Dragonthrone

Written by DoStuffZ

Dragonthrone: The Capital of House Dragonclaw

Perched on the southern border of the continent, Dragonthrone is the prestigious seat of House Dragonclaw, one of the First Houses and a principal council to the Emperor King. This well-established and affluent kingdom boasts one of the most impressive and elaborate capitals on the continent, blending the grandeur of wealth with the complexity of its natural geography.

A City of Heights and Layers

Dragonthrone’s capital is built at the meeting point of the ocean and a rugged, hilly landscape. The city rises from its harbor, nestled at sea level, to a breathtaking 100 feet in elevation at its highest points. This verticality shapes the entire layout of the city, which is as much an intricate web of layers and levels as it is a horizontal expanse. Navigating Dragonthrone is a journey through its many elevations. The path from the bustling harbor to the heart of the city is a steep one, and within the city itself, there are multiple “levels” that redefine the concept of street level. In Dragonthrone, "street level" is often higher than the rock and hill below, as streets can be perched upon streets, with entire districts existing below the surface or far above it.

The Arcane Pathway: A Marvel of Magic and Engineering

One of Dragonthrone's most striking features is the Arcane Pathway, an advanced train system that glides 20 feet above the ground. The height is deliberate: this distance ensures safety from the dangerous arcane energies that pulse around the pathway. These lethal power conduits—emitting arcane lightning and bursts of magic—radiate in a 20-foot radius, requiring the system to be elevated for protection. The docking stations of the Arcane Pathway are often considered the true “street level” in their respective sections of the city. Yet, this level is just one among many, with staircases leading both upwards and downwards. It's common for there to be two to three levels above this "street level" and one or two below, with even deeper layers carved into the city's foundation of rock and mountain. In wealthier areas, especially those with views of the east or southern sun, there may be as many as five levels rising above the streets. Here, magnificent mansions dominate the hillsides, soaking in the sunlight. These towering estates often cast shadows over the streets and homes below, leaving only the first one or two streets behind them bathed in light.

Transport and Connectivity

To bridge the city’s various heights and layers, residents use more than just staircases and streets. Rope lines crisscross certain areas, providing quick connections between nearby points for those who prefer not to descend and ascend the city's steep paths. For longer distances, smaller airships sail gracefully through the sky, ferrying people from point to point across Dragonthrone's expansive, multi-layered districts.

Dragonthrone: A City of Light and Shadow

In Dragonthrone, sunlight is a precious commodity, and the elements most visible and revered by its inhabitants are those that can bask in the sun’s light. The city's open-air markets, grand plazas, and elegant mansions—situated on the sunlit upper levels—are symbols of wealth and status. As sunlight fades into the lower levels, so too does the openness of society. Here, the shadows grow deeper, and activities become more discreet. The less sunlight an area receives, the more secretive the dealings, with fewer eyes to witness what transpires away from the public view.

A City Held by Dwarven Craftsmanship

Dividing the city’s many layers are monumental pillars, intricately carved by dwarven artisans. These massive stone supports are the backbone of Dragonthrone’s multilevel structure, preventing the upper tiers from collapsing onto the lower levels. The lower sections of the city, built with imposing slabs of granite and other hardy stones, feel solid and eternal. As you ascend through the city, the architecture transitions to more delicate wooden structures, where massive beams and logs form the upper frameworks. However, this shift to wood brings with it a fire hazard—one that has tragically manifested on several occasions. The city’s response has been to establish an extensive fire-fighting force, always ready to combat the threat.

Dragonclaw Castle: A Fortress of Levels Within Levels

Dominating the skyline is Dragonclaw Castle, the seat of House Dragonclaw and the political heart of the kingdom. At first glance, the castle appears to be a singular exception to the city’s layered structure, rising proudly as a monolithic fortress. However, upon entering its gates, one quickly discovers that the castle itself is a complex maze of levels within levels. The "ground level" of the courtyard is, in fact, not truly the ground, and deeper chambers and corridors extend far below what appears to be the surface. The deeper one explores, the more layers are revealed, much like the city that surrounds it.

Breathing Life into the Depths

Despite the city’s vertical nature, life flows through every level. A system of vertical shafts—carefully integrated into the architecture—allows air, light, and even rain to filter down through the city's layers. These shafts provide ventilation, natural light, and water, ensuring that even the lowest levels can sustain life. Whether it's livestock being moved between levels or light and air reaching otherwise shadowed areas, these shafts keep the city alive and breathable.

Illuminating the Shadows

In the darkest sections of Dragonthrone, where sunlight is scarce or nonexistent, the city employs various magical and technological solutions to maintain visibility and comfort. Sun Stones, enchanted to emit a warm, steady glow, are embedded throughout the city, mimicking natural light where the sun cannot reach. Continual Flame posts line the streets, casting a soft, perpetual light that helps illuminate the darker alleys and passageways. In addition, ingenious magical constructs and devices ensure that even the depths of the city remain livable and relatively safe. Dragonthrone's relationship with light and shadow is a reflection of its society—those who thrive in the light enjoy visibility and openness, while those who dwell in the shadows engage in more secretive or clandestine activities. Yet, through the craftsmanship of its dwarven pillars, the innovation of its fire safety systems, and the magic of its light sources, Dragonthrone ensures that no matter how high or low, life persists in every corner of the city.

