikuningas (me)

Founding Date

~-1500 ES

Founders

• Wyldpater

Alternative Name(s)

City Before Sin, City of Harvest

Type

Large city

Population

~250,000

Owner/Ruler

Wyldpater