Aundair
The Aundelan Cradle
The nation’s location in Noyatu allows for various defensive and economic advantages. From the vineyards of Bluevine to the pastures of the Prachur Fields, Aundair dominates in wool and grain production. Different alcoholic drinks are brewed in small villages to the largest of cities. Bluevine wines’ reputation is only rivaled to those of Feolinn. Settled north and east of the Byeshik and Sanrach mountains respectively and west of Scion’s Sound, Aundair is surrounded by significant natural protection. This allowed Aundairians to focus on targeted defensive keeps, namely the Towers Five, and magical advancement.
Rule with an Arcane Fist
At the beginning of the war that ended the Wynarn Empire, the royal family was the first to die. However, their youngest daughter Aurala was beloved by the people of the empire for her kind heart and humanitarian efforts and was allowed to live. When the fighting broke out, Aurala rose back to power and formed the nation of Aundair, allowing her to use her natural arcane talents to rule the people and command her armies. When the dust settled her country still stood and she has ruled as queen since. Queen Aurala hopes to redeem the ir’Wynarn name and create a new legacy.
Given the large territory of Aundair, the queen uses a variety of nobles to delegate her power. The queen has retrofitted duchies, counties, and baronies from the empire with few changes. However, she created the Zharena System, in which she appointed a leader to each city of significant size to have more direct control over population centers. These zharenas are to enforce national law and report directly back to Queen ir'Wynarn but are left to structure their cities as they see fit. This allows for a diverse range of local governments and a satisfied population.
Each town has a generic city guard, an econospeaker, and a small portion of the Aundair army. Most soldiers are trained to use some magical power, the most powerful of which become candidates for The Knights Arcane. The Knights Arcane is an elite force of eldritch and echo knights that complete more difficult and covert missions in the name of Aundair and the Queen.
Cities and Towns
Arcanix
This farming village on the Scion's Inlet provides food for the nearby floating towers of wizardry that serve as a home to Aundair's Arcane Congress - a cutting-edge research facility and one of the finest schools of magic in Noyatu. The members of the congress oversee the magical research conducted in the towers, advise Aundair's queen on all things magical, and confer with colleagues visiting from other nations. Apprentices come from all over Noyatu to train at Arcanix.Fairhaven
The capital of Aundair is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Stunning displays of magical light and other arcane wonders enhance the exquisite architecture. This is the seat of the University of Wynarn, a prestigious institution that draws students from across Noyatu.Hupperdook
The gnomish community of Hupperdook is built along the northern edge of the Byeshk Mountains, marked by the ever-rising columns of dark smoke and steam. Predating all the modern countries of Noyatu, Hupperdook remained autonomous until Aundair absorbed the community through diplomatic agreements over rising tensions with Droaam. This smoke-stacked city is now the heart of industry (other than the lightning rails) in Aundair, manufacturing technological marvels and large-scale weapons of war for the country.Passage
Located on the shores of Lake Galifer, the city of Passage is the heart of House Orien. The city takes pride in its production and maintenance facilities for the lightning rail and the Orien caravans.Stormhome
This island city is the seat of House Lyrander, and Queen Aurala allows the house free rein in governing the island. It is the finest resort and vacation spot in Noyatu. Spies, charlatans, sailors, and house agents all have a place in Stormhome.Strixhaven University
A magical world boasts many places where students can study magic and many sages who take eager learners under their wings. But being accepted to Strixhaven University is a special honor, the dream of many young students. Strixhaven is a place of enlightenment and learning, and both its graduates and its delegates are typically welcomed and respected wherever they go.
Knowledge, Drink, and Fashion
The trinity of Aundairian culture consists of arcane education, alcohol production, and fashion design. Aundair is Noyatu’s center of higher education. Strixhaven University, the Arcane Congress of Arcanix, and the University of Wynarn draw students of the mystic from across Noyatu and various smaller institutions dotted across the land teach more obscure fields. In fact, Metamancer Cyran Umera of Strixhaven University wrote the defacto textbook on transmutation magic, The Properties of Inverse Spell Formulary and its Effect on Transmutive Magic.
