Celene (realm)
| Faerie Kingdom of Celene | |
 |
|
| The arms of the Faerie Kingdom of Celene, as depicted in Living Greyhawk Gazetteer (2000). | |
| Region: | Western Nyr Dyv |
|---|---|
| Ruler: | Her Fey Majesty, Queen Yolande, Perfect Flower of Celene, Lady Rhalta of All Elvenkind |
| Government: | Hereditary feudal monarchy; royal house and all noble houses are elven; Celene currently has no official diplomatic relations with any outside nation. |
| Established: | 361 CY |
| Capital: | Enstad |
| Provinces: | Numerous castles, manorial estates, and townships governed by princes, dukes, counts, and barons in a chaotic patchwork. |
| Resources: | Foodstuffs, cloth, silver, fine wine and spirits. |
| Coinage: | Moonveil (pp) suncrown (gp), starcloak (ep), bellflower (sp), oakleaf (cp) |
| Population: | 140,000 (591 CY) |
| Races: | Elves 79% (gray 55%, sylvan 45%), humans 9% (Sof), half-elves 5%, gnomes 3%, halflings 2% (tallfellow 50%, lightfoot 25%, stout 25%), others 2% |
| Languages: | Elvish, Common, Sylvan, Gnomish, Halfling |
| Alignments: | CG*, NG, LN, N, LG |
| Religions: | Seldarine, Gnome pantheon, Ehlonna, Phaulkon, Phyton, Halfling pantheon |
| Allies: | Duchy of Ulek (minor), Knights of Luna (but see below) |
| Enemies: | Pomarj, Iuz. However, Celene has politically isolated itself from all nearby states |
- This article is about the nation of Celene. For Oerth's moon, see Celene (Kule).
Celene, properly known as the Faerie Kingdom of Celene, is a political state of the Flanaess, notable for being the most prominent elven nation in eastern Oerik.
History[edit | edit source]
Since the earliest times, Celene has been home to the gray elves of the Flanaess. In those days, elven princes ruled from the Velverdyva to the Wild Coast. However, by the time of the Great Migrations, the power of these elven lords had shrank to isolated pockets such as Celene. In those days, groups of migrant Suloise crossed the Lortmil Mountains and entered the elven lands, but their journey was brief. Such was the cruelty and wantonness of the Suloise that most were banished by the elves of the realm, and driven past the Jewel River. Human tribes, even among the Suel, that cherished the land and its life were better received. The elvenfolk of Celene even offered their allegiance to the rulers of Keoland for many centuries, rejecting them only when warlike monarchs ascended the Throne of the Lion.[1]
In the early summer of 348 CY, Keoish king Tavish II made his Wealsun Proclamation, asserting the manifest destiny of Keoland to rule over the entire Sheldomar Valley and its borders. This act alarmed the elves of Celene, especially when Tavish backed his proclamation with force, marching armies into western Veluna and annexing the Pomarj from the Prince of Ulek. In response, the Grand Court convened at Enstad to determine the best course for the elvenfolk of Celene, seeking a leader from among their own ranks. Princess Yolande of Bellmeadow,an accomplished warrior and wizard, was hailed by the assembled nobles as elvenkind's brightest hope. Together with the neighboring Ulek Provinces, Celene expelled Keoland's royal garrisons in 361 CY. Princess Yolande organized the realm's defenses, and Prince Consort Triserron took to the field, defeating the forces of Keoland in a number of short engagements. These victories brought full independence to Celene, and Yolande was elevated to queen of the new realm.
True independence, though welcomed, presented Celene with some new problems. Foremost would be that of orcish invasions from the Lortmils, as the savage humanoids were no longer restrained by Keoish patrols. Though such invasions were always repeled, victory was often costly, and the orcish hordes spewing from the mountains each spring seemed without end. A defensive alliance between Celene, the Ulek States, and the gnomes of the Kron Hills was formed to contain the humanoid menace by coordinating the efforts of each realm's armed forces. The alliance had some success, but all concerned parties continued to incur losses, the greatest of which was the death of the Prince Consort Triserron. While returning home from a mission to the County of Ulek, Triserron was ambushed and slain by orcs in a narrow pass south of Courwood. The Prince Consort's death led the elvenfolk of Celene to spearhead the Hateful Wars.
