Thalassa
"I'm very glad the Tritons of Thalassa have that lakeweed that allows you to breathe underwater for a time. I would have drowned during my trip there otherwise. Because I cannot breathe underwater." - from the memoirs of Lewin Von Treet, Vault: the Land of Stuff and Things
Deep beneath the surface of Elfhome Lake in Core Vandal is the city of Thalassa. Hidden from the world, the Tritons who live there are secretive and prefer their privacy, so it is uncommon for outsiders to venture to Thalassa. However, those who do extol the beauties found there and the wondrous atmosphere.
The Tritons of Thalassa are generally welcoming and generous despite wishing to remain disengaged from the world above. The single exception is their relationship with Tree Pass, in which they help the goblins of the city survive by fishing for them. This relationship seems mostly one-sided.
Thalassa itself is one magnificent structure, akin to an underwater mansion, in which the entire community resides. A religious movement a couple hundred years ago left many Tritons worshipping Lot, the God of Experiences -- a movement that caused a shift in mannerisms within Thalassa to one of exploring the entirety of Elfhome Lake, the River Pryce, and even the River Still in Galdarion Forest. This movement has created a community which has fallen in love with exploration, discovery, and the excitement of the new.
There are still those, however, who are concerned this adventurous spirit will lead to the dissolution of their traditions of solitude. Factions have begun to form and a divide is beginning to take shape. The "Tuku" and the "Toro," those who wish to keep quiet and those who wish to explore respectively, disagree for now; but there is a future where that disagreement boils over into conflict.
The Tritons of Thalassa are not mighty warriors or powerful mages -- they revel in solace and swear by finding the joy in the mundane. They take care of their city and take great pride in its upkeep.
Thalassa has no libraries or dining halls, but has many museums, storytelling chambers, and places where music can be shared and learned. There is an arch that cuts through the heart of the city where the underwater current moves swiftly, the temperature is chilled, and the animals do not swim. Called the "Kaori," it is said swimming through the arch will awaken something within a person, for good or for ill. While it is not held sacred and holds no religious significance to the Triton, it is not spoken of often nor do the denizens of Thalassa swim the passage at all.
People of Note
Tawhito: Male Triton, oldest member of the Triton community, he spends his days telling stories to the young people and advising agreements between the Tuku and Toro
Kahayla: Female Triton, self-appointed protector of the city and fierce warrior, she is quick to anger in service of her people, knowing no one else will keep them safe
Commander Riptide: Male Water Genasi, one of the few non-Triton in Thalassa, this veteran of the wars in Lyr'Lowain has retired to Thalassa with his treasury of artifacts to display for all