Elhnaka Palliste

The foundation of Elhnaka is shrouded in myth and legend. The ancient capital of the empire that were to bare its name centred around the Altar of Fire, situated on a small island in the middle of the Linta river. Little is known about how the city became home to Veles Sastro, the holy flame that is the embodiment of the Fire Gods themselves. The year of the founding came to be known as Elhnaka Palliste, simply meaning Foundation of Elhnaka. Although the exact date is disputed, the Elhnakans use the most commonly supposed year as the start of their calender, referred to as 1 EP.

Elhnaka was not alone among the hundred of city states to flourish along the Linta river in pre-historic times. These cities and their kings often fought each other for plunder and supremacy. However, all of them shared a common threat in the Brennish raiders from the North, who were successful in harassing and sometimes even sacking individual cities. To counter this threat the small kingdoms put aside their differences and joined in an alliance.

As the centre of the Fire cult and surrounded by rich farmland, Elhnaka soon became paramount among the allied cities. After a series of successful wars against the Brennish tribes the Elhnakan kings proclaimed themselves emperors over all the lands between the Linta and the Aion rivers.

But eventually the ancient Elhnakan Empire, as well as the great city itself, was overrun by ever more aggressive Brennish raiders. The bronze of the Elhnakans were no match for the superior iron weapons of the Northerners. The City of Fire was defeated and its inhabitants had to seek refuge elsewhere.

In 2275 EP the capital of Elhnaka was evacuated along with the Holy Flame. The entire population migrated South to an easily defendable hilltop, called Tsivra by the locals. The new capital eventually surpassed the old in size and riches, but the Elhnakans never forgot their ancestral city. Centuries later the old capital was reconquered, and the Flame returned home. But life in Tsivra had become comfortable for its rulers. So, while Elhnaka regained its status as religious capital, Tsivra would remain the Elhnakan imperial capital.

Per J.H. Olsson