Aundair

Q: The noble families of Aundair are said to be particularly influenced by Thelanian manifest zones and/or ancient pacts with archfey.  Is this something that tends to be visible or noticeable with *individual* nobles (in an "Oh, that guy walking down the street has [weird feyish eyes/a unique Thelanian familiar/etc.], he's probably an ir'So-and-so" kind of way), or is it purely an overall trend or a family-level impact (in a "the ir'So-and-sos have [lots of warlocks in the family/mystically fertile orchards on all their estates/etc.] thanks to their deal with [patron]" kind of way) that wouldn't help someone pick out an Aundairian noble from a non-noble warlock, a wealthy merchant who knows some magic, a Brelish noble wearing Aundairian fashion, or the like?

So there's a few factors here.

Part of this was addressed slightly in a different answer last month: "In my campaign, a lot of the fey interactions in Aundair are more on the level of 'Leave your old shoes out with a saucer of milk and the Cobbleknocker will make them better than ever' rather than granting warlock powers; there’s also family pacts that were made long ago and are fairly passive in their actions, along the lines of 'As long as a member of the Milroy family never allows a tool to grow rusty, the Mother of Invention will bless their forge' — if you don’t KNOW that the Milroys have this pact, it’s not like their diligent tool cleaning is obviously tied to a supernatural bargain."

This is true for nobles as well. Overall, Aundair is known more for its wizards than its warlocks. Powers along the level of Magic Initiate or Fey Touched are relatively common in pact families, but fully-powered warlocks represent an exceptional bond between the patron and the warlock; in families where warlock powers are part of the arrangement, it's usually a one-in-a-generation sort of arrangement rather than everyone-in-the-family. Likewise, it's not like the arrangements typically result in dramatic physical transformations like tieflings. The most common attribute would be that Aundairans look a little more "fey" than most humans... but this is also easily attributed to the fact that Aundair has a significant elf and Khoravar population, and people just see most Aundairians as having traces of elf blood.

So part of the point is that lots of Aundairians at all levels of life have some sort of casual bargain with fey that won't stand out. HOWEVER: while Aundairian nobles aren't tieflings and most aren't warlocks, that doesn't stop them from CHOOSING to advertise an archfey alliance. If the ir'Dannan line has an alliance with the Forge Maiden, they might work an anvil-in-a-heart design into their coat of arms, and ir'Dannans might wear a ruby anvil-and-heart brooch because they take pride in their connection. On the other hand, the ir'Lothans, who have an arrangement with the Second Son that causes their rivals to suffer ill fortune, may explicitly NOT advertise the relationship because it's a little shady; someone can track it with a History check, but they prefer not to draw attention to it.

So Aundairians may CHOOSE to advertise fey alliances, but for the most part these pacts don't have obvious physical attributes.

HOWEVER, one of the things I point out in Exploring Eberron is that cosmetic transmutation offers a wealth of options and that Aundairians, which the greatest access to casual magic, are the most likely to take advantage of this. So Aundairian nobles could have silver hair, or midnight hair with stars twinkling in it, or slightly luminescent violet eyes, or whatever you decide is currently in fashion; however, the point is that this would be voluntary cosmetic transmutation rather than a hereditary mutation like a tiefling.

But certainly, if you have a working class Brelish warlock next to an Aundairian noble warlock, the Aundairian COULD have silver skin and a beautiful brooch advertising their patron while the Brel has grease on their hands and hair. BUT that's not a requirement -- and while the BROOCH would indicate noble line, the silver skin is just the cool look this summer.

Though having said that: I could see an Aundairian noble line that chooses to affect a particular cosmetic transmutation; the ir'Varo family have affected silver hair since the time of Margana Lain. But it would be a custom rather than a mutation -- and it might have nothing to do with any fey pacts the family has. 

Source: May 2024 Q&A

Aundairian names follow the Galifaran tradition of a personal name followed by a family-based surname.

Male: Ari, Bokk, Breyten, Daen, Dover, Erben, Fluin, Gavrin, Hagro, Herschem, Huys, Jurian, Kamiel, Killian, Kleris, Reng, Retief, Riaan, Saal, Sarelo, Sithov, Tak, Tyman, Urik.

