Valley of the Winged Throne

The Valley of the Winged Throne is a demiplane seemingly created by Mother to protect her daughter, Elinor.

## Description

By the usual dimensions of the *Demiplane* spell, the Valley of the Winged Throne is vast, estimated to be somewhere between ten and twelve miles in diameter upon passing examination, filled with forest and mountain alike. Possibly as a result of this, the edges of the demiplane were found to be thin, enough that manipulate and application of force on its extremities was enough to provide a fleeting glance of the Astral Sea beyond it, although usually hidden behind the visage of a continuation of the forest.

Time seems to pass at a differing rate to the Material Plane within the Valley of the Winged Throne, as it was noted that despite having spent the best part of six hours within the demiplane, just over a day had passed upon their return.

## Layout

### The Valley

The Valley itself is framed by an arcing mountain range of towering mountains, their peaks jutting through the passing cloud cover with a clarity and vibrancy akin to that of pale crystalline quartz. Flanked on all sides by this circlet of mountains, the Valley takes a roughly oval form with an overall gentle incline before rising suddenly at the base of peaks.

### The Forest

Throughout, the woodland appears similar in composition to that found throughout the temperate regions of Ahlus, although only the stretches of the forest closest to the centre appear to be populated with life. Beyond a river that meanders around this region, the forest is devoid of animals large and small, the silence broken only by the breeze, and the passing patrols of Solderlith Stewards hunting for incursions from outsiders. The river seems to be more than a geographical barrier, possessing a level of enchantment that subconsciously seems to compel creatures not to cross its boundaries, working both to keep individuals out, but likewise others in. Working centrally, upon passing this river, the forest is more vibrant and filled with life, the sound of birdsong, skittering rodents and buzzing insects ever present. The forests here are easy to navigate, with numerous small trails and paths winding through the flower groves, shrubs and thickets.

### The Castle

At the heart of the demiplane, a large sprawling fortification rests steadfast and striking. Highly defensive in its construction, it was noted by Anivia Reman that many of the features of the castle seem to match in appearance to historical castles throughout the ages, drawing inspiration, or acting in direct homage to the strongholds of the former Realms of Ahlus. The walls appear similar in appearance to the defences of the city of Westdell, now known as Rydoon, while several of the towers are similar to that of Chalimar Palace and drawings of the palace of the Tawnberts, the former rulers of the Realm of Gawylthlan. Beyond the entry barbican a large courtyard filled with pavilions, flower hedges and tables is built around a large water fountain, its centrepiece the skull of the gold dragon Galgiltardhi, who sought to steal the treasures of the castle but was eventually slain, prompting the creation of the Solderlith Stewards. Save the dragon skull, the composition of the courtyard displayed a number of features common amongst Sunar architecture.

The Throne Room is a grand affair, once again similar in appearance and composition to the equivalent found within Chalimar Palace. With a pair of raised daises, the first flanked by towering statues of knights ahorse, the second and higher home to an opulent throne framed by feathered and reptilian wings alike, from which Mother made counsel and her decrees. Behind the throne, a vast stain glass window depicting an angel wearing plate armour, a sword raised high in one hand, a crown in the other, their body wreathed in flame and they fend off a vast serpent writhing before them once stood, although this was destroyed when Mother sought to prevent Ellie from leaving, wielding the broken shards as a barrage of glass to assail the adventuring party - and inadvertently catching Ellie herself in the crossfire.