Fairhaven 1st
Fairhaven 1st
Fairhaven 1st
Fairhaven
A gents and E nemies by Chris Sims
illustration by Adam Paquette – Empty Room Studio
cartagraphy by Sean Macdonald
TM & © 2009 Wizards of the Coast LLC. All rights reserved. September 20 09 | D u n g e o n 170
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some of these elves migrated north to put distance Thaliost, Aundair’s earliest city. Fairhaven served as Characters
between them and the power centers of the Dhakaani one of the harbors of the “river elves” in those days.
The following characters play a large role in
goblins. Over time, their nomadic ways took them Numerous half-elves of Fairhaven and western Scion’s
Fairhaven.
amazing distances and their culture changed. Sar- Sound still bear the traditions and fiery spirit of these
lonan immigrants met these elves in Khorvaire and elf ancestors. Queen Aurala ir’Wynarn
absorbed them, which led to the half-elves of modern The river elves are still fine riders. Many believe
An imposing woman with diplomatic skill unmatched
Khorvaire. that the horses of Aundair might have descended
among her peers, the Queen of Aundair is agile with
Among these elves were those who plied the waters from those the migrant Tairnadal elves brought with
the intricacies of ruling her land. She bends just
around Scion’s Sound and the Aundair River when them. Some claim that the elves also influenced the
enough to keep her vassals loyal while keeping a firm
humans and other half-elves came and established dueling and singing traditions of Aundair.
grasp on royal power. With public edicts and pri-
vate discourse, she supports the ambitions of others
enough to keep them content and, perhaps, lead them
into underestimating her. When she makes mistakes,
such as her mishandling of Cyran refugees, she does
her best to turn the tide back in her favor. Aurala
advocates for peace, but such ideals are secondary to
her ambition to rule all Khorvaire with the crown of
Galifar on her head.
Queen’s Gambit: Aurala is a masterful politician,
and she is no warrior. She relies on the Royal Eyes
and other agents to help her with the dirty and bloody
work of maintaining Aundair. To keep tabs on her
warlords and to circumvent any possible leak from
within official channels, she uses independent opera-
tives. An autonomous team might serve the queen
and her loyalists in all sorts of ways, including against
other nations. Thrane suffers Aurala’s secret opposi-
tion at every turn, but Aurala encourages any action
likely to weaken others among the Five Nations.
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Reaches is well known, and he intends to reclaim Castellan Adele Fulirno and within the University of Wynarn. He has seen
Aundairian territory and harden the nation’s troops Those who seek an audience with the queen or any signs that the Blood of Vol has an established cult in
for the inevitable resurgence of war. He splits his time important royal advisors must first meet with Castel- Fairhaven. Whisper Rock has piqued his interest,
in Fairhaven between currying the queen’s favor and lan Fulirno. The castellan once acted as an agent for although he suspects the site hides great evil. As a
that of Prince Adal. the Royal Eyes of Aundair, but she tired of leaving Wayfinder sponsor and investor, he pays close atten-
Eyes in the Woodlands: Through sympathetic the country she loved behind. A serious and polite tion to events that involve Aerenal, Valenar, Xen’drik,
intermediaries, Lord Darro hires willing mercenaries woman, Fulirno knows the queen well and knows drow, or giants. He’s a likely patron or companion for
and patriots to enter the Eldeen Reaches. Those who when to send matters before Aurala or others in the those who support Aereni interests, but he’s an enemy
take these missions might spy on fortifications and court. to any who oppose the same.
military targets, disrupt trade, foment dissent, destroy Political Nexus: Castellan Fulirno is loyal to
key resources, or even assassinate leaders. Lord Darro Queen Aurala, but she plays a duplicitous game. Each
Factions
maintains deniability, taking only the most successful warlord believes her to be an ally, and she pretends Player characters might have to deal with one or more
agents into his inner circle. to have a secret, stormy, on-and-off relationship with of the following factions while in Fairhaven.
each. In truth, she and Aurad work to keep the war-
lords off balance. Through numerous avenues that
1 - Adaran Enclave
Royal Family Kalashtar make up a tiny minority in Fairhaven, and
include the castellan, PCs might become double or
Prince Consort Sasik d’Vadalis, whom the queen’s most of them live in the Adaran enclave in the city’s
triple agents loyal to the queen. The castellan might
supporters claim she married for love, lives in Fairhold Knowledge Ward. Within the enclave, the Adarans
instead employ the characters to help keep up appear-
with the queen and two of her children. One of these share their traditions and offer whatever help they
ances to the warlords. If Fulirno can be counted on
children is Crown Prince Wrogar, who is a proper can to their fellow citizens. Citizens in the city con-
for any one thing, it is that Aurala and Aurad know
young man and stands to inherit the throne. The other sider the kalashtar and other Adarans to be valued
everything the castellan learns.
