Elwyn: The Compendium

Author’s Preface:This is basically a large book of information concerning the world of a certain heroine of mine whose name is Elwyn. The background of this world is rather on the huge side, at least for me, and I feel the need to keep it all organized. I realized as I tried to pile things together in documents and on the backs of maps that everything is so extensive that I would have to create an encyclopedia of sorts; hence, this Compendium. It’s not really necessary for you, the reader, to get very involved with this unless you get some joy out of the backgrounds of any sort of epic (or in this case semi-epic) fiction. I am going to try to remain consistent and continue to develop this Compendium, and if you notice any flaws (other than typos, which I am certain will abound but I will try and look out for them as best I can,) please inform me!

Introduction: Allyr

This story takes place in a large island continent known in this world as Allyr the High Seat. It has an extensive history, several languages, a deep-set mythology, two main religions, and two known peoples: humans and witches. Wars between the Witches and the Sethyr (the wraiths of the Black Arts whose souls are mangled with that of demons that cannot take physical form) have ravaged the landscape, leaving a vast, haunting expanse of deadlands where once an immeasurably mighty forest grew. These wars are in a past so distant that many are unsure if they are fact or merely legend. The mighty Kings of the High Seat have taken over the inhabited lands of Allyr, established trade with other faraway countries Dunyth-Gir and Lyl’liad the Great across the sea to the west, and (more recently) given a once minor religion a strong foothold and banished the Witches from the land.

King Abryar has dispelled the so-called “evil” witches with no vast amount of kindness. His dreaded Witch Hunters, men that are half ghost themselves, can match the power of nearly any White Witch, and have all but beaten them out of the King’s lands. Unbeknownst to King Abryar, the White Witches have found a foothold on legendary Syn Island, where a massive storm protects them from being discovered by investigating sailors or chance travelers. They wait patiently (well, mostly so) to discover their Hycata, or Savior, the one who will deliver them from their plight. Her name, written in the stars of old, is Elwyn.