Dukedom of Escya
The Dukedom of Escya is a vast and arid territory on the eastern edge of the continent Valon, known for its sprawling Crimson Desert, strategic trade routes, and rich cultural heritage. Escya's power lies in its ability to endure harsh climates, foster innovation, and serve as the gateway between continents. Its capital city, Widton, is a vital hub for trade, education, and diplomacy, connecting Escya to Eslira, the neighboring continent across the eastern sea.
However, beneath the dukedom’s prosperity lies unrest. The harsh rule of Duke Melvan Barclay and the fallout from the Great Magic War have left scars that refuse to heal, both in the land and its people.
History
The Great Magic War
Escya was deeply scarred by the Great Magic War, a continent-spanning conflict that reshaped the political and magical landscape of Ebbavion. During the war, much of Widton was reduced to rubble by the rampage of the ancient blue dragon Ryllaeled, a devastating force summoned by warring factions. The outer parts of the city still bear scorch marks and magical corruption. Similar to most parts of Valon, Escya mostly frowns upon dragons and any connections to the powerful creatures, though magic isn't outlawed the way it was in Miraland. Instead Escya focuses on training their magic users to practice magic with caution and educated about the risks and history of other magic users in the past.
The uprise of the Lotus Clan
Escya always had an important role in trading relations as Widton provides the main connection to Eslira. Thus many just pass through, especially Widton which resulted in many criminal activities that went through the city like any other trading actions.
Making use of that, the Lotus clan ruled wide parts of Escya unnoticed by the crown, leading to drugs, weaponry, slavery and murder being spread through the underground of Widton, seldom stopped by the rulers, as they were corrupt to the wealthy underground rulers.
In efforts to stop the criminal activities, duke Darcel Barclay reformed the city's security, strictly getting rid of corrupt members of the city watch and securing the remaining member's loyalty. Thus the criminal activities went down until the duke died in an accident during a diplomatic mission and his younger brother Melvan Barclay took his place.
Duke Melvan Barclay’s Rule
The current ruler, Duke Melvan Barclay, rose to power amid the post-war rebuilding effort. While his family lineage grants him legitimacy, his policies have made him deeply unpopular.
Heavy Taxation: To fund his personal luxuries and maintain control over the trade routes, the Duke imposes crushing taxes on merchants and citizens.
Militarization: Escya’s guard force has grown increasingly authoritarian under his leadership, with public dissent often silenced by force.
The Onyx Assembly, an underground network of criminals and revolutionaries, actively plots his downfall. Their reach is vast, spanning from the Crimson Desert to the very halls of Widton’s aristocracy.
Territories
The Crimson Desert
The Crimson Desert dominates much of Escya, a landscape of endless dunes, jagged canyons, and blistering heat. Its name comes from the vibrant red sands that glow like fire during sunrise and sunset. While the desert appears inhospitable, it hides wealth in the form of rare minerals, spice-producing oases, and ancient ruins—remnants of civilizations lost to time.Key locations include:
The Singing Dunes:
A region where wind creates eerie, melodic sounds as it sweeps across the sands.
The Ruins of Harak-Dal:
An ancient city rumored to house forgotten magic from before the Great Magic War.
The Scorching Veil:
A treacherous canyon often used by smugglers and outlaws evading the Duke’s patrols.
The fallen statue of Xelene:
The statue of the goddess of Beauty was felled by the ancient blue dragon Ryllaeled and now hides the entrance to the dragon's lair.
The Krikoris Islands
The Krikoris Islands consist of six scattered islands in the northern waters of Escya. Unlike the Iohan Islands, they are known for their relative stability and strategic importance in maintaining Escya’s naval dominance.The islands are lush and fertile, featuring rolling green hills, tropical forests, and clear freshwater springs. They are home to bustling fishing villages and Escya's naval outposts, making them essential for the dukedom’s economy and defense.
Whitewharf Isle:
The largest island, known for its massive naval port and lighthouse.
Emerald Drift:
A peaceful farming island, famous for its tropical fruits and herbal medicines.
Seascar Isle:
A smaller island riddled with caves, rumored to be a hideout for smugglers.
Azure Hollow:
Named for the deep lagoon at its center, this island holds ruins of a lost civilization that researchers believe predate the Great Magic War.
The Iohan Islands
Located east of Widton, the Iohan Islands are a wilder, more dangerous archipelago. These islands are a direct waypoint between Widton and Silvercreek Piers in Eslira, making them vital for trade—and highly attractive to pirates.Flatcona Isle
The third largest of the Iohan Islands, Flatcona Isle is a land of extremes. A towering mountain range dominates the eastern coast, with thick jungles sprawling across much of the land. In the north there's a volcano that was rumored to be a gateway to the realm of fire for those who dare enter into it. The hilly grasslands northern the vast jungles are filled with hobbit holes and the jungle itself is the perfect hideout for a varietly of the small folks.
