Llyrius Description

Llyrius is the “capital” of the realm. It is a small, grey, rain swept town, huddled behind the high walls that guard the landward approached to the city. South of the walls, low hills rise, bald and treeless, where scant grass grows. Between the walls and the hills, the Elves have planted gardens and small farms, to grow produce for the town. A second layer of fortifications exists beyond the fields, defending the farmers from Schirae incursions. Resistance to such incursions is so fierce and organized that the Schirae rarely try.

Inside the city, the streets all run in twisted curves down the hill from the walls to the port. Visitors might wonder at this, but the reason is simple: the curves deflect the sea breezes and the constant rain from the sea, meaning that someone can cross the street and go about their business without being soaked. Still, the odd layout adds to a feeling of claustrophobia, one hardly lifted by looking out at the grey, surging, sea. There is a square, functional fortification in the centre of the city, which serves as the palace and the main garrison. Its battlements command a broad view of the harbor and the sea beyond, and out towards the hills.

Below the town, the Elves have constructed a deep harbor defended by huge sea walls. The sea walls have a dual purpose. They blunt the tide and shelter the ships behind them; they are also defensible. If someone was to attack the town from the sea, the defenders could bring archers and siege engines to bear against them. At the far end of the harbor, jutting out into the sea, a huge lighthouse stands, where a beacon flame is lit every night.

#4300 Cyradon, page 61