Lysilaer, Forest of Mist
The island of Aerudin is divided into two major forested regions. The greater part lies south of the Tolaero River and is known as Lysilaer, the Forest of Mist. This woodland received its name from the fog that rolls regularly off the coasts and tends to collect in hollows and low-lying areas. Storms blowing in off the Great Storm Sea contribute additional moisture in the form of regular showers. The end result is a lush, thick, thriving forest populated with endless stands of trees, ferns, flowers, and thick grasses.

Ever since the Curse of the Bonemage, the forest has lain under a terrible enchantment. The souls of those who died among the trees during that terrible conflict are bound to haunt this place till the curse is lifted. Though many of tried for ages, it persists to the present. This makes the forest a dangerous and dark place where few go and less return from.

While the elves once roamed freely they now only skirt the edges along the foothills between Port Raelar and Amereth.

Eldilaer, Forest of the Ancients

Corofas, the Coral Coast
One of the more interesting parts of the island is the rugged area that defines its southwestern shoreline. Called Corofas by the elves and The Coral Coast by men, it contains close to two hundred kilometers of storm-lashed beaches and rocky cliffs. A collection of fascinating objects is washed ashore each year and beach combing is popular pastime for those visiting the region. What makes the coast exceptional lies under the water beyond the surf line. A series of massive coral reefs parallel the coastline along its entire length. During the Sixth Age, before the storms began their never-ending assault, the reefs were colorful and vibrant, housing a wide variety of exotic fish and sea creatures. The continual battering and shifts in the undersea currents have done significant damage over the last thousand years. Parts of the reef structure have broken up and many areas are clogged with silt or debris. The coral itself is dying a slow death and only the most hardy and adaptable of local inhabitants have survived.

One species has actually flourished in this damaged environment. A unique form of giant oyster that thrives on the rich silt and nutrients carried by turbulent currents is found in abundance in the shallows between the reefs. Aside from their ability to survive harsh conditions, these oysters are special for the extreme size of both their shells and pearls. The largest specimen discovered so far was over two meters across and produced a pearl as big as a fist. While these pearls are valuable and treasured, it is the composition of some of these jewels that has had far-reaching consequences to the elves. One in ten pearls are composed of solid silver while one in a hundred is composed of Ilithrion. How and why these nodules are formed is still a complete mystery. It is enough to say that harvesting these oysters is extremely lucrative and and the elves often send expeditions to gather them.

While a few of these bivalve mollusks are occasionally washed ashore, skilled divers are required to retrieve them in any quantity. The hazards facing oyster divers are many. Powerful riptides can pull even the strongest swimmer out to sea and the unpredictable currents can dash them against the remaining coral formations. Even though there is little sea life remaining along this part of the coast, a few species have survived. The Tiger Eel and Giant Storm Octopus live in holes in the reef and do not hesitate to prey upon 'anything' coming near their domains. The sheer size of some of these oysters also makes them difficult to procure. They fasten themselves to the bottom and are heavy and unwieldy. Many intricate methods have been devised to get them to shore. In addition, the mountains, hills and forests that flank the coast are under the great curse and the spirits always pose a real and terrible threat.

As in all other things, the elves are very ecologically responsible in regard to the oysters. After the pearls have been extracted, the oyster meat is removed and eaten. It is considered a delicacy by almost every intelligent race of the Stormlands and small quantities are exported to the mainland. The oyster shells are ground up and shipped over the Jewel Coast and Stormgate where the material is used to create a strong type of cement required for fine masonry and construction.

Torr Farinfell, The Fractured Mountains
A stark and bitter mountain range rises abruptly along the north and northeastern parts of the island. Volcanically formed during the creation of the world, the fires within cooled long ago. Later shifts of the tectonic plates whose edges lie nearby within the Straits of Galdaen have served to push the mountains higher and warp the very stone. Splinters of jagged rock tear up the sky along its entire length and traversable passages are few and far between. The elves have come to call the range Torr Farinfell, which loosely translates to the Fractured Mountains.

Though it is a place of raw elemental beauty, it is viewed with some apprehension by the nearby elves. It has long been known that 'something' dark lives deep in its roots and ancient prophesy states that the 'source of all darkness' will one day rise from the ground within their own home. Those living nearby keep a close watch upon its length and the elders of Daeron scry for bad omens on a regular basis.

Foreboding as it is, there is at least one good reason for the Vaynari to visit the mountains. Certain crystalline formations were formed during its volcanic origins that can be collected with great difficulty. No one knows why these semi-precious gems, known as soul crystals, formed but they possess the mystical ability to channel and store mystical energies. They are highly sought after by everyone with the talent for the mystic arts, especially elven spellweavers, and incorporated into many charms and enchanted artifacts.

They lie far beneath the surface, in most cases, and can only be retrieved by those willing to risk their life slithering through fissures, rifts and caves. The elves would not even consider bringing dwarves in to tunnel into the mountains, fearing the release of the darkness they believe trapped below, so they rely on natural entrances to the subterranean caverns. The Fractured Mountains are highly unstable, however, and often these clefts in the stone close up or collapse at the most inopportune moments, entombing or killing those within.