Aundair’s alcohol production is extremely prolific. Plink Berry Wine is one of Bluevine’s more popular drinks. It is made from a deep purple sour fruit and when fermented develops a bitter chocolate flavor. Sarro Juice from Ghalt is generally a ceremonial spirit used on coronation days, graduations, and holy days. The shimmering purple mist that floats away from the drink isn't the only thing that sets it apart. The side effect of changing the irises of the drinker lavender is said to be the origin of Aundair’s generational connection to the color purple.
Spellbound Designs are fashionistas specializing in arcane aesthetics and accessories for the Fairhaven elite. They have designed Queen Aurala’s last six ballroom gowns. Mythique Armory designs the newest and most fashionable military garb and wizard robes that balance utility and elegance. They work closely with the gnomes of Hupperdook in creating armor for the Aundairian army.
Faith in a Land of Magic
All Prime Deities have their place in Aundair, as do their holy days. Most of these gods have temples in the major cities and smaller altars in the various villages. Sarenrae is only publicly worshipped in rural towns and Ioun is not publicly worshipped anywhere. Instead, the Knowing Mentor is studied by mages in the grand universities.
The mountain complex of Askelios has a strong devotion to the Raven Queen. Typically people ask for a blessing from Avandra to guide young adults as they transition into independent life. However, residents of Askelios ask for the Raven Queen’s blessing. They believe adolescents are reborn into adulthood like the Matron of Ravens was reborn into her celestial form.
Unlike most regions of Noyatu, the clergy clashes more with arcane followings than each other in Aundair. The mages scattered through the nation, believe that divine magic is redundant to the power of the mystical.
Mages and Verities
The highest members of Aundair’s social ladder included the realm's royals, nobles, and archmages. They can be found in their high towers of Fairhaven or military strongholds. High-ranking military leaders and the Knights Arcane are typically also included in the elite class. Like most places in Noyatu, leaders and important members of the Great Houses are the cream of the crop for societal placement.
Students, magic-using soldiers, and religious leaders are part of the middle class. The families of these people are also included, so a family of farmers who can send a son or daughter to one of the various universities may do so to jump up the social totem pole. Traders, innkeepers, and artisans may be considered middle class, depending on their clientele.
The magically inept, pure martial fighters and general members of the clergy are typically at the bottom of the Aundairian social barrel. Arcane practitioners refer to these non-arcane folk as “Verity”. The Verity are looked down upon by the elite since they do not advance Aundair's magical supremacy. This title and treatment cause rampant resentment in the lower class and create tension when the different classes interact.
Interesting Things About Aundair
- The Acrane Congress and Strixhaven University are the most prestigious academies of magic in Noyatu. Most of Arcanix's sages specialize in ritual magic and abstract theory and don't have the full powers of wizards. Strixhaven, on the other hand, focuses on magical expression.
- Magic permeates many aspects of Aundairian life - more so than other nations. A cleansing stone graces every village, and you might encounter animated farming equipment in the fields.
- The Knights Arcane are an elite unit of eldritch knights, and the spies of the Royal Eyes of Aundair specialize in divination magic.
- Some Aundairian nobles are bound by arcane pacts handed down through generations. Only remarkable heirs develop into warlocks. Most such lines have an Archfey patron.
The Queen's Coin
Coins in Aundair are another aspect of their magical superiority. Those in circulation are magically modified from those used in the Wynarn Empire. They have an enchantment that will change the face to match the current monarch. Aundairian coinage is a widely accepted tender, used internationally in Breland, Varna, the Talenta Plains, and the Lhazaar Principalities. Most businesses in Aundair will accept Brelish coins but this raises some suspicion toward the user. Foreign currencies can occasionally be accepted but most major cities have an exchange in their town hall or other municipal building.
Points of Interest
- The Eldritch Groves is a large forest in the western reaches of Aundair. The forest contains many magical beings, and mystical occurrences, and is rumored to house portals to the Feywild.
- Askelios in the Starpeaks is fabled to be the ancient location of the Raven Queen’s ascension to godhood.
- Skyreach Tower in Fairhaven is the only skyport in Aundair. It is the tallest structure in the kingdom and can be seen along with Castle Aundair. They are the focal points in Fairhaven’s elliptical structure.
- The Towers Five (Vigilant, Valiant, Vengeance, Vendetta, and Verge) are the most prominent military installations in the nation.
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