Talis

Talis (Old Olgish Tálik, Atrissan Tálich, Middle Olgish Tálig or Talis, rarely Tális) is a major settlement on the fringes of the Arnim-Sowen in western Belkondíl and the traditional capital of the county of Atrissar. An important waystation on the road between Atrissar and the Tarébras, it was besieged and destroyed in the Geranian War, its ruins thereafter marking the border between Lécaron and the Kingdom of Geran. It is said to be built atop the Crypt of the Nine and revered as such in Olgish folklore, drawing considerable numbers of pilgrims both before and after its devastation.

Etymology

The Olgish word Talis usually refers to burial mounds, dolmen, or similar, natural rock features dominating the landscape. The name of the city is most often understood as ‘necropolis’, likely a folk-etymology alluding to its mythological significance. The earliest Old Olgish sources name the town Tálik ‘meeting place’, presumably referring to its role as a market town and early administrative centre for the settlements along the edge of the Arnim-Sowen. The local Atrissan dialect renders this as Tálich, forming the basis of the Middle Olgish reinterpretation as Talis.

History

According to legend, the settlement originated as a necropolis for the Nine Sons of Nindemmin after their defeat at the Battle of Arnim Sowen B.E.B. 1217, constructed and frequented by those wishing to pay homage to the fallen, according to some accounts even Narned himself, eventually growing to form a major city.

The town’s historical origins