Noble House Aefir - Locations

The Noble House of Aefir is more than just a family lineage—it is a physical landmark of Aerenal, a testament to its enduring legacy and connection to the celestial and arcane. Overlooking the northern sea of Aerenal, the manor stands as a symbol of resilience, wisdom, and protection.

Originally constructed by Avatar Aegis as a safe haven and bastion of knowledge, the house has grown over thousands of years, with successive generations adding their own touches. Its towering spire and functioning lighthouse are iconic, serving both as a beacon for travelers and a reminder of the family’s divine purpose to guide and protect.

Architecture and Layout

The Manor

The green-vaulted ceilings of the manor shimmer in the light, reflecting the lush Vanir architectural style. The exterior is adorned with celestial motifs, including crescent moons, constellations, and symbols of the Riftways. The interior is equally resplendent, with intricately carved wood, marble floors, and vast libraries.

The Spire and Lighthouse

Rising high above the manor is the Aefir Spire, capped with a lighthouse that shines a radiant white light across the northern sea. The spire is also home to the Aefir Archives, where the family’s rich history, tomes on Rift Magic, and relics of their ancestors are preserved.

The Grounds

The estate is surrounded by lush gardens, ancient trees, and pathways leading to the cliffs overlooking the sea. Statues of the family’s notable members, including Tyrael Aefir, Elendril Aefir, Alana Aefir, and Elora Aefir, stand as reminders of their enduring legacy.

History and Additions

Original Construction by Avatar Aegis

The manor was built by Avatar Aegis, designed as a sanctuary and a place to safeguard the Riftways' secrets. Its initial purpose was to serve as a center of knowledge and a meeting place for the Vanir.

Expansion Over the Centuries

Successive generations added to the manor, enhancing its beauty and functionality. The spire and lighthouse were later additions, built to symbolize the family’s guiding role and to aid ships navigating the northern sea.

Preservation of History

The Aefir Archives house invaluable records, including details of the Aefir Academy of the Arcane, the pact with the Storm Giants, and personal accounts of the family’s notable members.

Symbolic Importance

The House of Aefir is more than just a residence—it is a symbol of hope and guidance for the Vanir people. Its towering lighthouse embodies the family’s role as protectors and guardians, shining a light against the darkness that threatens Aerenal.

Legacy

The manor remains a thriving testament to the noble house’s contributions to Aerenal. Even as the family faces trials and tragedies, the Noble House of Aefir stands tall, a beacon of light, knowledge, and resilience. Whether as a sanctuary for scholars or a stronghold against the storms of fate, it continues to fulfill its purpose, as envisioned by Avatar Aegis.

The Blight of Balthazar

The grandeur of the House of Aefir was once tainted during a dark chapter in its history. After the disappearance of Elendril Aefir and dismay of Alana Aefir, the manor became a temporary stronghold for the demon Balthazar the Blighted, who twisted its sanctity into a nightmarish domain.

Though the exterior of the manor remained a shining symbol of Vanir architecture, its interior was transformed into a grotesque, fleshy abomination. The walls pulsed with unnatural life, corridors twisted into labyrinthine horrors, and the air was filled with the stench of decay and sulfur. The once-pristine Aefir Archives became a tomb of corrupted knowledge, with Rift Magic perverted to serve the demon’s malevolent purposes.

The grounds were abandoned by the family, deemed uninhabitable as Balthazar’s influence spread. It wasn’t until Guy the Grateful, chosen by Zirael the Golden Dragon (aka Goldbrand), returned to his ancestral home that the curse was finally lifted.

Purge of the Curse

Guided by his unwavering faith and the blessings of Zirael, Guy entered the corrupted manor alongside Haellae Colaerth as the newly chosen Avatar of The Air. Battling through hordes of demonic minions and facing Balthazar in a climactic duel within The Crucible, Guy unleashed the purifying light of Zirael’s power.

In a final, desperate strike, Guy destroyed the demon and cleansed the manor of its abominable taint. The walls returned to their pristine state, the archives were restored, and the manor’s light shone brightly once again. The lighthouse, which had been extinguished during Balthazar’s reign, once more illuminated the northern sea, signaling the return of hope to Aerenal.

Legacy of the Lighthouse

The Curse of Balthazar remains a haunting memory for the House of Aefir, a reminder of the cost of vigilance and the ever-present dangers that threaten even the most sacred places. Guy’s heroic act not only restored the manor but also solidified his place as one of the greatest heroes of the house.

Today, the Aefir Manor stands renewed, its halls echoing not with despair but with the vibrant energy of its ancestral glory. However, faint whispers of its dark past linger, serving as a warning to those who would take its sanctity for granted.