Female: Aafki, Agate, Baltia, Batrax, Beleth, Chantal, Fientia, Flerentia, Gwen, Hjeltia, Juliona, Levini, Margana, Marloes, Sanne, Sien, Tanneken, Vilina.

Surnames: Aarland, Acker, Adriansen, Alyea, Arendt, Bacher, Banekert, Bartell, Bateu, Crudaker, Caldamus, Corleis, Dekker, Ennes, Gerlach, Haldron, Hugrin, Jurians, Karch, Kendig, Maartel, Mantanye, Merchiot, Nagel, Ostren, Petilom, Redeker, Rhuli, Romhaar, Serontain, Shreve, Sykes, Taumen, Thiel, Toriun, Tullier, Valleau, Veseur, Yanger, Zenden.

Aundairian cuisine features a cacophony of ingredients that their classically trained chefs turn into a symphony of taste and texture. Aundairian meals consistof small portions presented in elegant fashion, each plate a beauty to behold and a wonder to savor. Sauces play a heavy role in any recipe, and the cuisine of this nation is considered to be exquisitely rich and suitable for special occasions.

Pan-seared rabbit with an Aundairian wood-nut sauce, gold pheasant stuffed with sparkle mushrooms and rice, and dragon salmon in butter and dark wine sauce are particular favorites that have begun appearing in House Ghallanda inns throughout the Five Nations.

This region also has a reputation for its premier vineyards, and the wines of Aundair are considered among the fi nest in all of Khorvaire. Some of the best recent vintages now being traded in markets across the land include fi reburst wine from the vineyards of Arcanix, dark Orla-un wine known for its fruity sweetness, and Windshire rainbow wine, a type of mursi (red wine) that changes color and fl avor as one consumes a glass.

Finally, Aundairian pastries and sweets reveal a level of artistic and culinary sophistication unmatched throughout the Five Nations. From tarts to cremfels (thin, fruit-and-cream-fi lled pancakes), the desserts that originated in this region combine elegance with artistry that reveals at least a portion of the Aundairian spirit.

The Aundairian taste for elegance and sophistication extend to the fashions worn in cities such as Fairhaven and Passage, where frilled glimmersilk combines with ornately decorated cloaks and jackets to adorn the rich and powerful. Those of more modest means attempt to duplicate these styles as best they can, using spidersilk or some similarly less expensive fabric in place of glimmersilk. Men and women in the cities and larger towns wear elegant party gloves in public, a style that began as an accoutrement to fashions worn for a night on the town but have become the common practice. Many feel that they haven’t finished dressing if they haven’t donned their party gloves.

The simpler folk, including common laborers and farmers, wear simpler garb. Everyday clothes for both men and women include the bard-style tunic, a pullover shirt with a V-cut neck and fl ared sleeves, durable cotton pants, and sturdy leather boots. Most men try to have at least one set of “best clothes,” an outfi t suitable for wear to a town gathering, a special function, or holiday party. Women keep a simple dress and an elegant dress (made of glimmersilk or spidersilk if they can afford it) for the same purposes.

In principle, Aurala ir'Wynarn rules as the absolute monarch of Aundair. In practice, an unofficial triumvirate governs the land: Queen Aurala, her brother Adal ir'Wynarn (who holds the titles of First Warlord and Royal Minister of Magic), and Darro ir'Lain (Second Warlord of the Realm and commander of the Knights Arcane).

The members of the triumvirate have a genteel rivalry with each other. Not one of them completely trusts the other two, but they realize that they currently have a shared destiny.

Arwyn Clearwater, an Aundairian farmer, gives her opinions about the Five Nations.

Aundair: “We may fight among ourselves, but I’ll gladly follow another Aundairian before I’ll surrender to an invader. I was born here, and I’ll die here, if that’s what it takes to defend my land.”

Breland: “Sharn’s only one small part of their country, no matter what the Brelish may believe. Those arrogant braggarts think they’re the center of the world, but they still send their merchants to us for food and wine. I’ve talked to some who say the Brelish would have won the Last War if they kept fi ghting. I don’t believe that for a second, since I know Aundair would have never surrendered. Queen Aurala, maybe, but not me and my neighbors.”

