Syndari is a flourishing yet embattled city-state located on the arctic coastline of the Unknown, at the northern edge of The Verdant Vale. The settlement was established by the Syndari Elves, a group of Sylvarin who fell to the Prime Plane during the Conjunction of the Realms, severing them from their Faewyld homeland. Despite their exile, the Syndari have created a breathtaking sanctuary, blending their fae heritage with the natural beauty of the Vale. However, their idyllic home is under constant threat from the brutal raids of the Tribe of Bloddvergur, a Unknown faction known for their ferocity.
Syndari is governed by the Valeguard, an order of chivalric knights sworn to defend the city and its people while preserving the mystic balance of the Vale. The Syndari live in hope of receiving guidance from the Archfey, whose absence since the Conjunction weighs heavily on their spirits.
History
During the cataclysmic merging of the Faewyld and the Prime Plane, many Sylvarin elves were pulled violently from their homeland. Displaced and desperate, these elves sought refuge in the untamed Verdant Vale, whose fusion of Faewyld and Prime Plane elements reminded them of their lost home.
The Syndari elves, resilient and resourceful, wove their city into the very fabric of the Vale’s enchanted forests. Utilizing fae-inspired architecture, they created a haven that appears to grow organically from the land itself, with buildings formed from living trees, crystal-laced roots, and glowing flora.
Despite its beauty and growing strength, Syndari has suffered devastating raids from the Tribe of Bloddvergur, cursed Norskan Nordvergur dwarves who view the city as both an affront to their culture and a tantalizing prize. These attacks have tested the Syndari’s unity and resolve, prompting the formation of the Valeguard to protect their home.
Geography and Architecture
Syndari is perched on the arctic coastline of Frothmarfjord, where the icy waters meet the enchanted boundaries of the Verdant Vale. The city sits at a natural intersection of contrasting environments, from the frigid fjord to the vibrant Faewyld-infused jungle.
The city’s design is a testament to the Syndari’s connection to the natural world and their Faewyld roots. Buildings appear to grow from the land, their walls formed from intertwined tree trunks and their roofs adorned with glowing blossoms.
At the heart of Syndari stands the Valespire - seat of the Valeguard and the city’s spiritual and military hub. The Citadel’s spire stretches skyward, its surface shimmering with bioluminescent moss and crystalline inlays.
Syndari’s docks, constructed from frost-resistant fae timber, serve as both a trade hub and a defensive outpost against Norskan incursions.
Culture and Traditions
- Fae Heritage: The Syndari hold tightly to their Faewyld traditions, blending their ancient customs with their new reality on the Prime Plane. They celebrate seasonal festivals that honor the spirits of the Vale, and their rituals often involve music, dance, and offerings to unseen fae entities.
- Unity Through Adversity: Life in Syndari is one of perseverance. The Syndari view each day as a triumph over their circumstances, and their sense of community is unparalleled. Artistic expression, storytelling, and craftsmanship thrive as ways to preserve their history and culture.
- Hope for the Archfae: The Syndari live in quiet anticipation of the Archfae’s return. They believe the Archfae will bring guidance and strength to their people, helping them fully reclaim their place in the Faewyld’s design.
Governance and Defense
The Valeguard is an elite order of chivalric knights sworn to protect Syndari and its surrounding territories. The order was established in the aftermath of early Norskan raids, when the Syndari realized the need for a unified defense. The Valeguard is led by the High Warden, a knight chosen for their valor, wisdom, and devotion to the Syndari people. Their code emphasizes duty, balance, and readiness to defend the Vale until the Archfae returns to guide their people.
The city’s location amidst the dense Verdant Vale and along the treacherous Frothmarfjord provides natural protection. Enchanted wards surround the city, woven into its very architecture to repel lesser foes and obscure it from prying eyes. Frostwood towers line the fjord and the jungle's edge, manned by Valeguard sentries who watch for Norskan raiders.
Threats and Challenges
The Tribe of Bloddvergur launches periodic raids from the Frothmarfjord, targeting Syndari for its resources and its perceived arrogance in claiming the Vale. These raids are brutal, leaving scars on both the city’s defenses and its people. The Faewyld’s presence in the Vale is both a blessing and a curse. Pockets of wild magic and unpredictable natural phenomena make expansion and exploration perilous.
Legacy
Despite its challenges, Syndari continues to grow, its people demonstrating remarkable resilience and creativity. The city stands as a beacon of Faewyld beauty and unity in a hostile world, a symbol of what can be achieved through determination and faith. As the Syndari elves await the return of the Archfae, they continue to thrive in the face of adversity, protecting their home and their people with the unyielding strength of the Valeguard.