Description
Carved into the formidable Dragon Jaw Mountains, the city of Draemoria is one with the final resting place of ancient proto-dragons. With its architecture harmoniously blending into the landscape, the city transforms the mountainside into a cascading chorus of waterfalls and cavernous treasures. The city ascends to the highest peak, home to the majority of Ascendants, embodying the concept of physical and spiritual ascension. Draemoria, a city where earth meets the sky, stands as a testament to the incredible potential of draconic evolution. It is a unique blend of tradition and transformation, a perfect harmony of magic and might.
Culture
The culture of Draemoria is a symbiotic fusion of martial valor, arcane wisdom, and a deep reverence for the ancient dragons. Central to the city's ethos is the Rites of Ascension, a trial marking a Dragonborn's evolution into an Ascendant. This culture offers a sanctuary for both warriors and spellcasters, fostering a deep respect for the balance between might and magic. Festivals timed to the leyline cycles are commonplace, with the Day of the First Ascension being the most significant, honoring the transformation of the inaugural Ascendant.
History
Historically, Draemoria origins lie as deep as the mountains cradling it. The monumental event, the First Ascension, marks the birth of the first Ascendant, signifying a new era in Dragonborn history. Despite numerous challenges from external threats and periods of intense arcane instability, Draemoria has emerged stronger, symbolizing resilience and evolution.
Society
Draemoria, with Dragonborn constituting the majority and Ascendants as the revered few, embraces a society that values wisdom, strength, and service to the community. The traditional divide between warriors and spellcasters is blurred, allowing for a unified society embracing both physical strength and magical prowess.
Architecture and City Structure
Draemoria's architecture evolves as you get higher. The peak is designed to cater to the primary inhabitants, the Ascendants, capable of flight. Structures jutting out from the cavernous walls accessible only by air, and open-air platforms for launching or landing are common sights. This multi-level city has certain sections only reachable by flight, epitomizing the city's fundamental bond with the sky. As you descend the city becomes more habitable to those incapable of flight.
Government
Governance is divided into two Councils, the Chromatics, and the Metallics, each representing a crucial facet of Ascendant society. The Chromatic Council, comprising the red, blue, green, black, and white factions, is responsible for martial strategies and city defense. In contrast, the Metallic Council, with members from the copper, brass, silver, gold, and bronze factions, guards the city's arcane knowledge and divine rituals. Both councils are responsible for overseeing different aspects of the Rite of Ascension. These councils maintain a delicate power balance, reinforcing the city's harmony between might and magic.
Economy
The city's economy is deeply rooted in its geographical bounty. The Dragon Jaw Mountains offer a rich source of Dragonshards and other precious minerals, fueling the city's prosperity. Trade in magical artifacts and training in arcane and martial disciplines are also pivotal economic activities.
Religion and Magic
In Draemoria, religion and magic coexist harmoniously. Ancient dragons are venerated as divine ancestors, and their arcane abilities form the spiritual bedrock of the city. The Rite of Ascension, a pivotal religious and magical ceremony, marks a Dragonborn's evolution into an Ascendant.
Threats and Conflicts
The city of Draemoria, despite it's prowess, is not impervious to peril. Its primary threats stem from covetous forces eager to harness the power of the Dragonshards and the arcane secrets held within its mountainous vaults. The internal strife is no less daunting; the Chromatic and Metallic Councils often clash on ideological grounds, creating a political tension that threatens to disrupt the city's delicate balance of power. Furthermore, the Ascendants' dominance breeds a latent unrest among the non-Ascendant Dragonborn, who sometimes feel overshadowed and marginalized. Draemoria also contends with the unpredictable surges of arcane energy within the Dragon Jaw Mountains, which can lead to cataclysmic instabilities, challenging the city's very foundation. These conflicts compel Draemoria to continually evolve, not just in might and magic, but also in wisdom and diplomacy.
