Alvari
Capital: La'thuma (Former)
Hallmarks: Cheese, education, fashion, grains, wine, wizardry
Primary Religion(s): Mystra, Oghma, Azuth
Overview
Fertile farmlands surround the grand cities of Alvari. The Academy of La'thuma is the finest institute for mystical study in Askara, and magic is deeply ingrained in Alvari culture. The nation produces more magewrights and wandslingers than any other in Askara. From the nobles lounging in the towers of Yarra Glen to the common folk working the vast vineyards of Murrimba, Alvarians value wit, and wisdom. Alvarians prefer finesse to brute force and appreciate the cunning wordplay and fine fashions. Mystra is the dominant deity in Alvari. However, Oghma also maintains a devoted following—some might say overzealous. Although Alvari is a small nation, its arcane superiority has for the most part allowed it to retain its land and independence throughout history. When the Spellplague happened, this superiority was severely crippled. Many of Alvari's strongest magi and wizards lost what made them powerful, which brought their status into question. Many powerful diplomats were cast into the common ilk, and Alvari's entire aristocracy was turned on its head. People began to question what and who were worthy of the finer things in life. These thoughts were ultimately quelled by the unwavering Alvari queen. To ensure her nation’s prosperity and dominance, Queen Aurala Zylhana instituted the Arcane Initiative, an aggressive series of programs intended to forward the development of mystical infrastructure and battle magic. This program began amidst the Spellplague, focusing on harnessing the chaos and unpredictability of Wild Magic. This program has persisted into the 5th Era, which reinstated Alvari amongst the most powerful nations in Askara. In year 87 of the fifth era, Virro Zalashtar was chosen to ascend to the throne in the 26th Centorium. Two weeks after his coronation, King Virro began an imperialist campaign that sought to take control of all of Eastern Askara. Alvari invaded and quickly occupied the Oscala Concord before setting their sight on the Hyfane Dominion. Agents of House Ravensword cooperated with Drow forces from House Duskryn to plot an assassination of High King Ragmiir. The assassination was thwarted by Hyfane forces, significantly hampering Alvari's plans for a northern campaign. At the same time, members of House Sunstride were sent West to meet with the leaders of Rosnia. The two nations formed a loose alliance, with plans to attack the She'jian capital of Fujitari from land and sea. During the attack, the Drow of House Duskryn summoned an ancient machine to the skies above the city. Known as "the Soulwell", this machine was capable of leveling entire cities in the blink of an eye. Both the attack and Drow machine were stopped by the She'jian forces led by General Zentoro and members of the Wayward Warriors. A counter-assault was launched on Alvari land by the combined forces of She'jian, Hyfane, and the Wayward Warriors six months later, and King Virro was slain in the assault. His death marked the beginning of the end for the united Alvari state.Government
The Alvari Dominion was an elective monarchy comprised of five noble houses until its collapse in year 88. Each of the five noble houses served a pivotal role in the nation's infrastructure. Every 100 years, each of the noble houses produced one representative to stake a claim for Alvari's crown. Each representative was then evaluated by the General Assembly, a collection of 100 nobles, 20 from each house, for two weeks' time. The assembly members deliberated during that time before finally casting their vote, with the exception being that they cannot vote for their own house's representative. This entire process was known by the people of Alvari as the Centorium. Many festivals and celebrations were held across the nation during this time, with the final day capping off the celebrations with the coronation of the new king or queen. After the death of Virro Zalashtar and subsequent Alvari defeat in the Alvari Imperialist War in 88, the Alvari Dominion fell into a state of Civil War as the noble houses all fought for control of the crown. The proceeding conflict would spill more blood than the war the Alvari had just fought tenfold. Eventually, in year 113, a truce was called my the five houses, and the nation divided amongst them. Now, the once-proud nation has been reduced to five individual states that could fall back into war at any time.Noble Houses
The five noble houses of Alvari are:- House Scythemore"> - Arcane masterminds and sages of the multiverse.
- House Everbloom"> - Farmers, geologists, and grove tenders.
- House Sunstride"> - Merchants, sailors, and guild artisans.
- House Sagewind"> - Scholars, philosophers, and judiciaries.
- House Ravensword"> - Spies, web-weavers, and scouts.
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