Overview
Velundra is a fortified port city in southern Teryndal, near Lythenmere Lake and the southern frontier of the Land of Darkness. It is essence-rich and heavily fortified, with essence towers standing nearby. Its position makes it a staging point for expeditions into the darkness, investigations around Lythenmere, and defenses when the darkness spreads northward.
Geography and Cityscape
Velundra has docks, a harbor, segmented streets, stone buildings, towers, climbing stone walls, and a fortified southern gate. Ships, coastal roads, airships, and later rail travel connect the city to Irrathis, Thalmyris, the Aethrendar Sea, and Xalmyrra's coastal and inland routes.
West of Velundra, its packed streets give way to rocky ground and open space leading toward Lythenmere Lake and Nythenfall Apex. South of the city, the Land of Darkness lies close enough for its haze and dark wall to be visible from Velundra. After the darkness recedes, blackened ground and a purple-gray haze remain near the city.
Nythenfall Apex
Nythenfall Apex is a fortified landmark west of Velundra near Lythenmere Lake. Its dark walls stand between the lake and a deep chasm, and a Nythenfall essence tower stands along the route from the city to the lake.
The Apex's base is visible from the hidden cavern below Lythenmere Lake, near the abandoned underground town and half-circle gate.
History
Deylin ferries Eira, Lirien, and Kaelion toward Velundra during the mission to retrieve the shard from the Land of Darkness. The city is preparing for darkness-creature attacks, with soldiers in the streets, scouts on lookout duty, and divine mages posted along the walls. From Velundra, Eira and Lirien go west to Lythenmere Lake, where Eira collapses after a vision and Ilyra brings her back to the city's inn.
Xarion and Maric later travel to Velundra by trade ship to investigate Lythenmere Lake. From there they reach the lake, uncover the hidden ruins below its waters, and free Ilyra from weeks trapped underground. Brynor also passes through Velundra's harbor on his route toward Lythenmere Lake and the hidden gate route beneath it.
Velundra is repeatedly threatened by the darkness. A large darkness patch forms near the city, and Aldar travels south in response. Later, Velundra comes under siege by darkness creatures; darkness creatures overrun a village and follow Maelis toward the city, and Teryndal mobilizes reinforcements. Ilyra, Renneth, Maric, Kaelion, Zayren, and Mirael fight on the southern front as the city comes close to falling.
Velundra's military history extends beyond the darkness-creature siege of Velundra. Cassian Ironvale survives a devastating battle in Velundra in his early twenties before Xarion Morvayne recruits him, and the city still stands after the Land of Darkness recedes from the surrounding region.
City Features
- Port, docks, and harbor.
- Fortified southern gate and defensive walls facing the Land of Darkness.
- Markets and stalls, including essence-core sellers.
- An inn used during the Land of Darkness and Lythenmere missions.
- Western route toward Lythenmere Lake and Nythenfall Apex.
- Nearby essence towers.