[Ahb-doo-ree]
Overview:
Abdurii, once thought to exist only in legend, was rediscovered by Magus Orpheus some decades ago (accounts vary, but most place the rediscovery at roughly 60 years past). Since then, the town has experienced a dramatic resurgence, with nearby villages and towns flocking to it for safety in the increasingly volatile western reaches of New Birania. Despite its rapid repopulation and growth, Abdurii’s remote location, far from major trade routes and surrounded by hostile forces, has kept it relatively unknown and shrouded in mystery to much of the wider realm. Nevertheless, it has become a critical bastion in the West, standing as a stalwart defender against the chaos and danger that encroach from all sides.
Description:
From a distance, Abdurii is surprisingly unassuming, appearing as little more than a well-constructed fort nestled in the rugged landscape. Its towering walls, however, exude an imposing presence, hinting at the strength and history contained within. Beyond these protective walls lies a city of unexpected splendor. The architecture, preserved from a lost era, rivals even the most prestigious districts of Vitaurum in its opulence and decadence. Intricate hanging gardens cascade from balconies, while tranquil streams and elegant canals weave through the city, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere. The design speaks to creators who valued beauty and harmony over mere practicality. For those who find refuge within its walls, Abdurii becomes more than a sanctuary, it becomes home, with few ever choosing to leave its embrace.
History:
Even during the Age of Independence, Abdurii was spoken of as little more than a myth, an unbelievable city so rich in decadence that Gods were said to roam its streets alongside mortals. Following its discovery, it is now believed to be a relic from the earliest days of humanity in Staterum. Much about this truly ancient city remains a mystery: how it has remained so remarkably preserved, why it vanished from memory, and what forces may have led to its obscurity in the first place. What matters to its residents now is the level of security it has added to their increasingly treacherous homelands.
Significance:
Offering little in terms of economic benefit to New Birania, Abdurii’s primary role is as a sanctuary for the people of this volatile region. Its sturdy walls and strategic location provide a critical safe haven amidst the chaos of the western territories. Beyond its role as a refuge, Abdurii serves as the headquarters for the Temporal Vanguard, a subsection of the Biranian Guard. Tasked with operating as a strike force, the Iron Vanguard conducts patrols and mounts defensive operations to protect New Birania’s western borders from a host of threats.
Notable Features:
- The Bastion Gates: The primary entrance to Abdurii, the Bastion Gates are an imposing structure reinforced with ancient steel and runic carvings, designed to withstand both physical and magical assaults
- The Vanguard Keep: The headquarters of the Iron Vanguard, this fortified keep stands at the heart of Abdurii. Its high towers and training grounds dominate the city’s skyline, serving as both a functional military base and a symbol of the city’s defensive mission.
- Codex Library: An ancient and enigmatic library, housing countless tomes and scrolls. The majority of its collection is written in two dominant, but long-lost, languages that scholars are painstakingly working to translate. Despite decades of effort, the work remains slow, with only fragments of knowledge uncovered so far. The library’s vast underground chambers, seemingly endless in scope, have been repurposed to store records and documentation from the current age, ensuring the preservation of New Birania’s history.
- The Flowing Garden: A breathtaking sanctuary within the walls of Abdurii, the Flowing Garden is a sprawling temple adorned with cascading greenery and vibrant flora that seems to defy the harshness of the surrounding region. Every wall of the temple is covered in a living tapestry of vines, flowers, and exotic plants, creating an awe-inspiring blend of architecture and nature. Water flows gently through the garden in artfully crafted channels and fountains, providing a tranquil ambiance that contrasts sharply with the city’s defensive exterior.
Local Legends or Stories:
One of the most curious and persistent tales surrounding Abdurii is that the city doesn’t truly exist. According to this story, what people perceive as Abdurii is merely an elaborate illusion conjured by New Birania to lure settlers, refugees, and soldiers to the western edges of the region. The purpose, as the legend claims, is to bolster the defences against the many threats encroaching from the Misty Swamps, Gravenpeak, and beyond. Skeptics of this tale argue that it’s simply the city’s remoteness and mysterious aura that give rise to such rumours, but whispers of its “deceptive” nature continue to circulate among those who have never seen it for themselves. Another popular legend attributes Abdurii’s disappearance to divine wrath. The story goes that in the city’s earliest days, its people grew prideful, turning away from the gods who had blessed them with abundance and splendor. In their anger, the gods cursed Abdurii, causing it to vanish from the mortal realm as punishment. Centuries later, Magus Orpheus is said to have communed with the divine, pleading for forgiveness and promising that the city’s rebirth would be a beacon of faith and resilience. Moved by his devotion, the gods agreed to restore Abdurii, allowing it to return in all its glory.
Visitors’ Experience:
For those rare individuals who make the journey to Abdurii, the experience is as enigmatic as the city itself. Nestled in the far western reaches of New Birania, Abdurii is shrouded in mystery, and much of what is known about it comes from second-hand tales and fleeting reports. Travellers describe its imposing walls and well-defended gates, but beyond that, accounts vary wildly, some speak of an opulent city with unmatched beauty, while others claim it is little more than a fortified outpost surrounded by harsh wilderness. Visitors often note an air of calm that belies the dangers of the region, as though the city exists far removed from the turmoil lurking beyond its walls. The flow of life within Abdurii feels strangely measured and harmonious, yet its purpose as a bastion of safety is undeniable. Local markets are modest but functional, offering essentials and goods salvaged from expeditions into the surrounding lands. For the spiritually inclined, the Flowing Garden provides a rare moment of serenity, while the Codex Library tempts the scholarly and curious with its vast, cryptic collection.