Drekiheim
A
n idyllic village born from the connection of two separate Dragonborn clans. Drekiheim is a young settlement that has been quickly building its own story.
Demographics
Primarily comprised of Silver and Green Dragonborn of varying ages and professions, generally consistent wealth is held among the clan.
Government
The primary leaders of Clan Nyaldaashkmeller and Clan Vipastollad regularly meet and deliberate on poignant issues within Drekiheim. As needed, the leaders will also call upon the representatives of the major trade groups within the clan to assist in making and executing certain decisions. The overall distribution of power and responsibility is relatively even as both clans recognize the necessity of cooperation in order to maintain a healthy and happy village.
Defences
The positioning of Drekiheim is the primary form of defense that the clan has as it is a carved flat plateau into the side of the mountain Íspunktur which is primarily composed of sheer cliffs and rockfaces which are difficult for even natives to climb. On the other side is a steep slope down which is mostly guarded by the deep and cold lake Lifandiloch and other cliffs below. This, combined with the general isolation and somewhat secrecy of the village's location has lead the clan to invest little into military defenses otherwise.
Industry & Trade
- Construction & Masonry- As the clan grows over time, land and housing expansion is also needed thus leading to an abundance of jobs in digging out more land from the nearby mountains or setting foundations to build onto. Others are then needed to design and construct buildings and structures.
- Hunters- Many of the clan residents make a living by hunting and fishing to provide food to the rest of the village. These efforts are divided between travelling for a few days through the forests and mountains seeking herds of deer or descending the valley to Lifandiloch to fish. Hunters tend to rotate on a month to month basis in order to give parties time to rest and enjoy participating in the community and being with their families.
Infrastructure
- An apothecary and infirmary is present within the village offering medicines and salves as well as short and long term treatment for the ill.
- A brood den is available as a sort of daycare and child nurturing service, run by broodmothers who tend to unhatched eggs and assist in the raising of hatchling clutches as they mature.
- The training ground is a short distance away from the primary village and is where seasoned hunters and fighters go to train as well as adolescent hatchlings to learn about martial combat.
- The guidance guild is utilized as a sort of schoolhouse where young dragonborn go to learn about all aspects of life skills as well as possible trades they could pursue in the future, once general guidance is completed, children may choose a trade and be entered into an apprenticeship with an adult within that trade.
- The scale hall is utilized as a grand hall and meeting place where the the leadership gathers to discuss matters within the community or where the clan will gather to celebrate major accomplishments and holidays. This is also where any criminals within the clan will be tried and charged.
- The defense garrison is where fighters and soldiers will meet to discuss military matters in times when the militia must be formed and the clan defended. This is where weapons of war and armor is stored.
History
Prior to the initial founding, Clan Nyaldaashkmeller was a travelling band of silver dragonborn led by Nasaadi & Gherash Nyaldaashkmeller who came to be known as the respective matriarch and patriarch of the clan upon its founding in 3441 AF. As the traveling band grew, it eventually became obvious that their numbers had become much too large to continue to sustain a nomadic lifestyle. Thus through an informal meeting of the wisest among the leaders, it was decided that the group would head to Dracmeadow to find a place to settle. Along the way, the party leaders came across another travelling caravan of green dragonborn who, through a mutual agreement were invited to also settle in Dracmeadow. Thus the two groups combined and made their way to their new home which eventually became known as Drekiheim ikn 3443 AF.
Tourism
Given the isolated locale of Drekiheim, it is rather rare for the village to see visitors or tourists. At times it is mentioned in taverns in the neighboring countries that there exists a "city in the clouds" full of dragonborn of all backgrounds. Of course these are myth and hearsay elaborating on the elevated positioning of the village and the mixture of the two colors of dragonborn but many travelers and adventurers vow to find their way to Drekiheim to "stand among the clouds" and look down over the expanse of the dark Lifandiloch.
Architecture
The structures of Drekiheim tend to carry a semi-nordic theme consisting of single story buildings constructed primarily of coniferous wood with high, sloped ceilings and accented with intricate woodwork designs. Most structures are long and wide.
