Lythora - The First Forest
The birthplace of the Lilin, where Anias's dreams first took physical form before she ever awakened.
"These trees were old when time began. They grew from our mother's dreams while she slumbered, and we grew with them. The forest does not merely shelter us-it is our kin, our origin, our sacred trust."
Empress Lilith
Lythora is the Lilin homeland, a vast southern wilderness where ancient forests stretch from horizon to horizon. But these are no ordinary woods-they are the First Forest, the oldest place in existence, grown from Anias's unconscious dreams before she ever awakened. The Lilin emerged here, born from the same dreaming magic, making Lythora not just their home but their birthplace.
| Attribute | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Type | First Forest | Oldest place in existence, born from Anias's dreams |
| Race | Lilin | Daughters of the First Forest |
| Capital | Eldergrove | Where the oldest trees grow |
| Philosophy | The Dreaming | Honor the dreams that gave us life |
The First World Connection
Lythora is the heart of the First World-the unconscious creation that grew from Anias's slumbering mind. Before she awakened, before Marael found her, before the world was shaped by divine will, there was only Anias dreaming in the void. And from those peaceful dreams, the First Forest grew.
The Lilin emerged here, the first beings to exist-tiny daughters woven from dream-stuff and love. They lived in harmony with the forest for ages beyond counting, before time itself had meaning.
Note
The trees of Lythora are conscious in a way mortals cannot fully comprehend. They do not think as individuals, but the forest as a whole remembers, feels, and sometimes acts. The Lilin learned long ago that to live here is to listen, to respect, and to belong.
Geography
The Canopy Realm
Most of Lythora exists in perpetual twilight-not from darkness, but from the ancient trees that grow so tall and thick that sunlight filters through as gentle, dappled green. The Lilin have built their civilization in the branches, with rope bridges and living platforms connecting tree-cities.
Eldergrove
The Lilin capital, nestled in the heart of the First Forest where the oldest Mother Trees grow. It is said that the boundary between dream and reality is thin here-visitors sometimes see visions of Anias's ancient dreams, glimpses of peace and wonder from before time began. The city itself seems to grow from the trees, buildings woven from living wood and enchanted vines.
The Dream Glades
Sacred clearings where the veil between waking and dreaming is thinnest. Lilin come here to meditate, to commune with the forest, and to train in the art of Dream Walking. The grass here grows in spiraling patterns, and the air shimmers with faint, colorful light.
The Mother Grove
Where the very first trees still stand-those that grew from Anias's earliest, most peaceful slumber. Visiting is a privilege granted to few. The trees here are impossibly ancient, their trunks wider than castles, their roots stretching deep into the dreaming earth.
Culture
The Sisterhood
Lilin are exclusively female-their mother dreamed only of daughters. Their society is a peaceful matriarchy where wisdom, compassion, and harmony with nature are valued above all. Disputes are resolved through council, and violence is reserved only for defense of innocents.
Empress Lilith's Court
The Lilin are ruled by Empress Lilith, the first-born of all Lilin-the first dream to become flesh. She alone remembers the time before time, when there was only the sleeping goddess and the growing forest. Her court is a place of ancient wisdom and gentle guidance.
The Dreaming Philosophy
Lilin believe in honoring the dreams that gave them life:
| Attribute | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Honor the Forest | Core Belief | The First Forest is our mother's gift; protect it always |
| Nurture Growth | Core Belief | Help all things become what they are meant to be |
| Walk in Dreams | Core Belief | The dreaming world connects all minds |
| Remember Joy | Core Belief | Our mother's dreams were peaceful; we carry that peace |
Dream Weavers
The Lilin mages who have mastered nature magic and Dream Walking. They can shape the forest, call upon animals, heal the wounded, and traverse the realm of sleep. Their academy is woven into a living tree at the heart of Eldergrove.
Military Tradition
Lythora produces the finest scouts and forest warriors in Arcania:
| Class | Lythoran Specialty |
|---|---|
| Ranger | Unmatched in forest warfare, tracking, and nature communion |
| Cleric | Healers who channel the forest's nurturing power |
| Mage | Dream Weavers who command nature and the dreaming world |
| Warrior | Swift defenders who use their small size and agility to devastating effect |
| Paladin | Bearers of light who fight to protect innocence |
Tip
Lilin have the highest Agility of any race, making them exceptional for evasion-based builds and precision combat. Their small stature (3-4 feet) makes them naturally stealthy in forest environments.
The Path to Valoryn
From Lythora, the journey north to Valoryn is long but beautiful:
- The Forest Path - Navigate through First World wilderness with experienced guides
- The Dream Crossing - A sacred route where the forest itself seems to guide travelers
- The Open Lands - The most dangerous stretch, exposed to enemy scouts
- Valoryn's Forest Gate - Where Lilin scouts maintain constant vigilance
The journey takes 3-4 weeks but builds bonds between travelers that last lifetimes.
Notable Locations
The Grove of First Dreams
Where the oldest trees grow-those that remember Anias's earliest, most peaceful slumber. Only the most honored visitors may enter. The Lilin say that if you sleep here, you may glimpse the goddess's ancient dreams.
The Dream Weaver Academy
Where Lilin mages learn to commune with nature and walk in dreams. The academy is a living structure, grown from a single ancient tree over thousands of years. Graduates serve as healers, seers, and protectors of the First Forest.
The Warden's Watch
Headquarters of the Grove Wardens-elite Lilin warriors who protect the forest's borders. Small in stature but giants in courage, they are the first line of defense against any who would harm Lythora.
The Listening Posts
A network of scout stations throughout the forest, detecting enemy movement and relaying warnings to both Eldergrove and Valoryn. Lilin scouts are among the best in Arcania.
The Luminar Bond
Lilin and Luminar share a deep sisterly connection:
Elder and Younger Sisters
The Lilin were born from Anias's dreams before she awakened. The Luminar were created consciously after she woke. This makes them sisters-different in nature but bound by the same mother's love.
Many Luminar make pilgrimages to Lythora to walk where Anias dreamed, to feel closer to the unconscious creation that preceded their own. The Lilin welcome them as younger sisters coming home.
Quotes
"The forest taught me patience before I could walk. It showed me kindness before I knew the word. Everything I am, I owe to these ancient trees and the dreaming goddess who grew them."
"I came to Lythora expecting a primitive wilderness. Instead, I found a civilization older than any human kingdom, guided by wisdom we can barely comprehend. The Lilin are not simple forest folk-they are the keepers of the oldest magic in existence."
- Ranger Kael, addressing recruits