Cyre: “Kind of moot, isn’t it? I heard the Cyrans who survived are all Brelish now. I don’t know whether it was their own fault or someone else’s, and to be honest, I don’t care. We survived the war, they didn’t, and that’s what’s important.”

Karrnath: “No country that refuses to let its dead rest in peace is worthy of respect. Oh, they fi ght well enough, and they make a mean wheel of cheese and a hearty mug of ale, but they use skeletons and zombies to fight their battles. It’s a dark and strange land to be sure, and such a land breeds dark and strange people.”

Thrane: “I prefer my religion on the side, not running the country. The people of Thrane are fanatics, and they ended up stealing land that rightfully belongs to Aundair. I say it’s time to take back what’s ours.”

1. The names of fine wines and other liquors. Not every Aundairian can afford Bluevine wine or something from the Mount and Moon cellars, but everyone can name his or her favorite labels and engage in animated conversations about the relative merits of each.
2. Some signature dueling moves. Aundairians love the flash of swordplay, and even the clumsiest citizen can slowly emulate the “twisting lunge” or “dragonhawk riposte” that he sees in the swordfighting demonstrations common in villagesquare entertainment.
3. A bit about horses. With its rolling verdant hills, Aundair is horse country second only to Valenar in Khorvaire.
4. Several “add-a-verse” songs. Popular as everything from children’s lullabies to drinking chanties, rhyming songs where a verse is added each time (such as “The House that Galifar Built” or “The 12 Days of End Year”) are an Aundairian tradition. Some run for nearly a hundred verses.
5. The Epic of the Valiant and Vigilant. Popularized some forty years ago by Aundair’s bards, this tale takes about forty-five minutes to recite—and most Aundairians have heard it so many times that they can recite it from memory. The Epic of the Valiant and Vigilant describes the twin sieges of Tower Valiant and Tower Vigilant in 951 YK, told from the perspective of two lovers, each trapped within one of the castles but believing the other to be safe.

The following turns of phrase are uniquely Aundairian.

“Chattering doesn’t roll the barrel.” Shut up and get to work, in other words.

“Dirty hands stroke a white beard.” As you get older, you may have to compromise your youthful ideals. More generally used to mean “sometimes you have to compromise.”

“Have two strings for your bow.” An expression of caution and preparation.

“Without wine there is no conversation.” Beyond its obvious meaning, the phrase is spoken as a request for or promise of hospitality.

“Brightness be!” An expression of surprise.

“Aundair dares! Aundair dares!” A warcry and taunt popular among Aundairian soldiers during the Last War.

This bird of prey is enormous—easily large enough to carry a human on its back in flight. Its beak is heavy and sharply pointed, its head tufted with long, pointed feathers, and its eyes bright yellow with irregularlyshaped pupils. A single long, gently curved feather juts up above its four nostrils at the base of its beak. Its wings are patterned in shades of brown, and a large claw juts from the joint of each wing.

In the heraldry of Khorvaire, Aundair is represented by a majestic dragonhawk, the symbol of his high ideals and aspirations. Above the rolling plains and fi elds of Aundair, dragonhawks soar through clear skies. Their aeries are hidden in the highest mountains. Many prey on smaller species of monsters, seizing an orc here or a kobold there to sustain themselves and their offspring. Unprotected settlements of humans, on the other hand, fear almost as much for the safety as their horses and livestock as their families. The largest and most majestic dragonhawks serve as mounts and companions to heroes.

The eastern territories of the Eldeen Reaches were part of Aundair before the end of the Last War. Because of the movement of the border, several aeries are now on Eldeen lands, a few small circles of druids have experimented with awakening free and feral dragon hawks. In fact, the legendary First Aerie, home to some of the largest (12 to 18 HD) dragonhawks, is now deep within the Eldeen wilderness. Some believe these creatures have flown as far as Fourth Aerie in southern Aundair, where they are already conspiring with their lesser brethren against the lords of Arcanix.

Aundair produces a great number of agricultural products, both for use within the nation and as imports for trade. Cereals, grains, vegetables, and wines from the Aundair countryside are considered among the best in all of Khorvaire. The cities of Aundair contain great centers of learning that at least equal the colleges and universities of Zilargo, and the arcane institutes might exceed those found anywhere else on the continent. For this reason, magewrights, artifi cers, and wizards trained in Aundair demand the highest pay scale compared to those trained in most other traditions.