Geography
Drekiheim was settled in the country of Dracmeadow, a rugged and mountainous area on the western coast of Ankroth. Drekiheim itself was built into the side of a mountain, known as Íspunktur, carved to create its own platform over time through the continuous efforts of the dragonborn masons. The high plateau that the colony now rests upon overlooks a rocky lake Lifandiloch that is fed by a nearby waterfall. Below the platform where Drekiheim now resides the craggy rock faces are littered with caves and unstable outcroppings. The high viewpoint of the village serves for excellent views of the sunrises as it pierces through the lingering mists of the previous night or as the sun would set and paint pinks, purples and blues as a backdrop to the grays and greens of the mountain landscape.
Natural Resources
The forest that surrounds and encroaches upon the mountain provides many resources to the clan in the form of wood for construction as well as game meats for hunting and wild fruits and seeds to be collected. Metals and stone can also be harvested from the many caves that dot the sides of the mountains. Animals found in the nearby area that can be farmed include mountain goats, bighorn sheep and llamas.
Climate
Seeing as the clan village is seated in a high plateau alongside a tall mountain, the climate of Drekiheim is usually relatively cold, wet and windy as Íspunktur only provides wind and element protection from the western side. As the seasons turn colder, Drekiheim is one of the first areas to accumulate snow and ice, a feature that does not bother the silver dragonborn at all. Most mornings the village is covered in a layer of frost and a thick mist clings to the land due to the high elevation.
Flora and Fauna
Given the usually frigid climate of the mountain, conifer trees largely dominate the landscape where tree growth can be sustained. Mosses can be found clinging to the rocks throughout the valley, especially as one nears the waterfall. Low growing shrubs and some forms of resilient flowers can also be found dotted across the land, providing some color. The wildlife includes a variety of mammals that are hunted to provide food for the clan including deer, moose, mountain goats and the like. The land also features predators such as bears, wolves and several large cats. Many different birds are also present such as thrush, warblers, falcons and condors. Coldwater fish are prevalent in the Lifandiloch primarily consisting of varieties of trout and salmon which the dragonborn also heavily rely on as a food source.
Religion
The Nyaldaashkmeller clan holds a belief in Rellemkhsaadlaynyaldaashkmeller, also known as Rellemkhsaadlayn for short, a dragon deity with a Neutral Good alignment whose primary doctrines include unity, peace and selflessness. Rituals include periodic holidays throughout the year focusing on each of these values.
Unity Festival- 30th of Whisper - A holiday primarily dedicated to celebrating the formation of the joint-clan home as well as recognizing the value and importance of individual differences. A day reserved for the active appreciation of teamwork, cooperation and harmony among the clan and the world. Most of the day consists of merriment in the form of individuals peddling and selling things they have made to share with the clan, games and challenges as well as a feast and dance at the end of the night.
Reflection Ceremony- 1st of Reverence - To bring in the month of Reverence, the residents of Drekiheim deemed it the best time of year to reflect on the blessing of peace that the clan has relished throughout their history. Not only is this a time to be thankful for the peace that has been enjoyed but it is also a time to recall what it means to be at peace and how every individual can best approach maintaining peace within the clan as well as themselves. The events of this ceremony primarily include several periods of meditation throughout the day as well as many discussions and lectures about peace. The day is widely seen as a holy day of emotional reflection and rest.
Gala of Giving- 25th of Tirishen - A singular event wherein, at the end of the work day, the clan gathers for a large celebration which includes music, food, drink and much merriment. The evenings festivities are concluded with the main event of the gala where, similar to a "secret santa" sort of event, each member of the clan presents their assigned partner with some sort of gift of appreciation for their efforts throughout the year. These gifts could consist of a variety of things depending on the individuals and their relationship, the most common being: food, a crafted item, a tool related to the gift receiver's trade, etc.
Education
Within Drekiheim, trade education is the primary focus when considering valuable tools and lessons that young dragonborn should be taught. All children of age receive an education in several areas including: exercise and physical education focusing on strength, dexterity and constitution, rudimentary reasoning and memory training, history and geography, communication and interpersonal skills, as well as perception and insight.
Alongside this education, all children are also educated in a fighting style of their choice. The students are also often given "application days" where they are either given an assessment of the skills that they had recently gained or sent out into the nearby area and encouraged to spend 24 hours away from home using their special skills. The assessment days could consist of events such as obstacle courses, puzzles and riddles, races and sparring, etc.
Founding Date
3443 AF
Type
Village
Population
241
Inhabitant Demonym
Drekian
Owner/Ruler
Owning Organization
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