Drakengard
Built in the wake of destruction brought forth by the Dracomachy and the Doomfall Cataclysm, Drakengard is a dwarven stronghold located amongst the Winterchill Peaks, deep within the Blasted Lands. Following the bloody and deadly war fought between the mortal alliance and the minions of the evil dragon queen Tiamat, the surviving coalition of men, dwarves, and storm giants felt the need to erect a fortress that could serve as a light amongst the dark and defend against any new threat that might arise from the now corrupted terrain.
The fortress is a marvel of dwarven engineering, built directly into the face of the Winterchill Peaks. Much like an iceberg, the size of the stronghold that sits above the surface pales in comparison to the vast network of chambers, tunnels, great halls, and caverns that reside beneath it. It is even said that the fortification maintains guarded access to the Underdark, for those monster hunters and courageous operatives who choose to put their own lives on the line to defend against that which dwells in the darkness. The dwarven fort was constructed sometime around 753 AWF, not long after the events of the Dracomachy. Since then, Drakengard has warded off the dangers of the Blasted Lands and maintained a nearly impenetrable defense for over 500 years.
Drakengard is home to several thousand people, many of whom have committed their lives and livelihood to eradicating the threats that occupy the northern reaches of Eldamir. The stronghold is most well-known for the vibrant dragon-hunting economy that operates within its halls, as well as the various monster hunting factions that headquarter themselves inside Drakengard, as they venture out into the Blasted Lands and the Underdark to capture their bounties.
The Dracomachy was a great war that occurred between a mortal coalition of men, dwarves, and storm giants against the armies of the evil dragon queen Tiamat. The war lasted for six years and culminated in the Doomfall Cataclysm. Following the end of the War of the Fallen, the nine Astrals, along with the Twelve Heroes of the Dawn, were successful in sealing away the Fallen gods and limiting their influence upon the mortal plane. The Dracomachy was an attempt by the Cult of the Dragon to revive their patron goddess and aid in her conquest of the mortal realm.
The culminating event of the Dracomachy, the Doomfall Cataclysm transpired as a final gambit committed by the forces of Tiamat to defeat the mortal alliance’s army. Over the course of the war, the Cult of the Dragon managed to acquire a large stockpile of the magical resource amonite. While the cult originally planned on using the substance to free Tiamat from her otherworldly prison, by the end of the conflict it became apparent that they were running out of time to perform the necessary ritual. During the final encounter of the war, Tiamat’s generals elected to turn the mysterious and awesome material against the mortal army by detonating it once their troops descended upon them. The ploy resulted in the death of thousands of people as well as the near total destruction of the Great Northern Expanse. What was left is now called the Doomfall Sea.
The Dracomachy
The Dracomachy was a great war that occurred between a mortal coalition of men, dwarves, and storm giants against the armies of the evil dragon queen Tiamat. The war lasted for six years and culminated in the Doomfall Cataclysm. Following the end of the War of the Fallen, the nine Astrals, along with the Twelve Heroes of the Dawn, were successful in sealing away the Fallen gods and limiting their influence upon the mortal plane. The Dracomachy was an attempt by the Cult of the Dragon to revive their patron goddess and aid in her conquest of the mortal realm.
The Doomfall Cataclysm
The culminating event of the Dracomachy, the Doomfall Cataclysm transpired as a final gambit committed by the forces of Tiamat to defeat the mortal alliance’s army. Over the course of the war, the Cult of the Dragon managed to acquire a large stockpile of the magical resource amonite. While the cult originally planned on using the substance to free Tiamat from her otherworldly prison, by the end of the conflict it became apparent that they were running out of time to perform the necessary ritual. During the final encounter of the war, Tiamat’s generals elected to turn the mysterious and awesome material against the mortal army by detonating it once their troops descended upon them. The ploy resulted in the death of thousands of people as well as the near total destruction of the Great Northern Expanse. What was left is now called the Doomfall Sea.
Government
The city is led by the Council of Drakengard, an assembly made up of members from each of the stronghold's great dragon-hunting houses, as well as the current leader of the city's Hallowed Men faction - the Order of the Great Wyrm. In addition, the six members of the council are responsible for electing an official named to the office of "Dragonkeeper," who serves a ten-year term and is charged with keeping the alliances between the houses fair and healthy for the good of Drakengard. The council also handles all of the administrative and bureaucratic proceedings of the city. The current Dragonkeep of Drakengard is a wise and gracious dwarf named Riswynn Runebrewer. He has occupied his office for three terms and is well liked and respected by the people of Drakengard.
Industry & Trade
As Drakengard remains the only real settlement in the Blasted Lands, adventures who make their way here can expect to find most general goods available to them, as well as a number of rare and exotic imports, particularly those crafted by storm giants. Drakengard maintains a healthy trade economy with the storm giant capital of Maelifdar and the dwarven free city of Nogaakaz'ad. The most notable aspect of Drakengard's economy is its dragon hunting industry.
Infrastructure
Corridor of the Lost
The Corridor of the Lost is an ornately constructed hallway located deep within the structures of Drakengard. Initially built to honor all those brave souls who lost their lives during the war against Tiamat, the passageway now serves as a memorial to anyone who perishes in service of the city. The vestibule is built of dark marble and granite and is lined with beautiful sculptures of heroes long passed, erected by masterwork artisans. The ceiling is decorated with elaborate relief carvings depicting a number of the most legendary moments from the War of the Fallen and the Dracomachy.
Harbinger’s Row
Harbinger’s Row is the most famous market in Drakengard. Beginning above ground near the entrance to the city, the market stretches several miles, twisting, turning, and descending deep beneath the stronghold, before finally emerging again at the city’s port, Stone Harbor. The market is very well known for the exotic goods and materials it peddles, particularly items related to the dragon-hunting economy. Furthermore, a number of famous taverns, pleasure establishments, and entertainment venues line the streets of the plaza. Nevertheless, despite its notoriety, few people are lucky enough to witness Harbinger’s Row for themselves as the journey across the Blasted Lands simply proves too dangerous.
Serpent’s Tower
The Serpent’s Tower is home to the Hallowed Men of Drakengard. The structure sits to the east of the main fortress atop a cliff that overlooks the Winterchill Peaks. Following the events of the Dracomachy, the Great Houses of Drakengard understood the important role the Hallowed Men played in the mortal alliance’s victory against Tiamat and her horde, offering them permanent residence within their stronghold. Currently, the Serpent’s Tower serves as both a home and base of operations for the Order of the Great Wyrm. Roughly two dozen hunters live directly within the tower, with another six or seven living amongst the main districts of the city.
Geography
The city itself is built directly into the rockface of the Winterchill Peaks. Reeling from the events of the Dracomachy, the dwarven engineers who constructed the stronghold understood the importance of building an outpost of considerable strength and stature. Drakengard hosts numerous tunnels, halls, markets, chambers, and barracks below its surface. The city is well known for the many airships that make port within its walls.
Drakengard
Drakengard
Founding Date
753 AWF
Type
Large town
Population
13,000
Location under
Owning Organization
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