Aeldun¶

History¶

The origins of the city of Aeldun are shrouded in myth and legend, closely tied to the enigmatic obelisk standing at the heart of its oldest square. According to local lore, Aeldun was founded centuries ago by a group of powerful wizards who sought to establish a sanctuary where the arcane arts could flourish undisturbed.

Legend tells of an ancient prophecy that foretold the convergence of magical lines at a sacred site hidden deep within the mountain range. Guided by this prophecy, the founders of Aeldun embarked on a perilous journey, eventually discovering the fabled obelisk made of an obsidian-like substance. Recognizing its immense magical significance, they chose this mysterious artifact as the foundation of their new settlement.

The inkstone obelisk, an eldritch monument of unknown origin, radiates an aura of arcane power that continues to shape the town and its inhabitants. It is believed to be a conduit of magical energy, channeling and amplifying the natural forces of the surrounding environment. The townsfolk revere the obelisk as a sacred symbol, attributing its presence to the favor of the ancient magical beings that once walked the land.

As the settlement grew around the obelisk, Aeldun became a magnet for aspiring mages, scholars, and practitioners of the arcane arts. The founders, wise and accomplished sorcerers themselves, established the first colleges of magic, attracting students from far and wide to study and harness the mystic energies that flowed through the city.

Over time, Aeldun became renowned as a beacon of magical knowledge and a sanctuary for those seeking to unravel the secrets of the arcane. Its reputation spread beyond its mountainous confines, drawing visitors and scholars eager to witness the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern magical exploration.

Though the identities of the founders have been lost to the passage of time, their legacy lives on in the town's culture and traditions. The obelisk remains the symbolic centerpiece of Aeldun, a testament to the town's magical heritage and the vision of its enigmatic founders who sought to create a haven for the pursuit of arcane wisdom.

Culture¶

The culture in Aeldun is a rich tapestry woven from the threads of magic, knowledge, and a deep appreciation for the mystical arts. The town's isolated location in the mountains, coupled with its status as a hub for magical education, has shaped a unique and vibrant culture that sets it apart from other settlements.

Magic is not just a means of power or utility in Aeldun; it is celebrated as an integral part of everyday life. The townsfolk, whether skilled mages or ordinary citizens, embrace the wonders of magic with awe and respect. Magical displays, enchanting performances, and spellcasting competitions are common occurrences, fostering an environment of constant exploration and discovery.

The presence of several colleges of magic infuses Aeldun with a strong academic atmosphere. Students from far and wide journey to the town to study under renowned magical scholars, fostering a diverse and multicultural community. The pursuit of knowledge is highly esteemed, and the libraries and lecture halls are bustling with intellectual discourse and experimentation.

There is a school of every branch of magic except necromancy. Some of them like Evocation and Restoration are much larger and has more students than others like Illusion or Divination. Necromancy is outlawed as an evil act, because it is believed it prevents the souls of the dead to pass on to their afterlife, taking them prisoner in their decaying body under the control of someone else. A small minority is advocating for the legalization of Necromancy, but has been quite unsuccessful so far.

Transportation: Magical transportation methods like teleportation circles, floating platforms, and walkways imbued with hastening spells are the primary means of getting around the city.

Household Magic: Many households in Aeldun use magical devices for daily tasks. Cleaning golems assist with housework, food is prepared using conjuration spells, and heating and cooling systems are controlled through elemental magic. The city is also home to skilled enchanters who craft magical household items, from self-repairing furniture to self-lighting fireplaces.

Entertainment and Leisure: The city offers a plethora of magical entertainment options. Theaters host performances featuring illusion magic, and enchanters create spectacular light shows and illusions in public squares. Enchanted creatures like fireflies and musical birds provide background music to daily life.

Economy¶

As for the economy, Aeldun thrives on a symbiotic relationship between magical craftsmanship and trade. The city is renowned for producing exceptional magical artifacts, potions, and enchanted items, drawing merchants and collectors from far and wide. The local artisans and craftsmen, imbued with magical prowess, create intricate and awe-inspiring works that are in high demand.

