He’Anor
To the north of the Queen’s Oak, in the safer regions of Watnall Woods, lies the renowned Elven city of He’Anor (translation: “Forest Home”). Of all Albion’s Elven strongholds, He’Anor is perhaps the most famous, possibly due to its size and age. Although Elven records are notoriously unreliable, it is believed that the city has more than seven thousand permanent inhabitants and has existed for more than three millennia.
The road to He’Anor is somewhat difficult to find due to its disconnected nature. The Dwarrow-built road was never finished and does not connect to the mortal road. It is advisable to travel with a guide or the gate to the city can easily be missed. Reliable guides can be hired from the Queen’s Oak for a small sum.
The gate stands alone at the end of the road. It is a rather unusual sight. The city itself is neither visible nor, in truth, present in the mortal realm. When the gate is closed, He’Anor remains entirely absent. Walking around the gate shows that the road continues on its other side, heading north in the general direction of Arcaster. Entrance to the city is based entirely on the whim of the resident Elves. As many travellers are turned away as are admitted. There are diverse theories regarding the criteria for entry. Some claim that destiny selects those who may enter, others put forward the idea that the Elves only welcome those who have something the city requires. Perhaps the opening of the gate is merely random, like much Elven magic.
Those who are allowed to enter He’Anor find that the experience is both bewildering and delightful. The geography of the city is unpredictable and even regular visitors find navigation problematical. As has been said, travelling with a guide is advisable. The traveller should abandon all thoughts of punctuality and order, otherwise frustration will be the inevitable outcome. Exploring He’Anor should be seen as an artistic endeavour. Only those of strong will and great patience should ever attempt to visit the city.
To describe the city would be fruitless. The fashions of the Elves change without warning. The only reliable constants seem to be the towers which take the form of abstract trees. The towers of He’Anor, crafted from metal, stone and glass, are one of Albion’s most impressive sights.
As in any dealings with Fey creatures, courtesy is of paramount importance when visiting He’Anor. Those inexperienced with magic would be wise to read books of lore before they enter any Fey stronghold. He’Anor is guarded by potent magics and watched over by powerful guardians. The city has a curious tradition of appointing two mortal maidens as supreme protectors. The Anatheltia (translation: “Holy-cunning-witch”) and the Anastacia (translation: “Holy-strong-willed-warrior”) of He’Anor are used by the Elves to guard the city and deal with its enemies. Numerous books can be found in the libraries of Arcaster University that explore this subject in much greater detail than can be given here.
A brief mention should be made of concerns over food, gifts and financial matters. Traditional folk beliefs suggest that it is unwise to eat Elven food. The fear of enchantment or swift aging is still common amongst many mortal folk. There is disagreement, even amongst scholars, as to the effects of magical food on non-magical peoples. This guide cannot offer assurances of safety and, therefore, caution must be advised. However, many travellers report dining safely in He’Anor and experiencing no strange effects. Gifts from inhabitants of the city are rare and should only be refused with the greatest courtesy. Travellers are warned that all magical gifts, no matter how useful, have unforeseen consequences. On the subject of money, particularly the enduring stories of Fey-gold, caution is advised. Merchants give mixed reports of transactions with He’Anor. Generally, bartering is recommended or the use of binding, detailed and magically assured contracts. For the financially-minded traveller, it is perhaps better to visit the Perpetual Market at Hob’s Glade where laws governing sales are far more rigorous.
