Travel in Khorvaire

Travel in Khorvaire

House Orien Lightning Rail
     The Orien lightning rail is a marvel of magical invention. When the kingdom of Galifar was at its height, House Orien and House Cannith took on a special commission from the king. The king wanted a means to connect the farthest parts of the kingdom that could move people and goods quickly and efficiently. House Cannith created conductor stones - wondrous items that, when arranged along a route in pairs, formed a conduit through which a coach could travel at great speed. For propulsion, it turned to Zilargo for a vehicle with a bound elemental - in this case, an air elemental to propel the coach through the conduit. When the stones mounted on a coach pass over stones arranged n the ground, a sparking effect is produced, giving the lightning rail its name.
     House Cannith provides the means, while House Orien maintains and operates the lightning rail system. A limited pathway of conductor stones are laid out across what was once Galifar. Today, conductor stone paths connect the nations of Aundair, Breland, Thrane, and Zilargo in the west, and Karrnath, the Talenta Plains, and the Mror Holds in the east.

House Lyrander Airship
House Lyrander operates elemental flying vessels (usually utilizing bound air or fire elementals) to make rapid air travel possible across Khorvaire. Built in Zilargo, these vessels can sometimes be found in privateer hands, but the pilots of House Lyrander are renowned for their skill and expertise. Airships have the advantage of being able to go anywhere - provided the pilot and crew are willing to make the trip. Most House Lyrander vessels only fly between metropolises and large cities. To go elsewhere by air, you need to find a privateer. Since they are relatively new, airships have not come into widespread use yet.

House Lyrander Wind Galleon
House Lyrander's galleons, built to specifications  in Zilargo, use bound elementals to speed them across the seas. The hull of a wind galleon is similar to that of any traditional wind-powered vessel, but it has only rudeimentary mast and sails. On the aft deck, a large tower holds a massive ring with a bound elemental.

International Travel

International Travel

     House Deneith is charged by international decree with securing international borders. The border guards are adept at using magical and mundane means to patrol their jurisdiction. At road and lightning rail crossings, border towns, and airship docking towers, House Deneith's scrutiny is intense. Here, rather than falcons and dogs, Baron Breven's chief security tool is a set of documents known as traveling papers.
     To cross a border legally, a traveler must present traveling papers to the border guards on duty. The Notaries Guild of House Sivis issues traveling papers that are valid for 4 years. The papers identify all travelers, list their residence, destination or destinations, and reason for travel. House Sivis charges 25gp to prepare these papers, and many travelers protect their documents with a densewood flipcase (5gp).
     If a traveler stopped by a border guard does not have his papers, he can purchase temporary traveling papers from any House Orien, House Lyrander, or House Deneith agent (including the arresting border guard himself). A character witness must be present. These papers expire after one journey. Temporary traveling papers are scribed on cheap ash pulp, yet they cost 100gp.

Five Things Every Brelish Knows

1. The Galifar Code of Justice. Every citizen of Breland learns the basics of the Code of Justice, especially as it pertains to the rights afforded individuals in any situation. This knnowledge boild down to the right to defend yourself, the right to confront your accuser, and the right to open debate. Of course, the Code contains many additional rights and las, but these tend to be the most important for the average Brelish citizen.

2. That different is just different. Tolerant and accepting, the average Brelish believes that different isn't better or worse, good or bad; it's just different. Different races, different faiths, different cultures...the Brelish, on the whole, are the most accepting and unifying people of Khorvaire.

3. Something about the weather. Everyone in Breland has an opinion about the weather, and they love to discuss their views and share them with others This is especially true in the southern portions of the country, where the weather seems to vary between two states - hot and wet, or hotter and wetter.

4. The virtues of democracy. Unique among the Five Nations, Breland has long been experimenting with a new form of government. While the monarchy remains in place, many other duties of government, including legislation, falls to a partially elected body - the Brelish Parliament. Thanks to town meetings where all citizens have a voice and the right to vote for the elected members of the parliament, the Brelish understand the rights, responsibilities of democracy, as well as the great gift they have to live in such a progressive nation.

5. The wisdom of Beggar Dane. Out of the pages of the Sharn Inquisitive, the simple lessons for living popularized by this anonymous street bard have become ingrained in the Brelish mindset. The include: "A copper piece in the cup is a copper piece earned", "Never borrow, never lend", "The silent man has noone to blame but himself" and "A magewright in the town is worth an army in the winderness."