Fragment: On Artaeum
By Taurce il-Anselma, 3E 400
The Isle of Artaeum (ar-TAY-um)
Artaeum isthe third largest island in the Sumurset archipelago, located south
of the Moridunon village of Potansa and west of the mainland village
of Runcibae. It is best known for being the home to the Psijic Order,
perhaps the oldest monastic group in Tamriel.
The earliest written record of Psijics is from the twentieth year
of the first era and tells the tale of the author, the renowned Breton
sage Voernet, travelling to the Isle of Artaeum to meet with the
Rite Master of the Psijics, Iachesis. Even then, the Psijics were
the counselors of kings and proponents of the "Elder Way," taught
to them by the original people of Tamriel. The Elder Way is a philosophy
of meditation and study said to bind the forces of nature to the
individual will. It differs from magicka in origin, but the effects
are much the same.
That being said, it is perhaps more than coincidence that the Isle
of Artaeum literally vanished from the shores of Sumurset at the
beginning of the second era at about the time of the founding of
the Mages Guild of Tamriel. Various historians and scholars have
published theories about this, but perhaps none but Iachesis and
his own could shed light on this.
Five hundred years passed and Artaeum returned. The Psijics on the
Isle consisted of persons, mostly elves, who had disappeared and
were presumed dead over the second era. They could not or would not
offer an explanation for Artaeum's wherebouts during that time or
the fate of Iachesis and the original council of Artaeum.
Currently, the Psijics are led by the Lore Master Celarus who has
presided over the Council of Artaeum for the last two hundred and
fifty years. The Council's influence in world politics is tidal:
the kings of Sumurset, particularly those of Moridunon, have often
sought the Psijics' opinion; Uriel V was much influenced by the Council
in the early, most glorious part of his reign, before his disasterous
attack on Akavir; it has even been suggested that the fleet of King
Orghum of Pyandonea was destroyed by a joint effort of Emperor Antiochus
and the Psijic Order. The last four emperors, Uriel VI, Morihatha,
Pelagius IV, and Uriel VII, have been suspicious of the Psijics,
even enough to refuse ambassadors for the Isle of Artaeum in the
Imperial City.
The Isle of Artaeum is difficult to chart geographically. It is said
that parts of it exist simultaneously in multiple dimensions and
continuously shift either at random or by decree of Council. Visitors
to the island are so rare to be almost unheard of. Anyone desirous
of a meeting with a Psijic may find contacts in Potansa and Runcibae
as well as many of the kingdoms of Sumurset.
Were it more accessible, Artaeum would be a favored destination for
travellers. I have been to the Isle once and still dream of the idylic
orchards and pastures, the still and silent lagoons, the misty woodlands,
and the unique Psijic architecture that seems to be as natural but
wondrous as the surroundings. The Ceporah Tower in particular I would
study, for it is a ruin from a civilization that predates the High
Elves by several hundred years and is still used in certain rites
by the Psijics.
Perhaps one day I might return.
Note:
The author is currently on the Isle of Artaeum by gracious consent of Master Sargenius of the Council of Artaeum.
|
