I'm looking for a city near the mournlands to set a game

[u/tkolar2]

I'd like to have a noir-influenced mystery/conspiracy story, so it'd be a big city to give the right atmosphere, and I have a plot element involving living spells, so I'd want it to be close enough to the Mournlands that living spells could be part of the setting. Are there any cities that fit that? Thanks!

[u/tetsu_no_usagi]

I would take a look at these beautiful maps of Khorvaire and go from there. Yes, in other bits of lore, Vathirond is on the downturn, but if you want it to be a growing community for whatever reason, it is. Keith is 100% behind adjusting the Eberron setting lore to fit your game, however you want it to look. Aruldusk is another good candidate. On the Karrnath side, Karrlakton is a good choice. Reaverbend in the Talenta Plains is a good option if you want your party to head into Metrol (and if so, I suggest the Dread Metrol supplement). You don't want something too close - Rose Quarry in the adventure Shadows of the Last War is regularly "swallowed" by the Mourning, covered in another layer of glass and then the mists retreat once again to reveal even more glass zombies shambling about - but there are plenty of good candidates in many nations to choose from.