is Princess Corrine, a rebellious teenager who abuses neighbors. The Dome of Light, a shrine to the Path
her authority upon occasion. Sasik keeps a low profile Ubeth Gratios of Light, offers facilities for meditation, psionic train-
so that no one can use his actions against the queen. ing, and even magical healing. Adarans, kalashtar
A wealthy human wine merchant and known rake,
Prince Jurian, Aurala and Sasik’s middle child, has and otherwise, also go to the university as teachers
Ubeth specializes in exotic drinks from southern
a libertine reputation. He is currently living abroad in and students. Partially because of this population,
lands, including Aerenal and Xen’drik. He’s also
self-imposed exile for breaking his mother’s decree Fairhaven is an Aundairian center for martial arts.
not all he seems. Ubeth is Jabreki Osluuhn, an elf
against honor dueling. In truth, the prince is a top Fair Inspiration: Wherever the kalashtar gather,
master of disguise and operative for the Order of
agent for the Royal Eyes, and he shares Aurala’s the Dreaming Dark can be expected to have eyes.
Vigilant Sentinels—elite agents of the Sibling Kings
penchant for encouraging others’ misjudgment and Fairhaven is no different. New to the court of Fairhold
of his homeland. Although he frequents the Aereni
underestimation. are Riedran Ambassador Sharaktavi, an Inspired
Embassy in Fairhaven, ostensibly to secure his ship-
Prince Aurad also lives in Fairhold with his wife, diplomat, and her entourage. With them, inside the
ments, he is independent and answers to no one
Wrenya, and five children. Adal has no spouse and Riedran embassy, the Dreaming Dark has gained a
there.
no legitimate children, although he has had numerous foothold in Aundair. Sharaktavi has stirred darker
Elven Interests: Other than his Aerenal connec-
paramours. dreams in Queen Aurala by suggesting that Aundair
tions, Ubeth has contacts among the river elves, in the
Wayfinder Foundation, among Fairhaven’s criminals,
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might have allies in Riedra if war erupts anew among positions of power, whether mercantile, religious, or members perpetuate the urban legend that the cathe-
the Five Nations. political. Seekers who serve the Cult of Life some- dral is haunted and looted. This could backfire if any
The Riedrans have yet to work directly against the times meet to practice the rites of their religion and hero types take the danger seriously and decide to
kalashtar, since little would be gained. Prince Aurad trade secrets. Only the most powerful Seekers know investigate or remove the threat.
has heard the basics of both sides of the Sarlonan con- the truth at the center of their religion, and many of
flict—the Adarans are criminals and terrorists, and them possess dark powers that allow them to steal life 3 - River Elves
the Riedrans are oppressive autocrats. Given the rep- energy or kill from the shadows. Half-elves common in the Whiteroof Ward add local
utation of the kalashtar in Fairhaven and the queen’s Blood Web: Torven “the Ageless” d’Medani is a color to Fairhaven and points east into Scion’s Sound.
favor for the Riedran ambassador, the governor has half-elf vampire lord, the leader of the Cult of Life in Dressed flamboyantly in loose clothing reminiscent
no wish to take sides in such foreign concerns. Fairhaven, and one of the cult’s principles in Khor- of Valenar elf dress, these quixotic, itinerant people
vaire. Although House Medani’s authorities believe are fishers, ferry folk, shippers, and even pirates on
Cannith West he is dead, he maintains power and influence over the Aundair River. Such “river elves,” as they are
Jorlanna d’Cannith (Eberron Campaign Guide, page a few choice house scions in the Fairhaven enclave called, are rumored to descend from Fairhaven’s earli-
211) is considered a citizen of Fairhaven although the and elsewhere. He also has a network of sinister con- est inhabitants, and they keep contact among diverse
main Cannith compound stands outside Fairhaven’s nections among influential persons in Fairhaven, clans up and down the waterways around the sound.
sturdy walls (Eberron Campaign Guide, page 210). Arcanix, and wider Aundair, Karrnath, and Thrane. River elves are vibrant and independent, and they are
Members of this Cannith branch receive training in The PCs might follow any of these strands to the savvy and bold in business and other interpersonal
social skills, and as a result of their diplomatic abili- Cult of Life and, possibly, to Torven’s lair. He has dealings. The half-elves also look to the protection of
ties, the house has a good reputation in Fairhaven, established his lair in ancient catacombs under the their kind, and they have a reputation for duping the
Aundair, and the Eldeen Reaches. Much to Zorlan Sovereign Ward. unwary.
