I welcome you all to Tal'Erj, the hidden Cobalt city, jewel of three worlds, the gift of peace.
The
central Northern lands of Mellus have never, not as far as mortal memories go,
been described as anything less than depressingly harsh, and brutally
unforgiving.
Hidden away at the border of the lower Shem Desert and the unending jungles of Za'Amon, the secret Tal'Erj plateaus. They have been, for the last few centuries, used as neutral resting and trading grounds for the Tribes and clans of each land.
Roughly around the start of the Boundless Age, two smaller tribes of Shem came together with the Clans of of Za'Amon to build an outpost, permanently manned, that would grow to become Tal'Erj.
Scholars disagree on the original reasons for this alliance, but it is said that the land having grown more treacherous, both people sought to safeguard their traditions, posessions, and knowledge. According to this theory, Tal'Erj was created as a stronghold for thousands of ancestral texts, and relics, as well as offer a place for the elderly who, sadly, traditionally died to the harsh conditions they could no longer endure.
Myst's Notes:Tal'erj is twisted. While certain locations, such as the Sleeping Golem, are tolerable, the city's antiquated perspective on gambling and fun is outright barbaric. The punishment for gambling is a swift death, even though gambling can be found within certain districts out in the open. Tal'Erjy people do not understand the value of life, nor coin. Their market districts are barren, and while they CLAIM to be open for trade, magical or useful equipment is hard to find, as it is controlled by guilds/people who do not wish to sell.
Water is worshiped. As an outsider, it helps to bring up "well-wishes" using water as a theme. Such as:
"May you always find shade and drink"