Avendor
Avendor is the capital of the Ashir Empire.
History
Avendor is the capital city of the Ashir Empire, located in the heart of the Ashir Valley, which is known for its fertile land and scenic beauty. The city is situated in a valley surrounded by high mountains and is a hub of technological innovation and religious importance. Founded in the year 212 by the legendary warrior and religious figure, Kael Ashir, Avendor was originally a small village that grew into a bustling city as the Ashir Empire expanded. Over the centuries, Avendor became a melting pot of various cultures and traditions, with people from all corners of the empire coming to live and work in the city. The city is known as a hub of commerce, religious pilgrimmage, education, politics and arts.
Population
The demographics of Avendor are varied, but are still mostly compromised of humans and half-elves. About 20% of the population is part of another species, usually either tiefling, halfling, or dwarf.
Local Government
In terms of governance, Avendor is ruled by the Emperor of the Ashir Empire, who resides in the Imperial Palace located in the heart of the city. The palace is a sprawling complex of buildings and gardens, and is considered to be one of the most magnificent structures in the world.
Architecture
Avendor's architecture is diverse across its different neighborhoods. The poorer outer neighborhoods are mostly constructed of wood, chopped from the nearby forests of the Ashirian valley.
Economy
Apart from its religious significance, Avendor is also a center of technological progress. The city is home to several universities and research institutions, where scholars and scientists work to push the boundaries of knowledge in fields such as alchemy, engineering, and medicine. The Ashir Empire is known for its advanced technologies, and Avendor is where many of these groundbreaking inventions are developed.
Culture
No info yet :3
Districts
Imperial District
This neighborhood is the political and administrative center of the city. It is located in the geographical center of the city, on Clarit hill. It houses the Imperial Palace, the Pheonix's trial grounds, the Clarit residences and a variety of upscale commerces.
The Imperial Palace
The Imperial Palace is arguably the most important building in the entirety of the Ashir empire. Surrounded by tall walls of red marble-like stone, it sits on the very top of Clarit hill, overlooking the rest of Avendor. Inside the walls feature gardens of immeasurable flora from all over the empire, the smells of the gardens often wafting onto the rest of Clarit hill and giving it a distincitve scent depending on the time of year. Deeper into the walls, the palace itself. The palace is from the outside, made of a white marble with accents of crimson red, rising three stories tall with one distinctive bubble-like shape in the middle that gives to three crimson red spires with golden tips that shine and reflect on Avendor during sunny days. It is said that on the brightest of days, if one was to look at the middle spire at sunrise, you might see the imperial pheonix resting on the top of the palace and spreading its wings.
The Pheonix's Trial Grounds
During the Pheonix's Trial, this part of the imperial district is dedicated to providing a diverse field of challenges to the contestants. In times when these grounds are unneeded, they are converted to gardens, squares and venues for large occasions of the elite of avendor such as important weddings, conferences and so on. Notably the location of MagiTech 12. They are situated in a ring like configuration around the palace.
Clarit Hill Residences
The clarit hill residences are the buildings and residences surrounding the Pheonix's grounds and house the richest and most notable figures in avendor, many of who are involved in the politics of the empire. Some of the notable people there include:
Lord Octavian Delacourt
The esteemed Duke of Avendor, known for his cunning political maneuvers and extensive influence over the Ashir Empire's bureaucracy.
Lady Seraphina Valerian
A charismatic socialite renowned for her dazzling beauty, impeccable fashion, and extravagant soirées.
Lord Lucius Ravenswood
A wealthy merchant prince with a monopoly over rare and exotic goods. He is known for his shrewd business acumen and connections to the underworld.
Countess Genevieve Montclair
A prominent patron of the arts, her opulent mansion hosts lavish gatherings showcasing Avendor's finest performers and artists.
Baroness Isabella Fairchild
A renowned duelist and master swordswoman who holds elaborate dueling tournaments on her sprawling estate, attracting warriors from across Vostera.
Commerces
Imperial Threads
A boutique renowned for its exquisite clothing and bespoke attire, where skilled artisans create custom garments for the nobility.