All of the dragonmarked houses maintain emporiums and outposts throughout Aundair. Two houses, Lyrandar and Orien, make their headquarters in the nation. House Lyrandar’s matriarch sits in the northern island city of Stormhome, while the patriarch of House Orien runs the family conglomerate from the city of Passage, which rises from the eastern shore of Lake Galifar.

Common Knowledge: Like all the Five Nations, Aundair takes its name from one of Galifar ir’Wynarn’s children, the first king’s eldest daughter. Rule passed from one scion to another until the death of King Jarot, at which point Galifar ceased to be and civil war began. Aundair’s current royal line descends from King Jarot’s son Wrogar. The dynasty has ruled continuously—aside from a single period of regency— through the trials of the last century. Queen Aurala ir’Wynarn, the current monarch, is known for her beauty, cunning, and diplomatic expertise.

History DC 15: A large aristocratic class supports the crown. A number of noble families are ancient, founded during the ages of the Kingdom of Galifar. Many more nobles gained titles through their deeds and achievements in the Last War. Tensions exist between the established families and the new, but duty and loyalty to the crown outweighs most private intrigues.

All nobles in Aundair are landowners. They lease plots to the peasants for growing crops and raising families in exchange for a measure of their earnings, and the right to call upon their sons and daughters to serve in times of war. From the income of their landholdings, the lords give a substantial amount to the crown. These funds are used to maintain the nation’s infrastructure and its defenses.

History DC 20: Aundair’s government derives from the system used by Galifar, changing little over the centuries. Aundair’s commitment to what many people see as an outmoded governmental model was a critical factor in the nation’s territorial losses during the Last War. The crown relies on its vassal lords to supply funds and troops, and because most lords live in the east, they withdrew their soldiers from strongholds in the west to protect their own holdings against attack. In doing so, they abandoned the sparsely populated west, allowing bandit princes and Brelish forces to sweep into those lands almost unopposed. When the Wardens of the Wood emerged from the Towering Wood at the head of an army of plants, animals, and rangers, the locals rallied to their banners. As a consequence of these events, the Eldeen Reaches declared its independence from Aundair.

A combination of ambition on the part of the regent and insufficient counterintelligence lead to Aundair’s second greatest loss, one closer to the center of the nation. The ancient city of Thaliost was overrun by Thrane; Aundair’s subsequent disarray prevented a swift counterattack, and the Thranes were able to entrench in depth.

Before Aundair could recover its lost territories, the war ended. The Treaty of Thronehold recognized the Eldeen Reaches as a new nation and left the issue of Thaliost to another day. Since then, intrigue and shadow war have been wholly insufficient to wrest Thaliost from Thrane or recover Aundair’s western territory from the Great Druid and his supporters. Nonetheless, the nation has not abandoned its claims to these areas—far from it.

History DC 25: Aundair suffered greatly during the Last War and might have collapsed in the latter years had it not been for Queen Aurala’s talent and diplomatic skill. She reforged ties between the monarchy and the nobles that had been frayed to the point of unraveling by the toll of war, deftly trading a few royal prerogatives for renewed oaths of fealty. At Thronehold, she avoided most criminal accusations directed at her generals and secured profitable trade agreements with Karrnath and Breland. Although she was unable to resecure Thaliost, the queen did negotiate a peace that allowed Aundair to keep the Thrane lands it held along its eastern border. Had the crown passed to a less competent heir, Aundair might have lost even more, and might not have survived.

Despite her skills at negotiation, Aurala showed no flexibility with regard to the Cyran problem. After the Mourning, she closed her nation’s borders to the refugees, fearing they would carry the curse to her nation, or simply overwhelm the country’s strained social fabric. Considering how much Aundair supported Cyre during the long years of war, this act was considered a grave betrayal. Partially acknowledging her misstep, Aurala now supports a new Cyran homeland—as long as it does not lie within her lands.

