Terenei
Region The Interior — South Forest
Type Hidden City
Government Elven monarchy / ancient law
Population Significantly larger and wealthier than the five family groups combined
Note Not marked on the standard map

Overview

Terenei is an ancient elven city hidden in the South Forest, west of the area marked on the map. It is the true seat of power in the South Forest region — far outstripping the five family groups in population, wealth, and military capacity, even as those families nominally hold their own territories.

The city is governed by ancient laws and traditions so entrenched they border on the absurd — but they are followed without exception. One well-known example: all visitors to Terenei must wear a visitor's cape upon arrival, so that citizens can identify them and extend extra hospitality.

The Five Kingdoms

Terenei grants legitimacy to five family groups that inhabit the South Forest region — descendants of the native peoples of Ardentis who lived in harmony with nature long before the human and dwarven settlers arrived:

  • A family of Mountain Dwarves
  • A family of Forest Elves
  • A family of High Elves
  • A family of Rancher Humans
  • A family of River Pirates (human)

These groups once held meaningful power, population, and riches. In 4724, they hold titles and tradition, but Terenei is the real authority.

The Peace of Terenei (3200 AR)

Terenei's greatest and most celebrated achievement. In 3200 AR, after centuries of devastating north-south conflicts between the Ulek Empire, the League of Dwarven Trade Cities, and Highport — conflicts in which the native peoples of the wildlands were the real victims — Terenei brokered the negotiations that ended the wars.

In practice, the Peace was a trade agreement between Highport, Ulek, and the League. The native five royal families were largely absent from the table. But the result — centuries of prosperity through established trade networks — is real, and Terenei claims it completely.

Ask any citizen of Terenei what they are most proud of. They will tell you about the Peace of Terenei. Today. Every day. To every visitor.

Stopping the Mother of Monsters (~3724 AR)

Approximately 1,000 years ago, the Mother of Monsters launched a campaign that threatened to overwhelm the entire South Forest region and the civilized lands beyond. Terenei was central to stopping her. The city's citizens will also recount this history — at length, and in detail, to visitors who have already heard it before.

Current State (4724–4725)

Well-guarded by high-level elves. Stable and deeply traditional. Largely insulated from the political fracture affecting the rest of Ardentis — though the Mother of Monsters' renewed activity due to Iceflame's disruption is being watched closely.

Connections