Garden's Whisper
A perfumery that crafts exclusive scents using rare and exotic ingredients, offering personalized fragrances to the discerning clientele.
Bedazzle
A collection of fine jewelry establishments, specializing in exquisite gemstones, dazzling diamonds, and intricate designs.
Ashir Menagerie
A luxurious establishment where the wealthy can purchase and admire rare and fantastical creatures from distant lands.
Kaira's Tongue
An upscale restaurant renowned for its masterful chefs, serving culinary delights from across Vostera
Bob's Bubbles and Baths
A sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation, offering luxurious treatments, exotic baths, and soothing therapies.
Aria's
Elegantly curated galleries showcasing the works of renowned painters, sculptors, and artisans from Avendor and beyond.
High Temple Square
This neighborhood is the spiritual heart of Avendor, home to the empire's most important temples and shrines. Situated on the other side of the Saila river of the Imperial palace, towards the east of the city, it is a diamon shaped square with angles in cardinal in direction. Eight temples fill the square, with the Radiant sanctum to the west, facing the sunrise, Kaira's temple to the north-west, Ma'at's to the north, Lua's to the north-east, Layla's to the east, Aria's to the south-east, Mila's to the south's, and Vero's to the south-west. The streets around the temple are filled with vendors selling religious artifacts, and the air is thick with the scent of incense and the sound of chanting.
The Radiant Sanctum
The Radiant Sanctum is a temple dedicated to the worship of the Sunmother. The building itself is a made of a beautiful white marble with gigantic glass windows pouring light from the inside onto the streets at all time. Heavy on curves and arches it is filled with motifs and details of flowers, suns, stars and flames. Inside, regardless of the time of day, an eternal sunlight bathes the sanctum. The inside smells strongly of incense and flowers, as the sanctum is filled with flowers from all over Vostera, some so tall the average resident of Avendor cannot see over the top of the flowerbed. At the very end of the sanctum, a gigantic statue to the effigy of the Sunmother stands tall, facing the sun that pours into the sanctum during the morning. The statue itself is a gigantic 12 feet tall, built of an onyx black with golden veins running throughout her body. A crown of sunflowers on her crimson red hair, in her right hand vines sprout out of her hand and embrace a shortsword, the sword of truth. In her left hand, Sola holds a crown of laurels. Sola's followers are called solists. They are clothed in white robes with one golden stripe going down the middle. They often wear black kohl around their eyes so that they may gaze at the eternal sunlight without blinding themselves. The high solist priests do go through blindness, as it is thought that without eyes the mind is more focused, more just, and closer to the light.
Kaira's Temple
Kaira being the trickster that he is does not abide by the traditional idea of a temple. Instead, his temple constitutes of the gate to the merchant district. Kaira's Merchant Ring welcomes you with a grand archway standing tall and proud, its surface adorned with vividly painted murals depicting scenes of joy, mirth, and adventure. Colorful ribbons cascade from the arch, swaying gently in the breeze, as if whispering secrets of laughter and luck. As you pass through the arch, you step into a bustling neighborhood teeming with life. Narrow cobblestone streets wind their way through a vibrant tapestry of buildings, each one adorned with vibrant facades, decorative signs, and intricate murals that depict scenes of merriment and jest. The scent of aromatic spices wafts through the air, mingling with the tantalizing aromas of freshly baked bread, sizzling meats, and exotic fruits.
Market stalls line the streets, their canopies awash with an array of colorful fabrics, shimmering trinkets, and intriguing curiosities. Shopkeepers beckon you with inviting smiles, their stalls overflowing with an assortment of wares, from finely crafted jewelry to whimsical masks and enchanted trinkets said to bring good fortune. The air is alive with the enchanting melodies of street musicians and the infectious laughter of revelers. Acrobats gracefully leap through the air, jesters perform daring feats of trickery, and street performers captivate audiences with their engaging tales. The sound of clinking coins and animated conversations fills the atmosphere, intermingling with the boisterous laughter and cheer. The district is not just a haven for commerce and entertainment but also a hub of cultural exchange and artistic expression. Theatrical venues showcase captivating performances, from raucous comedies to thought-provoking dramas, while art galleries exhibit eclectic works of local and visiting artists.
