Arvaut

A temple in Indru'it, a nation-state of Aravaut.

Arvaut is the collective name for the series of settlements lining the Voidward coasts of Nurin, on the island-continent of The Lorent. A truly ancient culture, the scattered nation-states possess indigenous magics dating back to the First Age worship of the Colonial demigod and 'Reiver King', Inum'indiron'aravaut. Among these magics are charms woven into the foundations of structures, making them impervious (or at least, much longer-lived) against the Sunken Expanse's battering waves. It is through these magics the nation-states have built expansive, elaborate yet sturdy coastal & island fortresses that require a passing amount of magical upkeep. Arvaut is considered one of the great magical and architectural wonders of the Gamma Quadrant.

Threat of Disappearance

However, even this "passing amount of magical upkeep" may be difficult for the Arvautian nations to keep up with if modern trends continue: many able bodies were lost in the Wars of Juran Hegemony, from which the population is still recovering. Many young bodies are also lost to emigration, seeking a wider world outside their cloistered and often insular culture. Grasping magecraft takes decades of meditation, a feat few are ultimately able to achieve. These factors combine into what will likely become a crisis within the next 10-20 years. The populaces must decide quickly whether to take a stronger stance on retaining & training mages, or to abandon their historical homes as the Expanse's constant ebb & flow dissolves them from below. There is hope the Salubri or the Conciliat Panharmonica may step in to preserve the wondrous cities, however no move has been made yet from either party.

As Nurinians

Historically, the Arvautian nations have what could be considered a peaceful but separatist relation with wider Nurin. Many Nurinians, in turn, find the worship of First Age demigods odd (unaware that the Reiver King ascended to become the God of Oceans himself). There is, however, steady trade in and out of the coastal city-states, who specialize in fishing, craftwork and enchantment. They also permit a modicum of tourism.