The avariel develop their homes high in the mountains, in places otherwise inaccessible. Their geographic isolation inevitably leads to cultural and psychological isolation, and they have become a reclusive people. Their communities typically develop around one central city, usually constructed high atop a plateau, with structures built into or along-side neighboring crags and peaks. Although the avariel dislike being underground, they will build — and even. tunnel — into the sides of cliffs; such structures, however, tend to have windows, balconies or perches. These communities, essentially city-states, are often impossible to reach through any method other than flight. Some aerie-cities are built with a single road leading down the mountain, but this road is usually on a cliff-side so that it can be constantly monitored (and invaders upon it attacked) by wingborne patrols.
Myrravin is one of the oldest avariel cities. It is certainly the oldest occupied avariel community, with a history stretching back over millennia. Myrravin itself is similar to other aerie-cities, the majority of its urban development built atop a large, flat plateau. It sprawls on the highest peak in its area, overlooking many smaller peaks and structures. Myrravin’s urban planning is representative of typical avariel cities, with many open plazas, sparkling fountains, and tall pinnacles.
In the very center of Myrravin is a grand Plaza, with a raised dais as its focus. The plaza is typically one of the busiest places of Myrravin; during the day, countless stalls and shops line the perimeter, offering a variety of services and goods. The plaza is often cleared for religious or civic services, when the majority of Myrravin’s population can gather within the plaza or atop the terraces and roofs of neighboring buildings.
Avariel buildings are built with a focus on both width — a narrow chamber is confining to the winged ones — and height. Avariel buildings are also strong on windows, terraces, porches and bal-conies. Very few roofs are gabled or peaked; typically the roof of a building also acts as an observation deck.
As the oldest known inhabited city, Myrravin has often served as the model for a host of other avariel aerie-cities. It should be noted, though, that ruins of other aerie-cities have been found, and scholars have posited that some of these cities might even be older than Myrravin. Such ruins are dangerous, often inhabited by creatures who have taken it for their lairs, while crumbling architectures provide yet another threat. Some avariel like to travel to these various ruins, either to explore what might be part of their past or for the adventure that lies wherein. Avariel scholars have occasionally arranged expeditions to such cities, but these do not always meet with success.
References
Estes, James, “On Wings of Eagles”, Dragon Magazine #233, September 1996, P. 15
Artwork by Thomas M. Baxa