d’Cannith’s vexation, Jorlanna and her branch have a River Running: No better guide than a river elf
better relationship to the Twelve in Korth than Can- 2 - Dark Dagger Gang can be had for the environs of the Aundair River all
nith East does. Strongest among the criminal gangs of Fairhaven, the the way to Scion’s Sound. Anyone who needs to move
Amorous Tinkering: Jorlanna’s colorful indiscre- Dark Dagger Gang operates out of the abandoned something in or out of Fairhaven without the notice
tions are far from over. She has many friends in other Silver Flame cathedral on the southern side of the of the authorities can turn to the river elves. Some
houses, which is a fact her enemies would like to Sovereign Ward within eyeshot of the university. Aundairians consider the half-elves, who have down-
change. They could do so if they found out about her Kreelo, a changeling who is the most wanted person river dealings in Thrane and Karrnath, a little too
romance with a young scion of House Orien, Kkressd in Fairhaven if not Aundair, leads this band of smug- liberal and worldly. This tolerance works two ways.
d’Orien. Whether Kkressd’s feelings are true or he is glers, extortionists, and cutthroats. PCs might run afoul of river elf buccaneers or thwart
manipulating the matriarch remains to be seen. He Numerous Knives: The Dark Dagger Gang has smugglers in Thrane’s employ, but they might as easily
might be more than he seems. its filthy fingers in all sorts of black-market trade, work with the half-elves to root out river monsters or
which can involve any PC interested in trading in gather intelligence in Thaliost or Korth.
Cult of Life illegal goods. Characters might run into Dark Dagger
A widespread sect of the Blood of Vol, the Cult of Life members shaking down merchants, running a kid-
operates in secret within Fairhaven. Its members are napping outfit, or any other sort of illicit activity.
skilled and ruthless individuals who work to take Without drawing attention to the place itself, the gang
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Exchange is also a trading place for information. 7 - Wayfinder Foundation Relic Raiders: Items and valuables from the
More than one merchant is loyal to a foreign inter- Headquarters trophy room have gone missing. No one can find any
est, and agents can talk within the exchange under Lord Boroman ir’Dayne had this four-story build- sign of breaking and entering. Are the thieves work-
the guise of doing business. Further, some minorities ing constructed as the major center for the Wayfarer ing within the foundation building or coming from
within Fairhaven use Distant Exchange as a meeting Foundation. It houses a museum, also known infor- outside? Perhaps a creature in the trophy room isn’t
place. Those who know the right person to ask can mally as the “trophy room,” on the first two floors. a stuffed model after all? Then again, maybe the
learn obscure news of distant lands here. Occasion- Upper floors house offices, lecture halls, and meeting trustees have set up an elaborate hoax to test potential
ally the intrigue seething under the market’s alien rooms, including the Conclave Chamber where the recruits or existing members.
atmosphere breaks out in violence for one reason or foundation’s most prominent members and stewards,
another. About the Author
the trustees, meet. On these floors, explorers and No one knows what Chris Sims actually is. He dwells in dark
members of the foundation can arrange or invest in places and works words. His flesh is nearly as hard as granite,
6 - House Jorasco Citadel expeditions, as well as trade in relics and monster car- and he is immune to petrification. He has Contributed to
Just north of Distant Exchange, House Jorasco main- titles such as Dungeon Master’s Guide, Monster Manual, Monster
casses. Either sort of object might find its way into the Manual 2, and Eberron Campaign Guide, plus he has worked on
tains its Fairhaven citadel. Within the walls and tower permanent collection in the trophy room. D&D Insider articles too numerous to mention. He lairs with
is a hospital, an extensive herb garden, a medicinal Lordly Wasting: Lord Boroman ir’Dayne is his wife in the Seattle exurb of Covington, where he keeps his
and potion dispensary, and a center of medical learn- dying. While on an expedition to Xen’drik, the affable treasure.
ing. Field medics make themselves available for and capable halfling contracted a wasting curse.
hire within the enclave, but the most potent healers The curse is slowly destroying the lord’s body. Boro-
choose to remain inside the enclave as much as pos- man uses his vast wealth to find countermeasures
sible. Among the latter is Haneela d’Jorasco, who has and delay the inevitable, but he is weakened enough
been known to bring back the dead. that he must use a cane to make his daily walk to
The Grasping of Healing Hands: House Jorasco and from his manor to the foundation headquarters.
treads risky political ground within the Fairhaven Boroman might employ the PCs to travel to any site
citadel by engaging in research into healing herbs, in which a cure might be located, including back to
reagents, and techniques from the Eldeen Reaches. the mysterious Xen’drik ruins in which the lord con-
Those who come into possession of medicinal secrets tracted the curse.
from the Reaches can find a buyer in House Jorasco. Mislaid Trust: Clandestine organizations of all
For such treasures, house employees take some risks. sorts have reason to infiltrate the Wayfinder Founda-
They’re also willing to use the unpopularity of Reach- tion. A spy, especially among the trustees, could gain
ers against any who claim the house has taken or a vast array of valuable knowledge and resources. A
acquired goods unfairly. double-dealing trustee might also plot to help Boro-
man ir’Dayne into the grave and seize leadership of
the foundation. The PCs might be caught in one of
these plots, especially if they succeed at finding help
for Boroman’s curse.
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