The House of Azure was a notorious and majestic mountain temple located in the high Peaks of Windstross in the central region of Zor. Built by the Ariock Rangers who lived and trained there, with assistance from Ariock giants, they began construction on the house in 771 MA and it was completed in 781. For centuries the House of Azure had been considered the spiritual and druidic center of the Ariock Rangers of the Wildlands. It was here where the most powerful of Ariock lords convened with nature to deliberate on matters pertaining to the Ariock profession and the nature of their spiritual decree.

Ariock

The Ariock were a unique group of Rangers who had learned to control and utilize the natural air and wind around them. They could infuse the air with druidic magic for use in combat as well as other purposes. All Ariock felt an internal connection to the element of air and they preferred to dwell in the mountainous landscapes or near the coast where the winds were stronger and more frequent.

Auromar Lordship

The House of Azure was built by King Kane Auromar and his conclave of Ariock rangers and was named the House of Azure in 781 MA after construction completed. The Auromars claimed high power in the central region of Zor during 6th century MA. They were responsible for forging alliances with the Ariock giants and were considered the founders of Ariock. Arius Auromar VII then rose to power in the region roughly around 1410 MA. Arius remained the high lord of Azure up to present day, and he leads a large conclave of Ariock rangers. These rangers pursued a variety of different missions involving the House and also served to protect it and the surrounding region mountainous region.

Location

The exact location where the House of Azure was built was not easy to get to. This was an intentional decision by the founders of the House. It was located in a remote area of the Peaks of Windstross that is positioned high-up in the steep cliffs.  No horses or other mounted creatures were able to make the journey. If not by flight, all those who travelled to the house had to do so on foot.

Influence

The House of Azure are a very influential organization in Zor and even beyond.  The House is considered a spiritual domain of great importance, particularly among rangers and druids. The House has a long history of nature preservation and the support of druidic magic. Many Ariock take a near extreme view of protecting the natural world and some would give their life for it. It is for this reason many respect the Ariock and admire their ambitions. Many good-fearing elementals of all kinds who were welcomed at the House would make the journey high up into the Windstross mountains to visit the house and convene with its lords and the splendor of the nature surrounding it.

Raids

Through the centuries, the House of Azure had suffered three raids by warring factions of Skel as well as by rogue factions of the Fleshtribes of Malrune. All of these raids were conducted by air with winged beasts and flying monsters. The House had never been raided by foot as the only road leading into it was very narrow and twisted and turned up a high rocky cliffside.

Ariock Giants

Many Ariock rangers worshipped Ariock giants. In turn, these druidic, elemental giants developed a strong kinship with these rangers and together they shared a long history. The Ariock profession itself was directly inspired by the innate abilities of these powerful giants. The giants taught the founders of Ariock to channel from within their innate connection to the air they breath and that which is around them, which the rangers transmuted into their own magical incantations.

Within the House of Azure there were two druidic shrines devoted to the Ariock Giants and their elemental powers. The largest shrine was known as, Temple of Ullyaris. In the center of the temple was a courtyard with a life size, 30 ft. tall stone carved statue of Ullyaris, who was “King Ullyaris of Windstross”, an ariock ruler at the time when the house was first founded. Ullyaris was instrumental in its construction as he summoned several nearby Ariock giants to help the rangers construct the enormous, stunningly beautiful compound.

Ariock Training Grounds

The House of Azure also served as a training ground for would-be Ariock rangers. The constant wind that flowed through the Windstross mountain range made it an ideal location to learn Ariock magic. Within the rocky steep of the landscape, several training camps were constructed where the Ariock masters would train young rangers in the magical arts of the Ariock. These training grounds were built near the Azure where the winds would blow continuously night and day.