Oct 10

Ci'muul



Outsiders are not permitted.

This is the most frequent verbal response given by Sun Elves, or Ci'muulites, when asked by Outsiders about their homeland, Ci'muul. The characteristic haughty head toss, or somewhat condescending sneer, are more typical responses as it is unlikely they will deign to answer such an impertinent question.

It is rare that Sun Elves will leave their secret enclave, those doing so usual are pursuing magical research, studying at Raceth, or have ties to the Qui'fi'dam. On occasion, they may be tasked with a mission that brings them out into the Known Lands to participate in the business of 'adventuring'. It is from these visitors from Ci'muul that the few tidbits of information about this highly secret land have been gleaned.

Geography and Climate:

Although there is no agreement on the physical location that Ci'muul exists in, it is consistently referred to as 'mountainous' or 'in the mountains'. Particularly whimsical Sun Elves may wax rhapsodic about its 'mist veiled glens', 'melodious streams', and 'majestic trees that soar to the clouds, embracing Lasolra in their leafy boughs''. These Sun Elves are most likely inebriated on too much cheap Faanite wine, so the source is suspect. Judging by the easy adaptation most Sun Elves make to the Kerondian climate, it is likely a temperate place.

Sun Elves are completely devoted to protecting the location of their secret enclave. Even under duress, inebriation, threat, or torture they will not reveal its location. Some have suggested that Sun Elves have a magical prohibition against revealing its location to Outlanders.

Government:

The 'Alceviranalaw Selilmnyir' is often referred to in passing, and it can be assumed that like Se'Tu'Faan, the Sun Elves are also ruled by a monarchy. It is further inferred that there is a council of twelve that advises the monarch. This theory was supported when in the summer of 3054 a band of adventurers uncovered a plot to bring 'an unending eclipse to the world'. Mari'cson Ad'umbra'yiah, a Ci'muulite, came into the Known Lands seeking Sun Blades. These swords are rumored to be artifacts of the Second Age and be blessed by the hand of Lasolra herself. As the legend was revealed, these blades were crafted by Lasolra and gifted to each of the twelve ruling elven houses. A thirteenth blade, known as the 'Kingblade', was made for the monarch. The Ad'umbra'yiah family had received one of these sacred blades, only when it was forged, the sun went into eclipse, and liquid darkness poured into the blade instead, hence its name, Darkbringer. Mari'cson sought to achieve power by sacrificing other Sun Blades to Darkbringer in a potent, and ancient ritual. He was thwarted by a band of adventurers working for the enigmatic dwarf, Fignar, and a group of Qui'fi'dam.

Wizardry:

Ci'muulites claim to have invented magic, and the majority of Elves that leave the conclave are possessed of some magical talent. Sun Elves were frequently sought as tutors for aspiring arcanists. This trend has waned of late. Rumors suggest that wizarding advancements have lapsed in recent decades, as evidenced by Thay'maqui. His foray into the Known Lands led him to the horrific discovery that the study of magic was progressing much faster in the Known Lands. This led to Thay'maqui founding the Red Wizards, and his subsequent banishment from Ci'muul.

Society and Culture:

Sun Elves make the Fair Elves seem positively warm and fuzzy. Judging by the highly intellectual and haughty demeanor demonstrated by those from Ci'muul, it is likely a highly formal, and educated society. Those exploring the Known Lands are, as a whole, highly inquisitive in intellectual matters, condescending towards the lesser races (everyone that isn't a Sun Elf), and firmly convinced of their own inherent superiority. They are known to deplore the lack of 'adherence to tradition' and 'propriety', and to view the masses as 'uneducated'. Even Faanite Elves are viewed as speaking Elven with a distasteful accent. Sun Elves, also display a natural talent with the bow and longsword. If questioned, they will often claim knowledge of such matters are part of any civilized upbringing.

Economy and Trade:

The enclave at Ci'muul does not trade with the outside world. This implies that they have a self sustaining economy. There are the extremely rare Ci'muul items that come to market, mainly considered 'inferior' items sold by the traveling Ci'muulite.

Ci'muul does not have diplomatic ties with any of the 'self proclaimed civilized peoples' of the Known Lands.