Since the Hateful Wars, Celene and its monarch grew ever more isolationist, until by the time of the Greyhawk Wars no assistance was provided when called for by the Principality of Ulek against the orcs of the Pomarj which estranged the previous alliance. The basis was Yolande saw the lives of elves as more important than any other consideration. Since the Wars, Celene has maintained its official policy of non-involvement, although many elves have volunteered to fight in the Suss Forest or farther afield and the Knights of Luna and others disagree with the position.[2]
Geography and climate[edit | edit source]
Celene's borders are formed by the Jewel River in the east, and the Handmaiden River to the west and south. To the north are the Kron Hills and the curving eastern spur of the Lortmils.[1]
Celene also exerts power and influence in the forests on its eastern borders, the Gnarley Forest, Welkwood, and Suss Forest, all of which have elven populations (amongst others) or forward garrisons deployed.
People[edit | edit source]
Population[edit | edit source]
Celene's population in 591 CY was 140,000 with that of the capital, Enstad, 7,200.[2]
The population in 591 CY was Elf 79% (gray 55%, sylvan 45%), Human 9% (mainly Suel origin, with some Oeridian and Flan), Half-elf 5%, Gnome 3%, Halfling 2% (tallfellow 50%, lightfoot 25%, stout 25%), Other 2%.[2]
Notables persons & inhabitants[edit | edit source]
Notable persons living in or originating from Celene include:
Religion[edit | edit source]
Worship in Celene is mainly of the deities of the elven pantheon—the Seldarine. Amongst those, Ehlenestra[3] and Sehanine Moonbow are especially prominent. Also worshipped, primarily by non-elves, are Phaulkon, Phyton, gnomish pantheon and the halfling pantheon.[2]
Because Celene's sovereign is of Faerie lineage, the Faerie Mysteries permeate the Grand Court and all rites, from the frolics to the passions, are observed with deliberate care. Queen Yolande is foremost in these devotions.[4]
Languages[edit | edit source]
The languages spoken are mainly Elvish, Common, Sylvan, Gnomish, and Halfling.[2]
Government[edit | edit source]
Celene is a hereditary feudal monarchy ruled by a gray elven king or queen. The royal and noble families of Celene are all elven.
The national capital is Enstad.
Administrative Divisions[edit | edit source]
Celene is made up of a chaotic patchwork of several manorial estates, castles, and townships governed by princes, dukes, counts, and barons.
Executive Branch[edit | edit source]
The current monarch of the realm is Her Fey Majesty, Queen Yolande, Perfect Flower of Celene, Lady Rhalta of All Elvenkind. Yolande has been queen since 361 CY, when the elven princes of the realm assembled to choose a leader to unite the elves against expansionist Keoland. Yolande is assisted by the Royal Consort (also known as the Prince Consort), currently Fasstal Dothmar.
Heraldry[edit | edit source]
Celene's coat of arms is blazoned thus: Purpure, a tree proper.
Economy[edit | edit source]
Resources[edit | edit source]
Foodstuffs, cloth, silver, fine wine and spirits.[2]
Currency[edit | edit source]
Celene's currency is the Moonveil (pp) suncrown (gp), starcloak (ep), bellflower (sp), and oakleaf (cp).[2]
Transportation[edit | edit source]
Military[edit | edit source]
Celene's standing military is chiefly elven light infantry armed with longswords and longspears, supported by numerous companies of archers. The realm also utilizes an elite hippogriff-riding cavalry, picked from the most experienced and noble gray elven officers in Celene's service.[1]
Enstad itself, as well as the royal family and their palace, is defended by the Companion Guard, knights commanded by the Prince Consort.[1]
Most forces in the nation are loyal to Yolande, but the Knights of Luna and other dissenting groups serve leaders with different ambitions. The majority of these units are border companies in the Welkwood or Suss Forest, many of which have spent time in the Principality of Ulek fighting Pomarj orcs.[1]
"Bladesingers form an elite cadre of warrior-mages in the kingdom of Celene. Some of these agents work beyond Celene’s borders, wielding blade and magic against the queen’s enemies. The art of the blade song is unknown beyond that kingdom; no non-elf has learned its secrets."[5]
Celene in the Living Greyhawk campaign[edit | edit source]
Gallery[edit | edit source]
Maps[edit | edit source]
External links[edit | edit source]
Disclaimer:Any lore presented through the following links does not necessarily adhere to established officially published content, and the views expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the editors of this wiki.
References[edit | edit source]
Citations
Bibliography
- Gygax, Gary. The World of Greyhawk. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1980.
