Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 AzureKhan Jul 11, 2008 16:27:54	I have been more and more curious about the nature of the architecture of Eberron. We have caught brief glimpses of buildings and locations, but I do wish that each campaign setting would get a "look and feel" encyclopedia that would really flesh out the visual aspects of the world. I wanted to know if anyone had done any work on categorizing the various architectural aspects of the current and past civilizations of Eberron? In my campaign, the architecture of old Dhakaan is reminiscent of Cambodian Khmer architecture, but on a grander scale. Khmer architecture has often narrow doors and entries, and the architecture of Dhakaan simply enlarges these to grandeur, adding sweeping high balconies and gardens in the same vein as the Angkor Wat balconies. The idea of bas reliefs of various battles, statues of celebrated heroic warlords and kings, vast halls of stone gilded with brass, and tiered ornate towers of stone really set the idea off for a society that is as artistic as it is militaristic. There are some days I wish I could draw architecture.
#2 PJammaGod Jul 12, 2008 0:40:04	Five Nations has some information on different architecturual styles throughout the five nations. For example Thrane makes extensive use of "flamic architecture". Basically think of it as renaissance style italian architecture (Vatican City) with plenty of stain glass panneling. It also uses geometric style structure (typically cubes and triangles). Tall windows and open arches are common, allowing the light in and gives an open soaring feel (similar to the Silver Flame). There's also plenty of religious symbology. Karrnathi architecture by contrast is based around "symmetry and and militiralistic uniformity" (I'm quoting the book here). Plenty of monoliths dedicated to various warlord and obelisks detailing the dead (and those that rose again). Fountains are quite common. If you want a quick idea, thing very gothic, black, heavy and solid stone. Built to last. Brelish style is centred around cloud-piercing towers (held aloft and constructed via magic). Stone is most commonly used in construction, but wood is often incorporated into the construction with thick wooden beams, door frames and window frames. When possible they incorporate live wood into the design (building the house into and around a large tree). Further out in the countryside the rustic feel continues, with plenty of open windows and doorways to allow the heat out. Finally Aundair has a neat orderly construction style. Function is very important, very utilitarian. Brick and stone are commonly used, with high fluted towers, elegant and airy, built into most larger structures. Most building interiors feel very open, with few partitions between areas. The architectural style of nations outside of the Five Nations really depends on your own (as a DM) tastes. I like your idea on Goblinoid construction, sounds very appropriate. Expanding on it I always saw Orcish style architecture (when they did build something to last) as very Javanese, with step pyramids, plenty of animism style carvings, old volcanic stone built to last. In contrast the more modern orcish structures are mostly wood, built up on stilts and having a more Vietnam/Asian feel to them, plenty of circles and rounded edges. Hope this helps Azure.
#3 Twiggly_the_Gnome Jul 13, 2008 13:51:59	My conception of Zil architecture is informed by east Indian design elements. There is regional variation, centered around the three great cities of Zilargo. Trolan Style Show
#4 dsivis Jul 14, 2008 8:27:03	Twiggly is officially my hero now.