Region: Elysium

Elysium

Extending east and south from Olympus into Oceanus is the fifth most populous region in Anesidora, the Elysium archipelago. Elysium is a secluded island chain consisting of thousands of small islands and terminating in Alfheim, the largest island in the region. Athena is the only major living Godcity located in Elysium. The only other major Godcity to crash in Elysium was Demeter, but it crashed in the water during the Fall and was destroyed quickly by Blue Kraken, a species native to the region that consumes magical items.

Geography

Elysium is surrounded by the waters of Oceanus and the nearest land mass is the coast of Olympus, although even at the closest point it is impossible to see Olympus from Elysium. Most of the islands in Elysium are too small to support major settlements, but the fishing is some of the best on Anesidora. During the warm months of the year, travel is only possible by boat, and due to the threat of Blue Kraken, most boats are made without using magical materials. During the winter, the waters of Oceanus freeze completely, and it becomes possible to simply walk between the islands. However, due to the dangers of the cold, most travel occurs during the warm season.

At the end of the island chain is Alfheim. Alfheim is much larger than any other island in the archipelago, accounting for roughly half of the total land mass. It is also much taller than the other islands, with most of the coast consisting of sheer cliffs hundreds of feet in height. There are few places where a boat can safely dock to allow goods and people to access the interior of the island from the coast. The most active port is located on the far southeast side of the island, away from the rest of the archipelago.

History and Culture

During Ragnarok, only 2 major Godcities are known to have crashed in Elysium. The Godcity of Demeter was quickly consumed by Blue Kraken, and it is believed that no Ancients from Demeter survived. The Ancients of Athena, who crashed near the center of Alfheim, fared much better. Safe from the Unliving of Tartarus due to distance, the most dangerous threat faced by the Ancients on Alfheim was the Monster Behemoth, a colossal amphibious beast that consumed everything in its path and seemed unkillable. Fortunately, it moved slowly and the people were able to develop a nomadic lifestyle in relative peace and seclusion.

The Second Age brought few immediate changes to Elysium. Most of the islands remained unpopulated, and the Ascended did not arrive in Alfheim until much later than other areas, but eventually the Heart of Athena was restarted. With the return of magic, the people near Athena were finally able to eradicate Behemoth and occupy most of the island. By the time the Fimbulwinter arrived, Elysium was still secluded from the rest of Anesidora, though a few communities had been established on the minor islands. On Alfheim, the people who already controlled Athena declared themselves Chosen and closed the doors. Some of the Exiled fled north into the caves of Minos. They were led there by the Unliving of the Titan Mnemosyne and found an underground city of magic that predated the Ancients.

In the Third Age an Exiled Warlord attempted to conquer all of Alfheim, including forcing the Chosen of Athena to cede all their land claims outside the Godcity. The warlord almost achieved his goal of conquering the entire island, but was stopped while attempting to siege Minos when the Muses of Mnemosyne, normally known for observing and not interfering in human activity, slaughtered his army. Since then, the island has become known as the “Land with no King” as the locals fear claiming personal power will invite the wrath of the Titan Mnemosyne.

In recent years, the archipelago has become more populated, and trade between Alfheim and the rest of Anesidora has increased. Elysium still remains a land shrouded in mystery that few visit, and the Chosen of Athena closely guard their inner Godcity, denying entry to even high ranking Chosen from other regions.