Aundaire
Fertile farmlands surround the grand cities of Aundair. The floating towers of Arcanix are the finest institute for mystical study in Khorvaire, and magic is deeply ingrained in Aundairian culture. The nation produces more magewrights and wandslingers than any other in Khorvaire.
From the nobles lounging in the towers of Fairhaven to the common folk working the vast vineyards of Bluevine, Aundairians value wit and wisdom. Aundairians prefer finesse to brute force and appreciate cunning wordplay and fine fashions. The Sovereign Host is the dominant faith of Aundair, with a particular devotion to Aureon. However, the Silver Flame also maintains a devoted following-some might say overzealous.
Although Aundair is a small nation, its arcane superiority allowed it retain its dominion during the Last War. The people of Aundair know that knowledge is power, and they take pride in their nation's magical advancements. To ensure her nation's prosperity and dominance, Queen Aurala ir'Wynarn instituted the Arcane Initiative, an aggressive series of programs intended to forward the development of mystical infrastructure and battle magic.
Notes from the Khorvaire Travel Guide
- Arcanix is the most prestigious academy of magic in Khorvaire. Most of its sages specialize in ritual magic and abstract theory, and don't have the full powers of wizards.
- Magic permeates many aspects of Aundairian lifemore 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 secret service of the Royal Eyes of Aundair specialize in divination magic.
- Some Aundairian nobles are bound by arcane pacts handed down through generations. Only the most celebrated remarkable heirs develop into warlocks.
Cities and Sites
Arcanix This farming village on Lake Galifar provides food for the nearby floating towers of wizardry that serve as home to Aundair's Arcane Congress-a cutting-edge research facility and the finest school of magic in Khorvaire. The members of the congress oversee the magical research conducted in these towers, advise Aundair's queen on all things magical, and confer with colleagues visiting from other nations. Fairhaven The capital of Aundair is one of the most beautiful cities in Eberron. 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 Khorvaire. Passage Located on the shores of Lake Galifar, the city of Passage is the heart of the dragonmarked House Orien. Resources include production and maintenance facilities for the lightning rail and the Orien caravans. Stormhome This island city is the seat of House Lyrandar, and Queen Aurala allows the house a free rein in governing the isle. It is the finest resort and vacation spot in Khorvaire. Even though the island escaped the devastation wrought during the Last War, it remains a hotbed for clandestine activities. Lyrandar wizards use magic to continuously alter Stormhome's weather, turning the otherwise bleak and storm-blasted location into a temperate island getaway.History
Aundair and Thrane were bitter rivals during the Last War. Thrane seized the ancient city of Thaliost during the war and holds it to this day. Most of the people of Aundair remain furious about the occupation of Thaliost, but the city has become a haven for Aundairians who revere the Silver Flame. The Eldeen Reaches seceded from Aundair halfway through the Last War. The western farmers rebelled over high taxes and neglect, allying with the druids of the Towering Wood. Aundair was forced to accept the sovereignty of the Reaches under the terms of the Treaty of Thronehold, but many Aundairians view it as a renegade nation.
Extensive use of magic has repaired most of the damage to the cities of Aundair, but the countryside remains scarred by the war, especially along the border with Thrane. The Crying Fields are a region of farmlands permanently scarred by magic and haunted by restless spirits. Aundairians claim their nation is stronger than ever, but some worry about the long-term impact of the loss of the Eldeen farmlands and the Crying Fields. Now, Aundairians debate over differing views of their nation's future. Some believe the first focus should be reuniting Aundair and the Eldeen Reaches, whether through diplomacy or force. Others consider Thaliost to be the pressing issue. And still others support Queen Aurala's claim to the throne of Galifar. When creating an Aundairian, consider whether you have ties to any of the affected regions and if this influences your opinion of Thranes or druids.
- Arcane Talents. Even before the national Arcane initiative it was a common expectation that every Aundairian should know a little magic. Showing you know a few cantrips of your own no matter how mundane can break the ice nicely across Aundairian society.
- Magic Beats Mundane. Why use your hand when you could use mage hand? Why strain your muscles tugging on a bowstring when you could use a wand? From the fields being tilled by animated machinery to banquets being served by floating plates, being able to replace manual labour with magic is a mark of prosperity and presitige. Try to match the level you see around you, but be careful not to upstage your host.
- Show Some Style. Don't settle for common clothes and a squalid meal when you could wear glamerweaveand drink the finest wine. An Audairian saying is "A man is not himself, he is what he does and wears" so make sure you dress and act for who you want to be seen as, and never miss an opportunity for a clever quip
- Know Your Place. The stratas of Aundairian society are well defined and well separated. Whichever one you aim to mingle in aim to fit what you see around you. Definitely do not try and blend customs from other locals you may have visited as even in the rural towns this does not go down well. If in doubt, ask a trustee in your circle how well something might go down. It's always better to embarrass yourself in front of a single person than in public.
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