Aeldun also benefits from its position as a center for magical education. The influx of students and scholars brings a steady flow of resources into the town, contributing to a flourishing economy. Services such as magical tutoring, spellcasting lessons, and specialized magical consultations provide further avenues for economic growth.

Government¶

House Walon When the country of Aelmyr was still expanding during the second age, the region now known as Westpoint was mainly inhabited by a handful of dwarven clans. The dwarves were referred to as Moon Dwarves and inhabited the Wishbone Mountains. They lived an isolated existence, mining for rare gems to use in their rituals to the moon goddess. Legend says they were gifted with special arcane knowledge and were excellent practitioners of the arcane arts. The Moon Dwarves were very xenophobic and kept many slaves.

The Aelmyrian Kingdom tried to parlay with the dwarves to no avail and the conflict let to a mutually devastating bloodbath. The Aelmyrian king at the time managed to turn infiltrate the mountains and support a resistance within the slaves. One of these slaves was Cantios Walon, a human man in his 60's, who had spent his lives studying the arcane and was quite the accomplished wizard. He managed to break free from his chains one night and assassinate the king of the Moon Dwarves. The Aelmyrian forces were soon victorious and the king made Cantios Walon Lord of Westpoint.

His family has since then defacto ruled the region, even though governing body consist of a council of elders. The council consists of the headmasters of each magical school and is supposed to act technocratically and based on science. The Walons founded the first and largest of the arcane colleges in Aeldun, specialized in evocation magic.

Religion¶

The widespread worship of Magillion, the God of Knowledge, significantly influences the culture of Aeldun and shapes the city into a hub of intellectual pursuits and enlightenment. Here's how Magillion's influence affects the city's culture:

Pursuit of Knowledge: The culture of Aeldun revolves around the belief that knowledge is power. Residents of the city are encouraged from a young age to seek wisdom and acquire knowledge. Children are taught to read, write, and study the arcane arts, and libraries and academies are bustling centers of learning for people of all ages.
Scholarly Values: Intellectualism and a deep reverence for scholarship are highly regarded. Scholars, mages, and those who contribute to the accumulation of knowledge are often held in high esteem. The city's leaders, known as the Council of Masters, are typically accomplished scholars and mages chosen for their wisdom.
Magical Academies: The magical academies in Aeldun are not only places of learning but also centers of worship for Magillion. Each academy has a grand library dedicated to the god, filled with tomes of ancient knowledge. Students and scholars often participate in rituals and ceremonies to seek Magillion's blessing for their studies.
Libraries and Archives: The city boasts an extensive network of libraries and archives. Knowledge seekers from all over the realm travel to Aeldun to access the city's vast repositories of information. These places are seen as sacred, and it's considered an honor to work or study in them.
Innovation and Invention: Aeldun's culture is characterized by a strong drive for innovation. The pursuit of knowledge is not limited to existing teachings; the city encourages experimentation and the development of new magical techniques and inventions. Residents often collaborate to push the boundaries of magical knowledge.
Meritocracy: The city operates on a meritocratic system, where positions of power and influence are earned through demonstrated expertise and contributions to knowledge. Individuals who excel in their fields and contribute significantly to the city's intellectual growth are often chosen to lead or make important decisions.
Art and Magic: Art in Aeldun is often intertwined with magic and knowledge. Paintings, sculptures, and performances frequently depict scenes from historical events or legends, celebrating the importance of knowledge. Music and theater often incorporate elements of illusion and enchantment, adding a magical touch to the arts.
Civic Responsibility: Residents believe that with great knowledge comes great responsibility. Aeldun places a strong emphasis on using knowledge for the betterment of society. Individuals are encouraged to share their expertise, mentor the next generation, and use their magical abilities to solve societal problems.
Festivals and Celebrations: Aeldun hosts numerous annual festivals to honor Magillion and celebrate the pursuit of knowledge. These events often feature academic competitions, debates, and exhibitions of magical creations, further emphasizing the importance of knowledge in the city's culture.
Interfaith Tolerance: While the majority of inhabitants worship Magillion, the city is known for its religious tolerance. Temples and shrines dedicated to various deities can be found throughout the city, promoting a sense of harmony and cooperation among different faiths.