Magical Illumination in Dragonthrone

The city of Dragonthrone thrives not only through its intricate architecture and social layers but also through its magical innovations. As the city spans both the heights bathed in sunlight and the depths shrouded in shadow, various magical solutions have been created to ensure that light—both natural and artificial—reaches every corner of the capital.

Sun Stones: Eternal Beacons of Light

Scattered across Dragonthrone are Sun Stones, enchanted rocks that emit a warm, permanent glow. These stones are most commonly found in noble and honest districts, where theft is rare, and they can remain in place for extended periods. Their steady light acts as a symbol of purity and stability, radiating a sense of calm in the streets they illuminate. However, in the less reputable parts of the city, Sun Stones have a tendency to vanish, stolen for their enchantments or simple value.

Continual Flame Posts: Symbols of Prestige

In the wealthier districts, especially around the homes of the nobility and knighted families, Continual Flame Posts line the streets. These elegant light posts house lanterns that burn with a never-ending flame, thanks to the Continual Flame spell. Each evening, flame watchers walk the streets, ceremonially lighting the posts at sundown—a ritual that brings a deeper emotional resonance to these neighborhoods. The flickering light of these posts is not only practical but serves as a status symbol, marking the homes of the privileged.

Night Glasses: A Lighted Path for the Wearer

For those traveling through Dragonthrone's darker, more perilous areas, the invention of Night Glasses offers a solution to navigate the city's many obstacles. These enchanted spectacles provide the wearer with dim light vision, illuminating a path within 10-15 feet. However, their utility comes with risks—beyond their range, the wearer’s vision can become distorted, often playing tricks on the eyes. While Night Glasses are helpful in the shadowed streets of Dragonthrone, they can be treacherous in hostile environments, such as dungeons, where clarity is vital.

Glowing Moss and Bioluminescent Fungi: Nature’s Light

In the city’s deepest, darkest sections, where sunlight and even magical light rarely reach, Glowing Moss and Bioluminescent Fungi are cultivated. These naturally luminous plants thrive in the shadowed depths, growing on walls and ceilings to provide a soft, otherworldly glow. Farmers and traders specialize in growing and distributing these plants, and they are often used to cover areas where illumination is desired but conventional methods may not be feasible. Their gentle light serves not only as a practical solution but as a unique aesthetic, adding to the mysterious allure of Dragonthrone's lower levels.

Nestled amidst the verdant landscapes of the realm, Metropolis Dragonthrone stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of House Dragonclaw. A city built and rebuilt over the years, its skyline reflects the resilience and tenacity of its people, shaped by both the artistry of architecture and the chaos of adventurers' exploits.
Diverse Tapestry: The city is a bustling tapestry of life, weaving together the threads of countless trades and crafts required to sustain a metropolis. From the artisanal workshops crafting intricate trinkets to the bustling markets teeming with merchants from far and wide, Dragonthrone is a beacon of economic prosperity. The city's layered design adds a unique dimension to its economic vibrancy, with markets and workshops spilling across multiple levels, from sunlit streets above to shadowed corridors below.
Harbour Legacy: Though not as grandiose as its counterparts, Dragonthrone boasts a functioning harbor that connects it to distant lands. Ships sail in and out, carrying exotic goods, tales of foreign lands, and occasionally, new adventurers seeking fame and fortune. The harbor itself, at the base of the city's towering layers, serves as the lowest level of Dragonthrone, with steep paths and stairways climbing toward the Arcane Pathway and bustling heart above.
Collateral Histories: Certain districts of the city bear the scars of countless battles and calamities, each layer of destruction met with determined rebuilding. These areas serve as a testament to the ever-changing nature of the city, where the stories of adventurers, both triumphant and tragic, are etched into the very stones.
Celebration of Heroes: Metropolis Dragonthrone remains a city that never forgets its roots. The Festival of Heroes, a tradition dating back to the founding days, is an annual celebration where the deeds of adventurers are lauded. The city resonates with cheers and merriment as heroes, both young and seasoned, are honored.
Noble Titles and Ephemeral Fame: Earning a noble title in Dragonthrone is a precarious honor. Noteworthy deeds can swiftly elevate a commoner to nobility, marked by the donning of a color that represents their house. However, the ease with which titles are granted often leads to a transitory nobility. Many houses rise and fall within a single generation, their titles either fading into obscurity or succumbing to the perils of mismanagement and excess.
Ephemeral Colours: The "colours" that signify nobility are worn with pride by the newly anointed, but the city streets tell tales of fleeting titles. A young noble might swagger past a weathered drunkard who, with a cynical grin, recalls his own short-lived nobility. A reminder that in Dragonthrone, titles come and go as swiftly as the changing tides in the harbor. On the sun-drenched heights, nobles strut in their colors, while in the shadowed lower levels, the tales of fleeting fame echo through the narrow alleys and forgotten streets.

Type

Capital