Fragment: On ArtaeumTaurce AnselmaArtaeumPsijic Order'Ò) ü߶« ùýFragment:ýOn Artaeumù by Taurce il-Anselma, 3E 400ýThe Isle of Artaeum (ar-TAY-um) Artaeum is the third largest island in the Sumursetarchipelago, located south of the Moridunon village ofPotansa and west of the mainland village of Runcibae. It isbest known for being the home to the Psijic Order, perhaps theoldest monastic group in Tamriel. The earliest written record of Psijics is from the twentiethyear of the first era and tells the tale of the author, theörenowned Breton sage Voernet, travelling to the Isle ofArtaeum to meet with the Rite Master of the Psijics, Iachesis.Even then, the Psijics were the counselors of kings andproponents of the "Elder Way," taught to them by the originalpeople of Tamriel. The Elder Way is a philosophy of meditation and study said to bind the forces of nature to theindividual will. It differs from magicka in origin, but theeffects are much the same. That being said, it is perhaps more than coincidence that theIsle of Artaeum literally vanished from the shores ofSumurset at the beginning of the second era at about the time ofthe founding of the Mages Guild of Tamriel. Varioushistorians and scholars have published theories about this,but perhaps none but Iachesis and his own could shed light onthis. Five hundred years passed and Artaeum returned. The Psijicson the Isle consisted of persons, mostly elves, who haddisappeared and were presumed dead over the second era.ûTheyöcould not or would not offer an explanation for Artaeum'swherebouts during that time or the fate of Iachesis and theoriginal council of Artaeum. Currently, the Psijics are led by the Lore Master Celarus whohas presided over the Council of Artaeum for the last twohundred and fifty years. The Council's influence in worldpolitics is tidal: the kings of Sumurset, particularly thoseof Moridunon, have often sought the Psijics' opinion; Uriel Vwas much influenced by the Council in the early, mostglorious part of his reign, before his disasterous attack onAkavir; it has even been suggested that the fleet of KingOrghum of Pyandonea was destroyed by a joint effort ofEmperor Antiochus and the Psijic Order. The last fouremperors, Uriel VI, Morihatha, Pelagius IV, and Uriel VII,have been suspicious of the Psijics, even enough to refuseambassadors 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 multipledimensions and continuously shift either at random or bydecree of Council. Visitors to the island are so rare to bealmost unheard of. Anyone desirous of a meeting with a Psijicmay find contacts in Potansa and Runcibae as well as many ofthe kingdoms of Sumurset. Were it more accessible, Artaeum would be a favoreddestination for travellers. I have been to the Isle once andstill dream of the idylic orchards and pastures, the stilland silent lagoons, the misty woodlands, and the uniquePsijic architecture that seems to be as natural but wondrous asthe surroundings. The Ceporah Tower in particular I wouldstudy, for it is a ruin from a civilization that predates theHigh Elves by several hundred years and is still used incertain rites by the Psijics. Perhaps one day I might return. Note: The author is currently on the Isle of Artaeum bygracious consent of Master Sargenius of the Council ofArtaeum. ö