Kaira's Merchant Ring is a testament to the Jester's domain, a place where the pursuit of pleasure, adventure, and laughter takes center stage. It embodies the spirit of carefree revelry, reminding all who enter that life is meant to be celebrated and enjoyed to the fullest.
Ma'at's Temple
Ma'at's temple situated at the northern point of the high temple square is a temple built of gray stone and silver accents, two stories high with two towers on each side of the entrance. much more square in its architecture, it is almost brutalist. Open entering, the temperature instantly seems cooler, and the smell inside is dark. Silver and white threads go across the walls, the tall ceiling and the inside. In the very middle of the temple there is a dark pool, impossible to see through. The weavers are dressed in black and silver and seem to walk seemingly noiseless across the stone floors. Getting a session with the weavers can be tricky and expensive but many consider it life-changing.
Layla's Temple
Layla's temple is situated to the north-east of the square. The temple itself appears to have emerged from the very heart of the forest. Its structure is a seamless fusion of organic elements and mystic symbolism. Smooth, silver-toned pillars rise from the ground, adorned with intricate carvings depicting the phases of the moon, fierce animals, and silhouettes of hunting figures. Vines and ivy delicately wind their way around the pillars, as if nature itself seeks to claim ownership of this sacred space.
The entrance to the temple is framed by a grand archway, crafted from dark, polished wood, intricately etched with celestial motifs and silvery constellations. As you pass through the arch, you find yourself in a vast chamber, bathed in a soft, moonlit glow that filters through stained glass windows depicting scenes of nocturnal beauty and wilderness.
The interior of the temple is adorned with tapestries and murals depicting nocturnal creatures in motion, their eyes gleaming with an otherworldly radiance. The soft, flickering glow of candlelight illuminates the space, casting dancing shadows upon the intricately patterned stone floor.
At the heart of the temple stands a magnificent altar, fashioned from shimmering obsidian. Its surface is adorned with delicate moonstone inlays, depicting the constellations and the fierce gaze of predatory animals. A sacred flame, ever-burning with a cool blue hue, rests upon the altar, symbolizing the eternal presence of the night.
Surrounding the central altar, smaller alcoves hold statues and shrines dedicated to the various aspects of Layla's domain. Sculptures of graceful deer, prowling panthers, and soaring owls stand as guardians and embodiments of the goddess's power and connection to the natural world.
The air within the temple is heavy with a sense of mystique and reverence. Whispers of the wind seem to carry the echoes of nocturnal creatures, blending with the soft chants and prayers of devoted followers who come to seek solace, guidance, and communion with the goddess of the night.
As you stand within Layla's temple, you can't help but feel the delicate balance between beauty and danger, serenity and the untamed. It is a place where the wilderness and the divine converge, beckoning those who seek solace beneath the moonlit sky and the watchful eyes of Layla.
Vero's Temple
Vero's temple, a bastion of knowledge and madness, stands as a towering edifice amidst the grand city of Avendor. Its imposing presence commands attention, reflecting the paradoxical nature of the god it honors.
The temple's exterior is crafted from cold, gray stone, meticulously carved with intricate patterns resembling interlocking gears and swirling mists. The architecture follows a fusion of ancient and modern styles, evoking a sense of timelessness and enigma. Massive columns rise to the sky, supporting a vaulted roof adorned with astronomical symbols and celestial charts, showcasing Vero's dominion over the secrets of the universe.
As you approach the entrance, you are greeted by a grand staircase flanked by statues of contemplative figures, their faces etched with both wisdom and madness. The entrance itself is an imposing gateway, intricately carved with inscriptions of forgotten languages and symbols of arcane knowledge.
Upon entering the temple, you find yourself in a vast chamber bathed in dim, flickering light. The air is filled with the scent of ancient tomes and the faint aroma of incense, creating an atmosphere of scholarly reverence and mystic allure. The chamber is lined with towering bookshelves, stretching up to the ceiling and disappearing into the shadows above, housing countless volumes of esoteric knowledge and forbidden texts.
