By Georgie R.
Art by CLOUD
Elion Hill is another location the Emerta-Valo Setting Guide builds on from being mentioned in the Gamemaster’s Guide. This location differs wildly from others as the War is the very reason that it exists and is used by Spears in the region as their most prominent Cell. In this blog post we’ll take a closer look at this oddity, its people, and the questions at play that could raise problems for the group of Spears who call it home.
Unlike The Deepwoods Archives, Elion Hill wasn’t as lucky during the War, the very existence of it as a Spear Cell is owed in part to the Builder as it began targeting anything that could fly in the last days. It was once a spaceship known as the Elevation, but after being hit it crashed and the force of the fall made it split in two. The larger half took residence resting against the mountain and angled on the lower slopes, where it sits makes it visible for miles in any direction. The smaller section settled not too far away, but it sits more sheltered in the foothills and not in plain sight like the other half.
For many years the only occupants of this ship were skeletons and ghosts, as well as plants and animals that were able to make it a home. But 100 years ago, a group of Spears happened upon it and decided between them that this would be their home. As is their way, Spears honor the past by carrying things into the future so the name of their new home was chosen as “Elion”, after the last 5 letters still visible on the ship after the rest were lost to time and the crash.
Since the first Spears took up residence in Elion Hill, it has grown to be one of the most prominent cells in the region. These Spears call it home, but it's a welcome form of respite from the wilderness to weary travelers who happen upon the odd structure. Visitors are welcome to the stronghold, but are cordially reminded of the group who owns it as all forms of trophies hang on the entrance walls of the lower half. Oddities like mechanical joints, processing wires, different types of oil-covered wire, and more can be found from previous hunts all over. These adornments make the main road look almost like a mech museum reminding visitors of their victories for a good half-mile until the lower section becomes visible. The higher section of the structure is more homely than the lower, housing facilities such as the kitchens, nursery, and living quarters for the younger Spears. It does require the ability to climb to reach it, so older Spears will move to the lower section when they are unable to climb up anymore.
Visitors are always welcomed by a small delegation at the end of the road, this group is usually made up of 2 Guards, a Smith, and the Spear in charge of the watch. This is usually Mikael Duskrin, most recognize him from his malformed left arm which is usually covered with a prosthesis when working. The warriors under him all make residence on the lower deck to keep close to the ground in case of attacks either to the Cell or surrounding communities under its protection.
Elion Hill is a well-equipped, fortified stronghold which keeps its residents and surrounding communities safe from major threats. But like The Deepwoods Archives, people seem to be the loose link in the chain. Could high ranking members who are well-informed on activities be exploited? Could they cope if multiple surrounding communities who rely on them are attacked at once?
Adventurers can seek out Elion Hill by finding the Central Spark illuminating the skies surrounding it, but could there be more than they bargained for…
Until then, you can prepare yourself for your own adventures in Emerta-Valo by pre-ordering the Dreams and Machines: Setting Guide - Emerta Valo today!
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