Colinet Isle
The smallest of the main islands, this isle was once a single landmass until a legendary battle between a giant and a dragon split it in two. A jagged cliff runs from the north to a round mountain range at the center of the island, dividing its hilly grasslands in the north from its underground caverns in the south. Rolling hills with a small port village and scattered farms. The villagers of the northern grasslands, wary of the island's dangers, keep their trade limited to fish and simple goods. They are joined by a crazed wizard who watches over them from his tower in the northeast of the isle.
The jagged canyon created during the battle is a treacherous divide, riddled with caves and tunnels house a hoard of dragon-worshipping kobolds, that hide away the skeletal remains of the fallen dragon, its head impaled by the giant’s blade in the middle of the Island. The area is an eerie mix of collapsed tunnels and strange glowing crystals. The kobolds see the remains as sacred, guarding them zealously.
In the heart of the island, near the giant’s blade, the Crimson Order has established a fortified camp. This ruthless faction worships the Blood God Capirax and sees the blade and the dragon’s remains as symbols of their violent faith. Their presence has driven fear into the locals and deepened the island’s reputation for danger.
Laws
The Servitude Edict
A law that forces able-bodied individuals of a certain age and status to serve in the guard under threat of imprisonment or execution. ations, or even as posters in Widton.By the Authority of Duke Melvan Barclay, Protector of Widton and Warden of the Crimson Desert To the Citizens of Escya, The safety and prosperity of our beloved Dukedom rest upon the vigilant defense of its borders, its trade, and its people. In these turbulent times, when raiders, pirates, and dissidents threaten the peace of Escya, it is the solemn duty of every able-bodied citizen to stand in defense of our homeland. Thus, by my decree, I establish the Servitude Edict, mandating the following: Compulsory Service: All able-bodied men and women of seventeen years of age or older are required to enlist in the City Guard for a term of no less than ten years. Exceptions will be granted only to those of noble standing or those who serve in critical industries, such as fishery, trade, and academia. Penalty for Refusal: Any individual who refuses to serve when called upon will face trial by combat in the Widton Arena, where they may prove their worth to the Dukedom or forfeit their life. Reinforcement of Widton’s Strength: Those conscripted will receive training, sustenance, and the honor of safeguarding their homeland. The Servitude Edict is not merely a law; it is a civic duty and a privilege to defend our great city and its legacy. Let no one shirk their responsibility to the land that has provided them so much. Signed, Duke Melvan Barclay Defender of Escya, Keeper of Order
The Blood Debt Mandate
A decree that requires those who fail to pay taxes, commit minor infractions, or are found loitering without “valid employment” to serve the guard as payment.By the Authority of Duke Melvan Barclay, Protector of Widton and Warden of the Crimson Desert To the Citizens of Widton and Beyond, In the wake of the Great Magic War and the rebuilding of our glorious capital, the demands of trade and governance have left our coffers stretched thin. It is the duty of every citizen to contribute to the prosperity of the Dukedom. To ensure that justice and economic stability are preserved, I hereby enact the Blood Debt Mandate, decreeing the following: Mandatory Contribution: Any citizen who is found delinquent in the payment of taxes, debts, or fines shall be required to serve the Dukedom through compulsory labor or conscription into the City Guard until their debt is repaid in full. The value of service shall be calculated at a rate of 5 silver pieces per day for laborers and 1 gold piece per day for conscripts. Criminal Sentencing: Those found guilty of crimes against the state—such as theft, smuggling, or dissent—shall be given the opportunity to serve their sentence in the City Guard, contributing to the protection of Widton and its people. Forfeiture of Freedom: Those who refuse to pay their debts or serve their sentence will face trial in the Widton Arena, where they may earn freedom through strength or fall as an example to those who seek to undermine our laws. The Blood Debt Mandate ensures that all citizens contribute equally to the continued stability and prosperity of Escya. Justice is not only swift, but fair, for it offers every individual the chance to repay their debts with service to their fellow citizens. Signed, Duke Melvan Barclay Defender of Escya, Keeper of Justice
Type
Geopolitical, Vicekingdom
Capital
Alternative Names
Escya
Demonym
Escyan
Leader
Ruling Organization
Leader Title
Head of State
Head of Government
Government System
Monarchy, Absolute
Subsidiary Organizations
Location
Controlled Territories
Key Figures
Duke Melvan Barclay
The ruthless and vain ruler of Escya. Melvan is a man who values power and wealth above all else, using his position to enrich himself while keeping the people of Escya under his thumb. He rules from the Duke’s Citadel, a heavily fortified palace in the heart of Widton.
Viper
The enigmatic leader of the Onyx Assembly, Viper is known for her cunning and charisma. Her true identity is a closely guarded secret, though her influence is felt across Escya.
Ryllaeled
An ancient blue dragon of terrifying power, Ryllaeled’s attack on Widton during the Great Magic War is still remembered as one of the darkest days in Escya’s history.
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