Candlelit alcoves provide intimate spaces for study and contemplation, their shelves adorned with delicate artifacts and curiosities collected from distant realms. The soft glow of ethereal orbs hovers above, casting an eerie illumination that dances upon the weathered pages of open books and casts elongated shadows across the chamber.
In the heart of the temple, a grand observatory rises, its glass dome reaching towards the heavens. Astronomical instruments and telescopes are positioned meticulously, pointing towards the cosmos, allowing scholars to delve into the mysteries of the stars and decipher the celestial movements that hold the key to Vero's omniscient truths.
Throughout the temple, you encounter scholars and scribes engrossed in their research, their minds consumed by the pursuit of knowledge and the unraveling of Vero's enigmatic riddles. Whispers of arcane incantations and the scratching of quills fill the air, blending with the subtle hum of ancient enchantments that permeate the very walls.
The atmosphere within Vero's temple is one of scholarly intensity and intellectual fervor. It is a place where knowledge is sought at the precipice of sanity, and where the boundaries of understanding are tested and expanded. As you explore the depths of this scholarly sanctuary, you cannot help but feel both the allure and the unnerving presence of Vero, the god of knowledge and madness, watching from the shadows of forgotten wisdom.
Aria's Temple
Aria's temple, a sanctuary of spring, art, and peaceful politics, stands as a radiant testament to her domains within the vibrant city of Avendor. It emanates an aura of tranquility and creative energy, drawing visitors with its harmonious design and lush surroundings.
The temple is nestled within a serene grove, a sanctuary of nature within the bustling cityscape. Tall, graceful trees with blossoming flowers form a natural canopy overhead, filtering sunlight to create a soft, dappled glow that bathes the temple grounds. The air is filled with the fragrant scents of blooming flowers and the soothing melody of birdsong, creating a peaceful ambiance.
The architecture of the temple blends harmoniously with its surroundings. Smooth, ivory-colored marble forms the foundation, evoking purity and grace. The temple's exterior features intricate carvings depicting scenes of nature, music, and social gatherings, reflecting Aria's multifaceted domains. Delicate vines and flowers, intertwined with the architecture, add a touch of natural beauty to the structure.
As you approach the entrance, you are greeted by a grand archway adorned with symbols of art, diplomacy, and the rejuvenating power of spring. The entrance is flanked by statues of muses and diplomats, their serene expressions welcoming all who seek solace and inspiration within the temple's embrace.
Upon entering the temple, you step into a spacious atrium filled with the gentle sounds of trickling water from ornate fountains. The atrium serves as a central gathering space, with marble pillars supporting archways that lead to various wings dedicated to art galleries, diplomatic chambers, and serene meditation spaces.
The art galleries showcase masterpieces from renowned painters, sculptors, and artisans, creating a haven for artistic appreciation and expression. Soft, ambient music resonates throughout the galleries, enhancing the immersive experience of each exhibit.
The diplomatic chambers provide a space for peaceful discourse and negotiations, fostering a spirit of cooperation and understanding among diplomats and emissaries. Intricate murals depicting unity and collaboration adorn the walls, serving as a visual testament to the ideals of diplomacy and cooperation cherished by Aria's followers.
The meditation spaces offer tranquil environments for contemplation and introspection, with lush gardens and serene ponds providing a connection to the natural world. Followers of Aria gather in these spaces to find inspiration, rejuvenation, and a sense of inner harmony.
At the heart of the temple, a sacred grove dedicated to Aria's essence flourishes, with blossoming flowers, vibrant foliage, and serene clearings for gatherings and ceremonies. The grove is a living testament to the goddess's influence on the cycles of nature and the interconnectedness of life.
As you explore Aria's temple, you can't help but feel a sense of peace and artistic inspiration permeating the air. It is a place where the beauty of nature, the power of art, and the principles of diplomacy converge in perfect harmony, inviting all who enter to embrace the spirit of Aria's domains.