Elaniens
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Origin
The story began when the Elaniens fell from a portal in the middle of a forest. A few survived and found a home, but they were unsafe from the murk at night. The rangers learned to communicate with nature and discovered new homesteads for the community. They created various light-emitting contraptions, forcing the murk to retreat.
Sometimes, dangerous beasts came out of the portal - but they are usually dealt with. One time, however, everything went haywire. Beasts of all kinds fell out, tearing apart everything and drenching it in blood. The rangers gathered up survivors and led them to the safety of the river. Overcrowded boats and rafts set off downstream for many days. Many refugees from all over Elan gathered on rocky islands. Starving, they gathered the last of their supplies and feasted together, as a community. At that moment, the Elaniens crowned their leaders - the heroes who led them from the clutches of death. The Elanien King's crown was a hoop from a wine barrel during the feast. At that coronation site stands Leitana - the community built atop the cliffs. The king rules the Elaniens to this day. He can often be found leading a detachment of his most experienced comrades in the forest.
Culture
The strength of the Elaniens lies in their unity: everyone is held accountable for everyone and everything else. They don’t think of themselves as owners of this land and instead see themselves as part of a complex ecosystem. When a new foreign object falls out of the portal, the Elanien keepers will break through the thickest of woods to seal it away in a warehouse. When working, Elaniens try not to upset the natural order of things; consequences may be unpredictable.
Area Description
Light-powered beacons light up the thicket, providing defense against the murk, and welcoming wanderers. Most foliage is decorated with lanterns. At the capital entrance, guards patrol, and towers illuminate the area with bluish rays.
To the east lies the Valley of Sins, made entirely of flesh and blood and digesting everything within its reach. Its ugly creatures are the manifestations of the basest of instincts: to kill, to devour, to fornicate, etc. Elan is protected from the Valley by Luceaiders.