Averheim
"If you want to step back in time to the First Age, Averheim is the place to do it. Its architecture has remained largely unchanged since the First Age. It is a city of old streets and even older secrets. A societal reflection of it's dark stone buildings. Yet there is no place I'd rather live more, than here." ~ Braxon Sov, Grand Enchanter of the Averheim court.
Located in the heart of the Averheim Empire, this sprawling capital of 140,000 has remained largely unchanged since its founding by Arcturias Beaumont in 35 FA. Its dark stone architecture and rising spires of the Twilight Sanctum dominating the sky line along the banks of the Leiheim's Run. A massive river system that cuts through the center of the city. Forming a natural divide among the affluent and political elite of Twilight's Crossing and the common folk and artisans across the river.
The Empress Luciana and her court currently maintain an tenuous peace with the city of Belrynd and the Brass Congregation to the west. A result of disagreements on magical restriction and the need for the Twilight Accords. A remnant of Emperor Matthias and his grandfather. Envoys and negotiations have passed frequently through her court. Though no distinct agreements have been reached, all out war has been avoided thus far. However this has not prevented small skirmishes along the western border of the two countries. Which place citizens of the Empire ill at ease during a resurgence of the creatures of Chaos and an already stretched thin Imperial military. Empress Luciana's sudden retreat from the public eye 4 months ago has not helped the rising tensions between the two nations. Her new political advisor taking over in her stead, has been a jarring transition for both nations.
Averheim is home to all manner of races, from exiled Elves to Tieflings and the radiant Aasimir. While Empress Luciana has expressed that all races shall be treated with respect and care. That has not stopped discrimination and hate from spread through the human population. Directed mainly at the Elven and Tiefling populations within the city, as the humans' hold an old grudge against the Elves for abandoning humanity during the Confluence. A grudge that has largely been held since the start of the second age. The hatred against the Tieflings come mainly from a lack of understanding of their relatively new culture and demonic appearance. Which has led to a shunning of their people and backlash when an Tiefling attempts to defend their themselves against harassment. In recent years since the Empress's rise to the throne, such racism has diminished however. The Queensguard have become more proactive in shutting down strict, pro-human rallies and criticisms. Which has helped the Elf and Tiefling communities to feel more safe and represented within the walls.
Once home to several magnificent campuses of arcane learning pre-Confluence, Averheim has become pivotal in upholding the treatises on arcane restriction established in the Twilight Accords of 125 FA. The Twilight Sanctum becoming the only approved college of magic within the Empire where all citizens showing magical aptitude are taken and taught the dangers of their abilities. This sprawling campus dominates the eastern edge Twilight's Crossing, almost forming a city within a city. With its high walls and over 20 buildings servicing the education of the city's arcane students. The Sanctum itself is guarded and secured by a select set of Imperial Inquisitors trained and equipped specifically to arrest or kill apostates or any student who deviates from the strict teachings of the Grand Enchanter. As such, open magical practice within Averheim remains restricted to the campus by Imperial law. Any citizen who deviates from the law is swiftly arrested and taken to Sanctum for judgement and punishment. The Sanctum's campus also plays host to an old cathedral to Vadaar, the God of Luck and Magic. While the cathedral remains under strict lock, key, and an ever present rotating guard. Students often find ways to sneak in and seek guidance at the interior alter.
Twilight's Crossing also plays host to the luxurious and flowering estates of Averheim's noble population. Decorative silks span the streets from building to building. While floating lanterns of arcane light illuminate the sleek grey cobblestone streets. Expert bakers, smiths, and other craftsfolk service the elaborate and gaudy requests of the city's elite. While flamboyant and gaudy inns and brothels charge exorbitant sums for a night decadence and lust. Outside of rumors of black market dealings, Twilight's Crossing is almost home to the only sanctioned shop of arcane baubles and trinkets. The Cabinet of Curiosities lies at the heart of the Crossing's Jewel Bazaar, a large mercantile square where street performers and fire breathers delight the noble populace. The sheer luxury of the Crossing has lead the common folk across the river to believe that its residents have all but forgotten the rest of Averheim exists and that the nobility live in a world where only their fleeting pleasures matter. Despite the Empress attempt to dissuade these rumors by taking a more active interest in the commonalty's well being and protection.
In sharp contrast to Twilight's Crossing in the eastern part of the city. The southern Ashen Ward seems as a shanty town in comparison. Where the poorest of Averheim's citizenry reside. The buildings constructed of old, decaying wood and crumbling stonework, play host to the destitute, the diseased, and the underbelly of Averheim. At it's heart, the Ward is run by the Black Hand. An organization of thieves, assassins, and beggars who ply their trade in the more affluent parts of the city. The streets of the Ashen Ward are close, claustrophobic, and lined with street orphans and the sick. The leader of the Black Hand, known only as the King of Beggars, maintains some semblance of order in the Ward. Using their Black Hand agents to enforce a strict "Honor Among Thieves" code that keeps the Ward from ripping itself apart. They distribute food as they can, as well as freely protect the only apothecary/doctor willing to work in the Ward, Liliana Vost. Much like the rest of the city, the Queensguard presence was increased for a time in the Ashen Ward, which led to an uptick in the population's well being. The Empress working with agents of the King of Beggars to provide relief. In the past four months however, members of the Queensguard that were well known to the Ward's inhabitants have begun disappearing. Though at first accused of their kidnappings, Black Hand agents state no responsibility in the missing persons. Even going so far as to launch internal investigations due to good relationships with the Queensguard.
As the oldest city on the Vanigraad continent. Averheim is a city of dark streets, decadence, and even darker secrets. Since the Empress's wordless absence, a black dread has descended upon the city. Its shadows twisting through the streets and wrapping around the city like a vice, as talk of rebellion is whispered in seedy taverns and basement gatherings. It is a city currently on the edge of a knife.
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