- ———. World of Greyhawk Fantasy Game Setting. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1983.
- Sargent, Carl. From the Ashes. Lake Geneva, WI: TSR, 1992.
- Moore, Roger E. The Adventure Begins. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 1998.
- Holian, Gary, Erik Mona, Sean K. Reynolds, and Frederick Weining. Living Greyhawk Gazetteer. Renton, WA: Wizards of the Coast, 2000.
- Mona, Erik, et al. "Dantalion." Dungeon #106. Bellevue, WA: Paizo Publishing, 2004.
Encyclopedia Greyhawkania Index
The Index is based on previous work of Jason Zavoda through '08, and his work as continued and updated by Eric Johnson, Richard DiIoia, Jason "PupickDad" Jacobson, a French fan group, and numerous other fans over the years. The wiki page for the EGI has a list of sources, full product names, abbreviations, and a link to the full, downloadable index.
| Topic | Type | Description | Product | Page/Card/Image
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellflower coin - Silver piece (Celene, DoUlek) | Item | Coin, | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 38, 118 |
| Celene Feast Hall (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Inn, Tavern, Bar, or Restaurant , | The City of Greyhawk: Folks, Feuds and Factions | 62 |
| Celene Feast Hall (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Inn, Tavern, Bar, or Restaurant , | The Adventure Begins | 91 |
| Celene Feast Hall, Grand Feast, (City of Greyhawk) | Calendar | The Adventure Begins | 91 | |
| Celene Pass (Pass of) | Infrastructure | From the Ashes: Atlas of the Flanaess | 7, 24, 54 | |
| Celene Pass {Pass of} | Infrastructure | Street or road, | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 118 |
| Celene Pass {Pass of} | Infrastructure | Street or road, | Slavers, AD&D 2e | 122 |
| Celene Pass, Battle of | Adventure | From the Ashes: Atlas of the Flanaess | 76 | |
| Celene Pass, Battle of | Adventure | From the Ashes: Campaign Book | 77, 87 | |
| Celene Pass, Battle of | Adventure | Greyhawk Wars: Adventures | 18 | |
| Celene Ruby Wine | Item | Beverage (wine), | Return to the Temple of Elemental Evil, D&D 3.0e | 14 |
| Celene Ruby Wine | Item | Beverage (wine), | T1-4 The Temple of Elemental Evil | 14 |
| Celene {Elayne Mystica} | Non-player character | Reference | SEE Elayne Mystica {Celene} | |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Artifact of Evil | 7, 74, 78, 106, 111, 121, 124-128, 144, 157, 159, 218, 231 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | CGR1 The Complete Spacefarer's Handbook | 10 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | The City of Greyhawk: Adventure Cards | 21 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | The City of Greyhawk: Folks, Feuds and Factions | 3, 19, 23, 24, 31, 60, 61, 69, 71, 75 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | The City of Greyhawk: Gem of the Flanaess | 18, 45 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Dragon magazine #052 | 19, 22 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Dragon magazine #055 | 19 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Dragon magazine #057 | 13 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Dragon magazine #087 | 26 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Dragon magazine #167 | 11, 13 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Dragon magazine #191 | 68 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Dragon magazine #200 | 39 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Dragon magazine #253 | 43 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Dragon magazine #268 | 71 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Dragon magazine #271 | 76 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Dragon magazine #292 | 101 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Dragon magazine #315 | 52, 53, 54 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Dragon magazine #AN3 | 104 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | From the Ashes: Atlas of the Flanaess | 4, 7, 10, 12, 13, 17, 24, 34, 41, 53, 54, 56, 58, 67, 79, 86 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | From the Ashes: Campaign Book | 39-41, 47, 49, 62, 68, 70, 71, 77, 80, 82 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | From the Ashes: References Card | #2 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | From the Ashes: References Card | #8 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Greyhawk Adventures | 40, 73, 84, 99 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Greyhawk Wars: Adventures | 10, 15, 16, 18, 19, 28 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Ivid the Undying | 157 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | IC, 8, 15, 17, 38, 39, 40, 51, 58, 63, 65, 66, 87, 88, 116, 117, 118, 119, 121, 129, 140, 142, 152, 159, 162 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Living Greyhawk Journal #0 | 8, 12 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Living Greyhawk Journal #1 | 26 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Living Greyhawk Journal #2 | 31 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Living Greyhawk Journal #3 | 10, 30 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Living Greyhawk Journal #4 | 28 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Night Arrant | 236 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Player's Guide to Greyhawk | 5, 10, 12, 13, 26, 27, 37, 38, 40 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | PHBR2 - The Complete Thief's Handbook | 83 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Return of the Eight | 3 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Slavers, AD&D 2e | 10, 13, 43, 122, 123 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Sea of Death | 78 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | Saga of Old City | 38, 148 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | T1-4 The Temple of Elemental Evil | 4, 70 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | The Adventure Begins | 16, 18, 35, 36, 45, 46, 54, 55, 59, 70, 73, 86, 90 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | The Adventure Begins: Adventure Maps | 2, 4 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | LT3 The Doomgrinder | 26 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | WG8 Fate of Istus | 21 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | WGA4 Vecna Lives! | 23, 49 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | The World of Greyhawk Fantasy World Setting (Folio) | IC, 2, 5, 6, 7, 9, 12, 17, 19, 22, 23 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | WGQ1 Patriots of Ulek | 2, 5, 29 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | WGR4 The Marklands | 10, 30, 41, 59 |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) | 9, 11, 14, 20, 21, 27, 39, 41, 49, 53, 57, 58, IBC |
| Celene, Kingdom of | Kingdom | (576 pop: 15000), (591 pop: 140000), | World of Greyhawk boxed set (1983) | 9, 17, 32 |
| Celenese Nectarwine | Item | Beverage (wine), | Return of the Eight | 43 |
| Celenese Nectarwine | Item | Beverage (wine), | WG6 Isle of the Ape | 6 |
| Celenian {Celenese} | People Group | People, | The City of Greyhawk: Adventure Cards | 6 |
| Celenian {Celenese} | People Group | People, | The City of Greyhawk: Folks, Feuds and Factions | 16 |
| Celenian {Celenese} | People Group | People, | From the Ashes: Atlas of the Flanaess | 24, |
| Celenian {Celenese} | People Group | People, | Living Greyhawk Journal #3 | 30 |
| Celenian {Celenese} | People Group | People, | Living Greyhawk Journal #4 | 28 |
| Ehlonna, Temple of Celene | Building | Temple, | Sea of Death | 78 |
| Elayne Mystica {Celene} | Non-player character | [M19], | Dragon magazine #139 | 18 |
| Elayne Mystica {Celene} | Non-player character | [M19], | Dragon magazine #241 | 44, 45, 46, 47 |
| Elayne Mystica {Celene} | Non-player character | [M19], | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 57 |
| Elayne Mystica {Celene} | Non-player character | [M19], | Living Greyhawk Journal #0 | 8 |
| Elayne Mystica {Celene} | Non-player character | [M19], | Living Greyhawk Journal #3 | 14 |
| Grand Court (Celene) | Place | Court, | Artifact of Evil | 121-123 |
| Handmaiden {Celene, Kule} | Geographical feature | Reference | SEE Celene {Kule, Handmaiden} (Lesser Moon) | |
| Oakleaf coin - Copper pieces (Celene, DoUlek) | Item | Coin, | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 38, 118 |
| Palace of the Faerie Queen (Celene) | Place | Defensive Structure, Palace, | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 39 |
| Star of Celene | Item | Greyhawk Adventures | 84 | |
| Star of Celene Inn (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Inn, | The City of Greyhawk: Folks, Feuds and Factions | 8 |
| Star of Celene Inn (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Inn, | The City of Greyhawk: Gem of the Flanaess | 64 |
| Star of Celene Inn (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Inn, | From the Ashes: Campaign Book | 77 |
| Star of Celene Inn (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Inn, | Living Greyhawk Journal #2 | 5 |
| Star of Celene Inn (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Inn, | Player's Guide to Greyhawk | 32 |
| Star of Celene Inn (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Inn, | The Adventure Begins | 85, 90 |
| Star of Celene Inn (City of Greyhawk) | Building | Inn, | War Captain's Companion Boxed Set: Book 1 | 37 |
| Starcloak coin - Electrum pieces (Celene) | Item | Coin, | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 38 |
| Suncrown coin - Gold pieces (Celene, DoUlek) | Item | Coin, | Living Greyhawk Gazetteer | 38, 118 |
| Tillahi of Celene (Countess) | Non-player character | Elf, [F5/M4], | T1-4 The Temple of Elemental Evil | 70 |