The dangers do not stop with the physical geography however. The mountains contain numerous portals to the sub-world. The Shadowkin have not raided into elven lands for centuries, but they once did with some frequency. A more immediate danger is a particularly vicious form of rock wyrm that likes build its hoard from crystals, and the possessions of the adventurers to seek them. 

The Isle of Shaero
There are a handful of smaller islands surrounding Aerudin, particularly in the south. Shaero is the largest and most notable of the lot. This isle lies off the southeastern coast and is over fifty kilometers across. It is largely inaccessible due to the three hundred foot seawalls that completely surround it. Atop this wall is a flat plateau of windswept virgin forest and lush meadows. The only way to reach this tiny paradise is to scale the cliffs, a feat made difficult in the inclement weather.

While the isle is not known to contain any valuable resources it does possess some strategic value. A watchtower and lighthouse is maintained at its highest point as a beacon and to keep an eye on any ships sailing down the south Aerudin coast. Shaero is also used as both a place of testing and meditation. Younger elves gain respect when they manage to make the climb to the top. Elves of all ages journey here to visit the Shrine of Aethmaer, a very holy and revered place. The shrine itself is a gigantic lightning struck oak tree emblazoned with the family runes of every Vaynari house. Members of the Aetheriel Order, the isle's only permanent residents, care for the tree.

Port Raelar
The coastal town of Port Raelar is the only safe and protected port on the island continent. Situated upon the bluffs overlooking a quiet and sheltered harbor, the town serves as a trading port for both incoming and outgoing goods. Most outsiders never see much of the island outside the waterfront and those wishing to journey to Amereth can arrange to hire Elven guides practiced in avoiding the dangers of Lysilaer and Torr Farrenfel.

Port Raelar is divided into two separate parts, the waterfront and the town proper. The shoreline of the harbor, at the base of the coastal bluffs, is known as the waterfront. This is a large collection of docks, storage warehouses, and entertainment facilities. The Silver Stag and The House of Raelar primarily serve sailors, merchants and adventurers.

The actual town sits atop the coast bluffs and can only be reached via a narrow set of steps carved into the stone. This staircase is the only way off the beach and closely guarded at all times. Port Raelar exists primarily as a trade portal to Amereth and as base for those venturing into the interior in search of adventure. 

Amereth and the Crystal Court

Daeron and the Well of the Moon
Tucked into a secluded valley within the northern reaches of Torr Farinfell is the center of learning known as Daeron. For thousands of years those attuned to the mortal disciplines and talented in the mystic arts have come to this place to receive training and guidance.

Early in the Second Age, when the Vaynari first explored Aerudin, they happened upon a curious place. The upper reaches of a hidden vale revealed an extensive waterfall draining into an unnaturally circular pool. Gazing into this pool produced a mesmerizing effect that was substantially heightened when the water was bathed in moonlight. Those elves with training in the mystic arts found that they could see a different world reflected in its mirror like waters. The reflected land appeared to be of a younger, warmer age. The landmarks seen within were hauntingly familiar except that a great, gnarled oak tree overhung the pool. The Vaynari knew this tree at once. It was the Tree of Life, reputed to be the first living thing placed upon all of Dorune.

The elves called this pool the Well of the Moon and the most learned of their kind soon arrived to study it. The vale held more surprises, however, as investigations of the great waterfall revealed a concealed entrance into a vast network of chambers and tunnels. Constructed in the distant past but apparently never occupied, it was as if someone or something had created this place in preparation for the arrival of the elves. While the Vaynari do not normally dwell underground, they found the complex airy and comfortable. To preserve the integrity of the valley those studying the pool took up residence within. They called it Daeron, the Stone Hall.

Over the many millennia the elves have learned much about the Well of the Moon. Those with a talent for seeing beyond themselves have found that the pool greatly enhances their extra-sensory sight. Most find their abilities strengthened by merely being within close proximity. One event makes these accomplishments pale in comparison. Tamarak Siltoril, great-grandfather to the current Prince and an exceptionally gifted wizard, managed to penetrate the barrier and enter the mirror world. He secured a large branch from the Tree of Life and brought it back with him. Tamarak claimed that the shade of Aethmaer bade him do so and that the branch should be fashioned into a stave that would one day save both the Vaynari and the Mortal Realm. His wishes were honored and the staff was kept in a place of honor within the Crystal Court, until it was stolen by Jaden Valator.

Due to its unique nature, Daeron has become the center of learning and magic in world. A resident group of teachers, known collectively as the Aerinae, make themselves available to those who come to learn. While no one is ever turned away, those with magical aptitude are given priority. In addition to the elves, many others have studied here over the years. In addition to the inhabitants, vast numbers of tomes and valuable enchanted artifacts are stored within the stone complex. The vale attracts many who wish to examine this compilation of knowledge and study the enchantments. Everyone, teachers and students, tend to the entire community's mundane needs.

The most powerful of the Aerinae is granted the title of Seer. This individual is the considered the leader in Daeron and is also responsible for the mystical defense of the compound. The Seer is in regular contact with both the Vaynari Warlord and the Crown to keep them abreast of any information the Aerinae can learn through the use of their powers.