In Aeldun, the culture is one of intellect, wisdom, and a reverence for knowledge that permeates every aspect of life. The pursuit of knowledge and the belief in its transformative power unite the city's residents, fostering an environment of growth, enlightenment, and a strong sense of community.

Locations¶

The Inkstone Obelisk In the oldest part of the city is a square, where a tall dark obelisk towers. It was there when the city was founded and the city was constructed around it.

The Academy of Abjuration - The Wardens of Aeldun: - The Academy of Abjuration is known as the Wardens of Aeldun. This academy specializes in defensive and protective magic, with a focus on wards, shields, and barriers. Its students are trained to negate and repel threats, making them the city's primary defenders against hostile magical forces. - Location: Situated in the city's southeastern district. - Facilities: The academy boasts a sprawling, fortress-like structure with towering, stone walls embedded with protective runes. It features extensive training grounds for practicing protective spells and wards. Inside, students and instructors have access to well-fortified libraries containing rare tomes about abjuration magic.

The Academy of Conjuration - The Portal Keepers: - The Portal Keepers Academy excels in the art of conjuration magic. Students here learn to summon creatures, objects, and even open portals to other planes of existence. They are often tasked with transportation, both within the city and on quests that require them to retrieve objects from distant realms. - Location: Found on the outskirts of the city to the west. - Facilities: The Portal Keepers Academy is known for its grand arches and open courtyards. It has numerous summoning chambers where students can practice summoning creatures and objects. The academy is also equipped with extensive extradimensional libraries to aid in their research.

The Academy of Divination - The Seers' Sanctum:

The Seers' Sanctum is dedicated to the school of divination magic. Its students develop the ability to see into the future, gain insights into hidden truths, and scry on distant locations. They often serve as advisors, using their foresight to guide important decisions within the city.
Location: Perched on a hill overlooking the city to the north.
Facilities: The Seers' Sanctum is a tower with many large crystal spheres for scrying, and its rooftop observatory provides an excellent view of the night sky. Inside, there are private chambers for diviners to concentrate on their visions, as well as extensive archives filled with scrolls and artifacts that help them interpret their prophecies.

The Academy of Enchantment - The Charmed Enclave:

The Charmed Enclave specializes in the art of enchantment magic, which allows them to influence and manipulate the minds and emotions of others. Graduates are often skilled diplomats, negotiators, and peacemakers, and they ensure the city's harmony and unity.
Location: Found in the heart of the city, near the Temple of Magillion.
Facilities: The Charmed Enclave is an opulent palace known for its lush gardens and elegant chambers. It has numerous classrooms equipped with enchanting devices, as well as beautifully decorated chambers for diplomats to host negotiations. The academy also features a theater for illusion-infused performances.

The Academy of Evocation - The Elemental Architects: - The Elemental Architects Academy focuses on evocation magic, enabling its students to wield the raw power of the elements and cast devastating spells. These mages are often called upon for offensive magical support and elemental manipulation. - Leader: Walon Family - Location: Positioned in the city's western district. - Facilities: The Elemental Architects Academy features grand spires and elemental training grounds where students practice controlling fire, water, earth, and air. The academy's libraries contain scrolls detailing the most powerful evocation spells, and its dueling arenas allow students to test their destructive magic against one another.

The Academy of Illusion - The Mirage Mystics:

The Mirage Mystics Academy is the hub for illusion magic. Students here master the art of creating illusions, invisibility, and deception. Their skills are often employed for espionage, recon, and adding a touch of enchantment to performances and art.
Location: Nestled within the city's artistic quarter.
Facilities: The Mirage Mystics Academy is famous for its ever-shifting architecture. It features vast, mirrored chambers for practicing illusions, as well as performance spaces with magical lighting and sound systems. The academy's vast costume and disguise collection aids students in their studies of deception.

