Elas, also known as The Vale, is situated in the east of Kryslan north of the Valadyn Desert and south of the kingdoms of Armidon and Boroda. The heavily wooded valley between the arms of the Munual [moo-nwahl] Mountains is home to the Elasin (also known as the Vale-folk). Since the Varalsan takeover of the isle of the Drushek, Elas has become a haven for the Drushek, as well as a multi-ethnic meeting place for Armidonians, Borodans, Filgakyn, and Elasin alike.
The great river flowing the length of the Vale provides easy access to the sea. The Uhanid, forerunners of today's population,used the river to migrate to the the western coasts and northwestern valleys of Kryslan. This migration has created the Uhanid cultural areas of Varalsa, Telenin, Parelin, and Belash. The Belashic Empire, while originally an Uhanid culture, has no current cultural or political ties with the other Uhanid areas. These areas speak languages similar to Classical or Formal Elasin. Uhanid dialects and other languages will be covered in later additions to the site.
Classical, or Formal, Elasin is the subject of this introduction; although the speech of the vernacular Vale-folk will also be alluded to (where appropriate).
The language you learn here will serve you well in many places throughout Kryslan. Your dealings with the Armidonians, Borodans, the Filgakyn of northwest Kryslan, as well as the peoples of Aaran and Ailenak will go smoothly. However, if you plan to venture into Drokoda, the desert lands of the Ash-ka'el and Ash-ka'or, the Belashic Empire or the northern wastes and the Ersilon strongholds around Bar Gan, you're on your own. Granted, it's not easy to access Kryslan, but, if you happen onto one of the Doors of the Drushek, stay well clear of these latter regions. You'll be glad you did!
[NOTE: The name "Kryslan" is not Elasin. The Elasin name for the continent is Karisan. Kryslan is actually a Filgakyn term. The reasons for a word from Tilnorak being used to refer to the entire continent is a long story, and will be dealt with later.]
