The Augurs are partially submerged settlements in Lelwani, constructed in the Bay of Jinawa by order of the Eternal Suzerain in the days of the Sangiran Empire as a symbol of unity between surface and water dwelling peoples and to presage the much-hoped peaceful era to come. Though the Suzerain is now long gone, the Augurs remain inhabited.
Description
Strongly reminiscent of the shells of one type of giant snail commonly found around the Bay of Jinawa, each Augur is a massive spiraling structure, its whorls growing ever tighter as it climbs above the seafloor. Though they range in height, most are somewhere between 300 and 350 feet tall, with half of that below the waves and half above. Though parts of many are now clad in steel as structural reinforcement, armor, or to help protect against the elements, the structures are primarily built of a form of cement constructed from immense amounts of local, iridescent shells, giving them a shimmering appearance.
The maximum population of each Augur is quite small, rarely more than a few hundred each, but the symbolism of them has far outstripped their actual utility as places to live.
Below the waves, each Augur is flooded so as to serve as living space for aquatic peoples, while above live surface dwellers. Though not cramped, they are not precisely full of free, unused space, but even still their denizens go to great length to maintain the water gardens and other shared public spaces.
Geography
Augurs were built in clusters across the Bay of Jinawa. The largest, and most famous, are at the Lelwani capital of Mount Vea, where dozens of them stand atop the guyot like a forest of massive shells. Others can be found at Jalin, Wurali, Balai, and scattered smaller villages. They were constructed in locations of relatively shallow depths, largely in close proximity to the many islands dotting the Jinawa.
History
The Sangiran Empire's conquest of Lelwani, beginning in the earliest years of the sixth millennium and ending in Y5156* with the subjugation of Balai and Makain, was unusually violent in comparison to the process by which other regions of Kea Racha acceded to the Empire. Traditionally very inclined towards local independence, the various peoples of the Bay of Jinawa strongly resisted imperial rule even after they were no longer able to field their armies. Seeing the difficulties posed by a prolonged conflict, the Eternal Suzerain embarked on a new campaign in Lelwani, this time one not of war but of reconciliation. Leaders from the aquatic communities of the bay were allowed to keep their roles, and were additionally elevated to serve as trusted advisors to the Suzerain, while guarantees were given of local autonomy. At the same time construction of the Augurs began, initially intended as diplomatic communities in which aquatic and surface dwelling peoples alike were given equal space and standing. Over the centuries - the last was built in Y6265* - the roles of the Augurs transformed from embassies to settlements as they began to be permanently populated.
Current status
Even after the most recent death, and seeming failure to reincarnate, of the Suzerain in Y9606*, the Augurs have continued to be inhabited, their place in Lelwani society and culture well-secured. Without imperial oversight some have begun to fall into states of disrepair, especially those in more remote parts of the Bay of Jinawa, but by and large they continue to exist as they had for centuries, maintained with pride by their inhabitants.
Most residents of the Augurs are azarketi, human, triton, kobolds, and half-elves.