Faladlain Farstriders Travel Diary

Chapter 0 of Faladlain Farstrider’s Travellers’ Guide to Tyria: The Elonian Expansion.

With the death of the Elder Dragon Zaithan six years ago sea routes through the Bay of Elon and around the orrian coast reopened, allowing us a first glimpse into Elona after more than a hundred years of almost complete isolation. Now with the Lich King Palawa Joko and his army of undead Warriors defeated the entirety of Elona is within reach of our wondering minds and wandering feet.

I spent the better part of the last two years massaging the desert sand beneath my soles, scouring the continent for the most breathtaking, awe inspiring and thought provoking places it has to offer. From the Unending Ocean’s shores to the far reaches of the Crystal Desert, from the Mountains of Dajkah to Vaabi’s luxurious palaces I left no sight unseen.

As with the previous issues this guide seeks to not only provide a list of must visit places, but also to bring the culture and the beauty of the land right into the houses of the readers. Not everyone is a Traveller, but nobody should have to miss out on the world because of it.

Let me speak a few words of warning though. I want to remind everyone that travelling is always dangerous, and Elona is everything but an exception. Do not travel alone, regardless of how experienced you consider yourself. I myself haven’t done a single step without a companion at my side. Always have a map, a guide (a person, not this book), or preferably both.

Always be wary, you are in a foreign land and surrounded by foreign culture, this makes you vulnerable to exploitation. Don’t put blind trust in local law enforcement, though remember that not everyone is out to get you. Respect traditions and mannerisms of the locals and do not be insulted if they do not understand yours. 

Prepare carefully for your journey, buy appropriate clothing and supplies. Learn about the local wildlife and how to avoid confrontation with it. Find out how to recognize healers. And most importantly, do not fear to take a break or end your journey early if you do not feel well anymore. It is not a failure to not overburden yourself. A lesson I myself struggle to learn.

If you have ever set foot out of your door, chances are, you’ve seen a Hylek once or twice. They are one of the more common species found on Tyria. While some may be deterred by their zealous behaviour or unfamiliar smell.

But there is far more to learn about them than just how far away you should stand to avoid their breath. The Hylek, although it is already quite wrong to treat them as one people, are of a colouful culture rich with tradition.

The Hylek tribes found on the coast of the Sea of Sorrows, from the Tarnished Coast all the way over to the Steamspurs and down to Elona, worship Zintl, the Sun god. The most important Holysite is found a little south of old Fort Cadence.

Other places of worship are scattered all throughout Tyria, curated by local tribes like the Tzanopl who house pilgrims that visit the rock formation known as Judgement Rock.

Yet Zintl is by far not the only one worshipped by the Hylek. Further west deeper into Maguuma tribes like the Coztic, Capitzel and Xocotl worship Ameyalli, the Supernatural essence of the jungle.

The smaller Itzel are Hunters and gatherers, and quite the musicians. When I visited the Jaka Tribe, I couldn’t resist to stay a few days longer than planned, just to listen to some more of their wonderful luteplay.

Due to their smaller, more fragile stature the Itzel build there Villages into the treetops, high above the giant saurians roaming the jungle floor.

Farther south, where weather is warmer and the wind brings in more moist air from the sea the Nuhoch settle the hollowed out husks of giant trees, herding beetles and grubs.

As it is hard to find good spawning grounds, Hylek are very territorial and protective of their homes. Leaving an established village can mean the end for a tribe that does not find a place suitable for a new settlement soon.

Their reluctance to resettle makes for interesting landscapes, as cities slowly creep up on them and engulf the villages.

This leaves them vulnerable for the slavehunting Krait that often settle in close proximity, or the risen hordes that come from the sea.

Hylek guards fight desperate, as they know many Tribes have perished in the past. Only few leave their villages, but those that do are set to become repsectable opponents to whoever might face them.

To ensure a tribes survival Hylek lay many eggs, only a few of which will survive up until adulthood.

Those that are lucky enough to not live on the verge of extinction every day live a more peaceful life, fishing in the shallow waters or hunting for insects in the swamps.

Those that live where water is sparse herd local insects and often live as nomads, travelling the deserts. Desertborn Hylek are known to be the most zealous and agressive of their kind.

Apart from Hunters and Fishers Hylek are great artisans, creating beautiful mosaiks as well as ornate weapons and tools.

Locations in order:

Desider Atum

Eztlitz Grounds, Hunting Banks

Zintl Holy Grounds, Astrozintli Forelands

Tzanopl Grounds, The Stychs

Temple of Ameyalli, Jaka Itzel

Jaka Itzel (twice)

Teku Nuhoch

Lapatl Grounds, Jelako Cliffrise

Durotl Grounds, Loch Jezt

Zopatl Grounds, Glencarn Sperrin (twice)

Hazupl Grounds, Titan’s Staircase

Charnel Grounds, Far Silverwastes