The Academy of Transmutation - The Arcane Alchemists:

The Arcane Alchemists Academy specializes in transmutation magic, allowing students to alter the properties of objects, transform matter, and even change their own forms. Graduates are skilled in crafting magical items and potions, as well as providing solutions for various practical challenges.
Location: Positioned on the city's eastern edge, near the Golem Forge.
Facilities: The Arcane Alchemists Academy boasts a complex with extensive laboratories for experimenting with transmutation magic. It also houses a unique garden filled with exotic and magical plants used for alchemical research. Students have access to libraries containing ancient texts on alchemy and transmutation.

Each academy in Aeldun represents a distinct approach to magic, offering specialized training that contributes to the city's well-being and magical advancement. Together, they create a diverse and harmonious magical community, fostering an environment where the pursuit of knowledge and the mastery of various magical arts thrive.

Xardon Academy of Arcane Arts This academy was once a small but prestigious school for most branches of magic. It was founded by Xaric Xardon in the year 89 TA and was built on a philosophy that combining the schools of magic makes for more powerful wizards. The Xardon family has since it founding been acting as headmasters at the school dictating the curriculum. The academy campus is the size of monastery and lies on the outskirts of the city next to a Magillionese graveyard. The campus consists of one large, rectangular building with a courtyard in the middle.

When Rictavion Xardon the headmaster passed in 971 TA, and his only son Mortimer did not wish to follow his legacy, the Academy was closed and has since been abandoned. The Xardon family still owns the land and the building, but has not used it for anything. This has let to the once beautiful masonry and blue tiled roof becoming decrepit and overgrown. The windows are boarded up but the wood has been slowly rotting and it would not be hard to break in. People has not though, because a rumor says that the ghost of Rictavion Xardon haunts the premises wanting to restore the academy to its former glory.

The Enigma Archive: A hidden, mystical library accessible only by those who can solve the riddles of the guardian statues at its entrance. The Enigma Archive houses rare and forbidden knowledge, guarded by the mysterious Sphinx Scholars. Aspiring wizards and scholars from around the realm come to test their wits and earn the right to access this treasure trove of arcane secrets

The Astral Observatory: Perched atop the highest peak of the city, the Astral Observatory is dedicated to the study of the stars and cosmic magic. Astronomers and astrologers from all over gather here to unravel the secrets of the night sky and tap into the power of celestial magic.

The Golem Forge: Run by skilled artificers, the Golem Forge is where enchanted constructs and automatons are crafted and maintained. These magical beings serve as guards, laborers, and companions for the city's inhabitants. The golems created here can range from simple household helpers to formidable guardians.

The Floating Gardens: Aeldun is famous for its breathtaking hanging gardens. These lush, floating gardens are suspended from the cliffs, seemingly defying gravity. They are maintained by the druids of the Verdant Spire Academy, who use their magic to create an ever-changing oasis of colorful flora and fauna.

Visual Inspiration

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Notable People¶

Khanimir Mithrildin Khanimir is an old dwarf researching ancient Atozian artifacts and texts.

He has been trying to acquire some scrolls concerning planar gates and god keys from Thalmos, but to no avail. It has taken him several years to be granted access to the deepest sections of the library of Thalmos. When he finally is granted access, he realizes certain scrolls and pages are mysteriously missing.

This is because Mortimer Xardon has already stolen the most coveted scripts pertaining to planar gates and how to construct and open them.

Someone has been trying to kill Khanimir the last few weeks. The players will have to learn to translate the prophecy, if Khanimir is killed or convince Rusty to help them? At a moment when the players are in town, a red arrow has been discovered trying to assassinate Khanimir. Khanimir is in shock and can not understand why The Red Arrow would try to kill him. He will ask the players to investigate this with the Black Magistrate. Every assassination attempt has been in the darkness of the night.