History DC 30: The relative weakness of Aundair’s monarchy with respect to both the country’s nobles and its neighbors has served only to embolden its leaders’ plotting. The Queen’s own brother Adal, the minister of magic, craves power and plots to usurp his sister’s crown and place it on his own head. Aundair’s military leaders are working on plans to invade the Eldeen Reaches and take back the valuable land by force, while Aurala dreams about being queen of a unified Galifar. Despite Aundair’s public commitment to peace, efforts continue to rebuild its military, forming new legions and war machines, pushing the boundaries of war magic, and raising and repairing the nation’s defenses. These efforts have led many observers, both internal and external, to believe another war is inevitable.

Aundair is a relatively small nation at present, with lands stretching from Scions Sound past the Starpeaks and narrowing to the south around territory controlled by Thrane. It extends west to the Eldeen Reaches and south nearly to the Blackcaps. Aundair’s landscape features rolling countryside carved up into fields and sprinkled with hamlets connected by winding paths and caravan routes. Cultivated lands surrender to the ancient forests such as the Whisper Woods to the north, the Chanthwood and the Duskwood to the west, and the Eldritch Groves to the south near Arcanix.

With regular rain and a mild climate, noted for its short winters and warm summers, Aundair’s agriculture thrives. Aundair is among the greatest food-producing nations on Khorvaire. The nation exports grains, fine wine, and vegetables.

The large majority of Aundair’s vassal lords and about half its common people are human. Half-elves reside in the nation in substantial numbers. Elves and gnomes living in this nation often do so apart, dwelling in Aundair’s forests. They are subjects in name only. Tieflings, dragon born, doppelgangers, and other peoples make their home in Aundair. Few shifters exist within its borders; over 150 years ago, the Church of the Silver Flame wiped out hundreds of shifters and drove the rest into the Eldeen Reaches.

Aundair attracts hopeful apprentices from all over the continent. The nation embraces and celebrates its magical citizens, funding numerous schools and guilds to produce the finest mages in the Five Nations. Most would-be students travel to Arcanix first, to present themselves before the masters of the Arcane Congress. This ancient institution, founded by King Galifar I a thousand years ago, stands at the forefront of magical innovation and study.

Soon after King Galifar secured his nation, the dragon marked houses established the Twelve, an institution to advance and profit from magical research. Fearing the power this development gave the merchant houses, the king authorized and endowed the Arcane Congress to study magic for the betterment of all citizens. Early successes and impartiality during the Last War allowed the Congress to eclipse its rivals, making it the greatest magical institution in the land.

Aundair courts the dragon marked houses, giving them favorable trade agreements to encourage new industries in the nation. Queen Aurala has close ties to the baron of House Lyrandar in Stormhome. Also, she has taken Sasik, a young heir of House Vadalis, as her husband, though she goes out of her way to avoid the appearance of special advantage for her husband’s family. Arcana DC 20: The Arcane Congress might be the best known of the magical societies in Aundair, but other institutions exist as well. Several smaller and less prestigious Aundairian schools draw students to the cities, while master mages often take on apprentices to pass along their learning. Magic also finds a place within the military institutions. The Ministry of Magic recruits from Aundair’s students; many find a place within the famous Knights Arcane, or as battle wizards. Aundair’s mages also produce war machines, destructive rituals, and powerful combat spells.

Religion DC 15: Aundairians are a practical people, trusting what they can see and feel over nebulous concepts of gods and faith. War with Thrane soured most Aundairians on the Church of the Silver Flame—too many lost kin and friends to Thrane soldiers. When people turn to the gods, they embrace the Sovereign Host—Arawai and Olladra in rural communities, and Aureon in the cities.

Despite the upheaval of the last century, the Church of the Silver Flame has followers still, descendants of converts of the puritans who came to Aundair. A century of estrangement from Flamekeep has spawned unusual, clandestine, and sometimes violent beliefs; Aundair’s followers of the Silver Flame are among the most fanatical.

Religion DC 20: The capital of Fairhaven has a reputation for breeding new religions. Most cults and sects form around a charismatic philosopher, theologian, or scholar, but few survive for more than a few months. After all, a new, enticing religion crops up every few weeks. The aesthetes’ willingness to embrace differing views allows darker cults to gain footholds where they otherwise might not. Even the Cults of the Dragon Below and the Dark Six have small congregations throughout the land.