Sacred 2:Book 1 - Tyr Lysia

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From Geography of Ancaria
Book 1

I. Tyr Lysia

Geography and climate:

Tyr Lysia, land of the High Elves lies south of the barren Western and Eastern Dragon Teeth and north of the deserts of Bengaresh. It is a fertile and mild land rich in rivers and streams, guarded by fortresses. Villages are surrounded by small fields, birds nest in green hedges. The woods offer rich game. Picturesque fishing villages line the coast in the west. The climate is generally mild, but it can get rather hot in summer, except for the west where a constant cool breeze attenuates the power of the sun. During the summer season there is a chance of extended drought periods, although famines are almost unheard of.

Inhabitants:

Tyr Lysia is mainly inhabited by High Elves who came here a long time ago from the south. Farmers, fishermen, and craftsmen are governed by both nobility and the clergy who lease land and collect taxes (usually food, goods or money. The villages consist of simple houses, the inhabitants are friendly, but not very outgoing around strangers. There are altars and small cult sites in almost every village. They are usually decorated with flowers and grain ears. High Elves believe in a large pantheon of deities. Villages show their wealth through the number and sizes of their altars. Poor villages usually only have one altar that all deities must share. Humans serve the noblemen in their mansions or work as farm hands in rural areas. Only rarely does one come upon a Human craftsman. Most Humans are servile, however some (mostly free Humans) tend to be brazen and rude- One should avoid them as they tend to combine stories about their unjust fate with begging.

Places of interest:

When visiting Tyr Lysia one should - of course after seeing the capital Thylysium - also travel to two other places. One is Farview, an unassuming small town blessed with a spectacular view. It lies at the top of a mountain surrounded by smaller hills and plains which on a clear day allow the visitor to see places as far away as the Dragon Teeth to the north and even Bluestone Lake to the east. It's a steep ascent to Farview, but the most spectacular view in all of Tyr Lysia is well worth the exertion. Unfortunately the amount of visitors has also let to an enormous increase in thievery. Keeping a close eye on one's possessions is advised. The other place of interest is called Sonnenwind. It used to be a simple fishing village at Bluestone Lake, but then aristocrats began building their summer residences there to escape the summer heat. Nowadays nearly ten times as much people live there compared to the time before the arrival of the aristocracy and the village specialty Eye Clam Salad is nowadays renowned in all of Tyr Lysia.

Practices:

The harvest festival season in the fall almost guarantees that visitors will have a good time. Every village celebrates the festival at a different date so that one can spend weeks traveling from one festival to the other. Houses and huts are decorated with flowers, noblemen open their wine cellars to the public, jugglers, actors, and bards travel the land. Recommendations: Tyr Lysia is suitable for travel all year long, though it can get very hot and dry upcountry in the summer. Visitors should avoid areas with burned down villages, as these are often frequented by the undead which make no difference between locals and travelers.

II.Thylysium

Geography and climate:

Thylysium lies near a river delta on the west coast of Tyr Lysia, land of the Elves. Because of the Jade Sea the climate is dry, slightly salty, and generally pleasant. In winter there's a likelihood of storms, but floods are rare.

Inhabitants:

The population consists mainly of High Elves. The city is governed by the Senate. Among its members are merchants, priests, and noblemen. They are the upper-class of Thylysium and live in large townhouses. Leaving the broad streets one soon comes across an astonishing number of different languages, smells, and faces. People come to Thylysium from all parts of Ancaria, sometimes to trade, sometimes just to satisfy their curiosity. Some are rich, some poor,- there are merchants and laborers, fishermen and thieves. Travelers should be aware that a friendly face often hides a drawn dagger. One should also avoid the town guard as its soldiers are known for taking bribes and are often in league with one of the many gangs in town.

Places of interest:

Thylysium is a magnificent city. Even simple houses are made of granite (the construction of wooden houses or mud huts is prohibited by law), townhouses and temples are built with white marble. There are many places one should visit, among them the Academy of Magic, the Senate and the surrounding gardens with their exotic flowers, and the Road of the Aristocrats, a boulevard lined with the largest and most opulent townhouses and mansions. Travelers who wish to experience real life in Thylysium should visit the harbor where they will meet all kinds of people and see an astonishing selection of goods. It has been said that everything in Ancaria will sooner or later arrive at Thylysium's harbor. After spending a day watching the harbor and eating in one of the many cookshops travelers will most likely agree. The sea is covered in white sails and dark brown wood Barrels are rolled from ships, crates are carried to the markets, bolts of fabric are sold to the highest bidder. Even late in the night one can hear the merchants bargaining and the laborers shouting. Humans, animals, materials, jewelry, food - everything is traded in Thylysium.

Practices:

There is only one day without trade in Thylysium. On the Day of Contemplation no ship may enter the harbor and all shops remain closed From sunrise until sunset the city belongs to the Gods. Pilgrims walk between the temples to honor each and every God. Priests smear ashes on their face or walk by swinging jars with burning incense. The city is filled with the chants and songs of the believers,- there is dancing, singing, and meditating. Until sunset no coin may change hands and no business may be conducted The citizens of Thylysium hold this day in such high regard that even thieves respect it and guards refuse to be bribed.

Recommendations:

A clear mind and open eyes are needed in Thylysium. Travelers should be careful when talking to citizens and should trust no stranger.

Notes

• Tyr Lysia, land of the High Elves lies south of the barren Western and Eastern Dragon Teeth and north of the deserts of Bengaresh
• Capital is Thylysium
• Farview, at the top of a mountain surrounded by smaller hills and plains. Most spectacular view
• Bluestone Lake to the east
• Sonnenwind, used to be simple fishing village at Bluestone Lake. Aristocrats now own their summer residences there to escape the summer heat. Eye Clam Salad renowned in all of Tyr Lysia
• Thylysium near river delta on west coast of Tyr Lysia. Jade Sea port

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