Ancatir is the name of both the Elves of the sea and the eldest immortal son of the Dragons, who has guided the people of Ancatir through the centuries. The Elves of Ancatir live separately in the south of the continent, specialising in seafaring and life on the barren lands before the ocean.
The history of the Ancatir
Ancatir himself, like his three siblings, was conceived by the Dragons in the Second Age. He created a people in his own image, who later found their home on the southern shores.
Through a dark whisper from the dark goddess Thzularn, Ancatir learned of the Dragons' creation ritual. Although the Elves were forbidden to learn of this ritual, Ancatir decided to perform it himself. He used his naive brother and companion, Silkanda, to carry out his diabolical plan.
The other two siblings, Anscharon (the brother) and Atiarel (the only sister), were to be magically forced to take part in the ritual, as a female and a male were still needed.
But the Dragons found out about the plan and intervened. Atiarel was put into stasis. Anscharon, devastated by the loss of his sister, left the continent of Tirakan and settled on a large island to the southeast of Tirakan. Silkanda retreated to the forests of northern Tirakan when he finally realised what he had done. He had abandoned his people for this ritual.
Ancatir retreated to the south. He changed the way of life of the Ancatir. For after the intervention of the Dragons, his tribe fled south on ships. They became excellent seafarers, skilled fishermen and even pirates. But not much more is known about this isolated race, which does not fit the classic image of Elves.
The Forest and Coastal Landscape of the Ancatir
The Ancatir realm lies in the south of Tirakan, where barren coastlines give way to dense, overgrown forests. The landscape is characterised by rugged cliffs, wide beaches and deep inlets where the sea cuts into the land. In these bays lie the hidden ports of the Ancatir, hidden from the prying eyes of foreign sailors. Their coastal waters are protected by an intricate network of sandbanks, cliffs and underwater caves that only the best navigators can cross safely.
There is a strange silence in the forests of the Ancatir, broken only by the occasional whisper of the wind or the distant sound of the surf. The trees are ancient. Among them are ancient, half-ruined buildings, relics of a time before the Ancatir came to this area. These forests, known as Sultharion, are steeped in magic and legend. The ghosts of the first Elves who led the Ancatir here are said to still roam the clearings.
The harbours of Ancatir are masterpieces of elven architecture, combining natural features with artfully designed structures. **Calaírion, the largest port, is a mixture of cliff houses and floating wooden walkways that stretch far out to sea. Small, hidden lagoons serve as secret shipyards. No foreign sailor has ever seen the full extent of these ports, for the Ancatir guard their secrets with unyielding determination.
Law and politics in the Empire of Ancatir
The Ancatir Empire is ruled by a single immortal ruler, Ancatir, whose will is law. His decisions are considered inviolable because he is in direct line to the ancient Dragons that fathered him and his siblings. Unlike the Silkanda, for example, the Ancatir have a judiciary and a concentration of power in Ancatir himself.
Nevertheless, there is a form of consultation: a group of Guardians of Silence, consisting of the oldest and wisest Elves of the people, can give Ancatir advice, but without formal power.
The jurisdiction is based on the laws of the tides, a collection of ancient codes that are said to have been created by Ancatir's own words. These laws are divided into three categories:
- Laws of Harmony - These govern the use of nature and resources.
- Laws of the Sea - These concern seafaring, trade and behaviour in ports.
- Laws of Blood - These govern disputes within the people, especially treason and murder.
Crimes against the laws are investigated by the guardians of silence, but the final judgement lies with Ancatir alone. The punishments range from long-term banishment to mysterious rituals from which no one has ever returned.
The life of the people
The life of the Ancatir is one of hard work and great skill. Most Ancatir are either fishermen, shipbuilders or sailors. They see the sea not only as their livelihood, but also as a spiritual element inextricably linked to their history and identity. Many also practise magic, often in the form of chants and incantations.
The family plays a central role, and each family has its own soul flag, an intricately woven banner that represents its history and achievements. These flags are hoisted on the masts of their ships, so that each ship is a floating chronicle of the family.
Cities and special Places
- Calaírion: The main and largest port, known for its floating docks.
- Sultharán: A forest city built into the silvery trees of Sultharion.
- Theralond: A mystical place on a cliff, said to be the gateway to another world.
- Thulnaris: A hidden island city known only to the most experienced sailors.
The Language of Ancatir
Male First Names
- Aerenon, Thalanir, Myrdain, Celandar, Lirion
Female First Names
- Arinella, Faeliria, Lyandril, Míthariel, Serelina
Surnames
- Náthalan, Fírathir, Calandros, Eryndor, Súlendil
Daily Words
- Sea: Thalorin
- Harbour: Calaír
- Magic: Miradhel
- Hometown: Thirion
- Ship: Sylmar
The language of the Ancatir is melodic and fluid, with a strong connection to the sea and the wind.