Sennas
"Have you read the poem from which the community of Sennas gets its name? A beautiful thing. The relevant line is 'Lothe Sennas elloham mayna vin -- dan Sennas vayna min ar'denar.' Gorgeous. When translated, it loses its luster, but for those of us who do not speak elven, it says 'When a question lacks an answer, the question does not cease.' I suppose Sennas is the question still looking for its answer." - from the memoirs of Lewin Von Treet, Vault: the Land of Stuff and Things
City Description
The beauty of many old elven cities is that they have not fought against the incursion of the forest upon the artifices they've constructed. It is their belief that while stone and wood can be purposed for creating shelter and wonders, it is only right that the world around such creations be allowed to place its mark. As such, the city of Senna looks as a ruin, slowly being overtaken by the forest around it, but nothing could be further from the truth. The elves of Senna live alongside the incursion of the forest encouraging its growth in some places, reclaiming what they need in others. The result is a beautiful marriage of the artificial and natural, living in harmony, peace, and in Sennas, isolated from much of the rest of Vault.
The city of Sennas was once the resting spot of Glainwing, a place built to honor the Elder Dragon and cater to those who wished to seek her council and companionship. Over time, the city grew to be a community devoted to the art and craft of naturally infused architecture. Building within the constraints of the natural world became a passion for the elves of Sennas, and Glainwing watched over it all with a sincere admiration.
The Elder Dragon herself could often be found in her home, a place resembling an effervescent glass globe, called "Palavin," or "intentionally alone." While within Palavin, Glainwing was not to be disturbed, and she often spent weeks or months within it at a time. What she did while inside Palavin is unknown for certain, but it is not great mystery considering Glainwing would often speak of simply slumbering and daydreaming of what great futures awaited the people of Vault.
Sennas grew over time as the magics of creation were strong within its walls, being the home of an Elder Dragon. However, Glainwing's death in 2012 forever changed the atmosphere and landscape of Sennas. The magics began to fade, the majesty of the city was all but lost, and those within its confines despaired. While no dark magic affected Sennas, a gloom of the soul settled upon it. The population plummeted. The forest was allowed to take more than it had before. And the elves tried to find purpose in the sorrow.
That purpose came in common cause with the dwarves of Dagmar. Hearing tales of the grandeur of Sennas, the dwarves, who used similar natural tenets in their own constructions of underground citadels, came to the city and began working on it. Such was the despair of the elves that few of them could muster concern for this offense, but some sought to confront the dwarves for their trespass.
Instead, the elves found themselves enamored with the passion of the dwarves. Here were people who could reignite the love of Sennas, and that's exactly what happened.
Now Sennas stands as a testament of friendship between the elves of South Lyr'Lowain and Dagmar, a friendship which began as a love of architecture, and resulted in the support the South needed to break away from the military might of the North.
City Landmarks
Palavin- the massive orb that contained Glainwing's resting place, it is now inaccessible. Strong creation magics dwell within, but since her death, no one has been able to enter.
The Mossway - these walkways above the city of Sennas allow for a beautiful view of many of the more intricate creations of its former artisans. They are also incredibly dangerous, with numerous careless individuals plunging to their deaths below.
Stone's Throw - a tavern in the city which was originally founded by visiting dwarves but has grown to be the most frequented and upstanding establishment in the city. It contains boulders and samples of rocks found within Lyr'Lowain that the dwarves of Dagmar do not have back home.
People of Note
Milain Din'Havia - Female Elf, guardian and keeper of Palavin, also lead researcher into its creation magics
Lugg Drugg the Ugg Mugg - Male Dwarf, current owner of the Stone's Throw and official emissary from Dagmar