Eldursteries (ell-duur-stary)
The Eldursteries are a series of monk communities among the mountains of Eldurgrund. They look down upon Eldurgrund (literally) and utilize a combination of housing/temples built from surrounding stone, as well as housing carved directly into the mountain itself. The use of stone is vital in the Eldursteries, given their regular study of fire magic and its applications.
Originally, the Eldursteries were the seat of the Eldurgrund government, and leadership over the territory was divided between the Baron (as a political/military ruler) and an archpriest (as the spiritual ruler). This was finally shut down during the war between Shellbay and Eldurgrund's competing proto-empires, when the Baron took emergency powers and complete control of his government. When the war was over and Eldurgrund lost, the Eldursteries were only allowed to function as a site of cultural importance. They have slowly grown in the amount of influence they are allowed to have. These days, they are allowed to continue research under certain restrictions, but have no political power (formally).
While the group originally trained the Eldur Knights after doing years of research themselves, the Eldur Knights have been shut down. They no longer function as a large scale military and only serve in an honorary sense, or as one of the few guards to the Governor of Eldurgrund. There are roughly 8 Eldur Knights and they typically don't learn fire magic anynore. However, they are given ancient J'barri swords of bronze and brass, themselves infused with magic.
Purpose / Function
The Eldursteries are meant to house the monks and visitors who take an interest in the rich history of fire magic and its applications.
Defenses
The buildings have no formal defenses, but their mountain position and carving from stone ensures that fire cannot be used against them. More importantly though, it ensures they can use fire magic against intruders.
Tourism
The Eldursteries are a popular attraction for scholars of history, even though their intention is to attract those that wish to learn the ways of fire magic.
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