Forestlake

The Heart of Elvendom

Among the emerald depths of Linae’taure stands Forestlake, the forest sanctuary of the elves — a city woven into living wood and glimmering light. Founded long before the Cataclysm, it remains one of Shadowstar’s oldest and most revered settlements — a timeless bastion of art and magic beneath the watchful eyes of Queen Laurelin, the Eternal Queen of Forestlake.

🌿 A Legacy Before and After the Cataclysm

When the first elven ships reached Shadowstar, they settled briefly along the coasts near Portjaw. Yet it was the vast, luminous forest that captured their hearts. There, they raised their first treetop city — a harmony of craft and magic — only to see it consumed in the great Cataclysm.

Decades later, in 91 AC, during the Age of Wars, Forestlake was rebuilt from the ashes — its people fewer in number but stronger in resolve. Today, nearly three thousand elves dwell amid the resurrected sanctuary.

The elven population of the island now numbers fewer than five thousand, yet not one elf has ever been known to die of old age. It is said that when their time comes, Corellon Larethian himself leads them along the misted paths of Mount Shadowstar — a passage whispered of, but never witnessed.

🧝 Leadership and Relations

Queen Laurelin, a high cleric of Corellon Larethian, rules with calm wisdom and divine grace. Beside her stands Belathran the Wise, chronicler and co-leader of the Akh’faern, and Dalthlan, the archmage and martial commander of the elven hosts. Together they maintain a delicate balance between seclusion and strength.

Though the elven borders are nowadays less rigid, patrols still roam unseen, ensuring that the sanctity of the forest remains untouched. Outsiders may trade only at Reikerpass, and even there, transactions occur through elven or halfling intermediaries. The trade port of Greenshore handles most sea commerce, while persistent rumors speak of hidden mountain tunnels linking Forestlake to Shadowgate — none proven.

⚔️ Major Orders and Guilds of Forestlake

Forestlake’s defense and culture are shaped by a number of ancient and highly specialized elven orders:

• Akh’faern (Keepers of the Weave) – The scholars and mages of Forestlake. Jointly led by Belathran and Dalthlan, they safeguard elven lore and train new generations in arcane arts.

• Toror’ Taur’ohtarie (Brotherhood of Pathfinders) – Rangers of the sacred woods, led by Allstyr and Knievel who maintain strong kinship with the Reikerpass Rangers.

• Tel’Sindavathar (The Shadow Alliance) – Forestlake’s unseen hand, led by Sindarin. Their reach extends far beyond the forest, with active agents in the entire island.

• Tel’Megilindar Arator (Masters of the Singing Blade) – Bladesingers, blending martial prowess with spellcraft, commanded by Zaranthe and graced by heroes such as the sisters Vaelithra and Sylmaria Moonveil.

• Cuar’ator, Ehtar’ator and Megil’arator (Masters of the Bow, Spear and the Sword) – These three  guilds form the backbone of Forestlake military.

🌳 The Living City

Every structure in Forestlake is grown rather than built — living trees intertwined with arcane craftsmanship. Forestry and woodcraft remain central to daily life, producing works of unmatched beauty and value across the island. The elves revere their craft as a sacred dialogue with nature, never exploitation.

Whispers persist of an ancient weaponsmith still forging elven blades from Mount Shadowstar alloys — heirlooms so finely made that even the dwarves of Shadowgate call them unmatched. Though the art of crafting new elven chainmails is said to be lost, these artisans can still restore armors older than the Cataclysm.

🌙 Spirit of Forestlake

Forestlake stands apart from the rest of the island. Her people remember the fall of the ancient world and the rebirth of the new ages. They watch, they endure, and they sing — not for conquest, but for balance.

To wander beneath Forestlake’s boughs is to walk the border between dream and memory — a living song of what the elves once were, and what they strive to remain.