Villages, Towns & Cities

Subject: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:09 pm

Villages, Towns & Cities

Index:
Calaina
Didienne
Harglen
Nusfar
Shayenne
Tarz
Volfiris
Yarrowitz
Kaionar
Jiluria
New Racksom
Quinsilla
Plurith
Corstel
Great Tree
Nabiscan
Sand City
Bolarf
Caspan
Golam
Ironshas
Turich
Xanile

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Statistics for each settlement can be found at the settings and reference maps page, along with a complete map of Dragons' Cove. Mini-maps have been included in this document for quick reference to general climate.

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Calaina

The city of Calaina is the largest in the south, at the entrance to the Southern Wetlands, and perhaps the most pleasant place to stay in them. Upholding the values of the Defenders of Dragons' Cove, Calaina may not be situated perfectly, but certainly provides good opportunities for personal affluence. The crime rate is low, as is corruption; even street traders are honest salesmen. However, the presence of the Elites is not particularly obvious, or even large. Those in the city are just honest and loyal, to both one another and the Defenders of Dragons' Cove.
The Southern Grand Academy receives a fairly large proportion of recruits from the city due to its close proximity.
Despite its size and wealth, Calaina is frequently ignored by the rest of Dragons’ Cove due to its situation far to the south, similar to the smaller town of Volfiris.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:10 pm

Didienne

Didienne is the jewel in the crown of Dragons’ Cove, the beautiful capital of the isle. Unsurprisingly, it is also the largest and wealthiest city in the land, every direction boasting a new beauty or attraction. Built on the furthest north-eastern edge of the Everplains and the southern ridge of the southern mountains, the view from the higher parts of the city is breathtaking, looking across the whole of the city and out to even the desert edge on a clear day.
Despite the decadence of the city, corruption is like a wound in the heart of the capital. The High Council is thoroughly crooked, nearly all of those that sit on it working for their own personal gain, rather than the benefit of the city and the isle. Recently the Council has been disbanded in favour of a more active leadership role by the Guardians. Following this event, civil unrest in evident within the capital, and the Elites have had a greater presence in order to keep citizens under control. Even the Elites are not outside the influence of the Guardians however, and reformation of the whole Elite hierarchy has started to occur in Didienne under Guardian Feronia’s strict gaze.
The main attraction of Didienne to those that visit the city, other than its prestige, is the huge Didienne Great Library. Found on the outskirts of the city, this huge building holds enough books to last even an elf’s lifespan, and more besides. For those less interested in educating themselves, the capital frequently is a place of celebration, with many formal events being held throughout the year, and other festivals besides.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:10 pm

Harglen

Harglen is a large town located the ideal distance between Tarz and Jiluria, and is frequently used as a stop-off point for travellers between the two towns, or those travelling from Tarz to New Racksom on a stone pilgrimage. A fairly wealthy town, and generally a pleasant place to live, Harglen is best known for its apathy towards the Defenders of Dragons' Cove. When the retreat from the Everbridge was called within the Defenders’ ranks, Harglen met the ‘soldiers’ and those fleeing from New Racksom and Jiluria with dislike and suspicion, unwilling to partake in skirmishes with the Surahnian Rebels, and lose the comfortable lifestyle that many in the town hold.
Corruption and crime is fairly common in this sprawling town, and security is lax, despite being close to the Southern Academy. Those who wish for a slightly more exciting life than quiet comfort often choose to go and train at the Southern Academy; rarely do they return to the sleepy town after finishing their training there.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:10 pm

Nusfar

Although Nusfar does not play host to one of the five Balancing Stones, many pilgrims find their way to this large city anyway, due to the claim that it was the home of the Arch Magician. A huge statue of the man stands nearby, at the entrance to the Arch Magician’s pass, that cuts through the northern end of the Volcane Belt to the Nusfarian Desert. Situated so close to the mountains, the city is fairly dense and built-up within a small area, with tall, thin buildings.
Magic plays a large part in the culture of Nusfar; magicians are highly valued and welcomed to the city. Although there can sometimes be an excess of this profession, with many choosing the city as a home, those that wield magic can and do charge high prices for their services and goods.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:10 pm

Shayenne

Found close to the capital, Shayenne is a picturesque weekend getaway for nobles and rich traders of Didienne, and many own small retreats in the clifftop town. If the view from Didienne is hailed as stunning, then there are no words for the view of Dragons’ Cove from Shayenne, stretching far across the Everplains and almost to Kaionar. However, winter storms can make the town a less pleasant and difficult place to live.
The Didienne Great Library is often mistaken as part of Shayenne, found on the outskirts of Didienne and the road that leads up the mountain to the smaller town.
Many avians live in Shayenne, enjoying the close proximity to the mountains, and the rich avian history and culture present in the town.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:10 pm

Tarz

The home of the water stone, it is unsurprising that a huge river confluence occurs in the centre of Tarz. Inhabitants of the city are very proud of their Balancing Stone, and many features formed from water magic are spread throughout the city. Smaller canals and rivers run freely through the city; it is said that in some places, you can go a mile without touching hard ground, for all the bridges. Small boat hire is available to those with a little coin, and personal ferries for those with more money can take nobles anywhere accessible by water. During late summer and autumn, some of the slower moving waterways are avoided, for the huge clouds of mosquitos that gather low over the water. The city is fairly peaceful, and unremarkable as places go, pleasant to live in with minimal criminal activity.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:11 pm

Volfiris

Volfiris is a settlement surprisingly large, for its location at the furthest southern reach of Dragons’ Cove. One of the quietest towns on Dragons’ Cove, life is unremarkable in Volfiris, and holds no excitement for young adventurers- those must travel north.
Although not the wealthiest town, Volfiris is a pleasant place to live due to the low crime and corruption rates, and plenty of space available around for expansion.
Traders that bring exotic goods to the town are always eagerly awaited, with culinary delights few and far between in such a damp climate, as are returning youngsters from adventures across the rest of the isle. Centaurs are very occasionally seen in the wetlands near Volfiris, although they are a rare sight.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:11 pm

Yarrowitz

The centre of arts and beauty, Yarrowitz is only second to Didienne in its beauty. One of the largest cities in the west, it is surprising that more do not aspire to live in this elegant city. White marble and magic have been used frequently in the construction of multiple buildings, and structures that look like they shouldn’t exist do. In some places, the rainforest encroaches on the city itself, with the buildings barely visible for the trees that surround them.
Musicians, artists, poets and authors can be found throughout the city, and entertainment is available on every street corner. Skilled magicians from the Northern Academy frequently make their home in this city; specialist magical ingredients change hands for high coin in Yarrowitz.
Despite the beautiful and peaceful exterior of Yarrowitz, the city frequently comes under threat from crooked Kaionar merchants, causing trouble. This can cause rapid fluctuations in the price of goods, sometimes skyrocketing prices of even menial items. Due to this, those that live in Yarrowitz rarely communicate outside their city, and keep to themselves.
It is said the Guardian Sebantais particularly favours the city, and he has been seen around the area in recent months more frequently.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:11 pm

Kaionar

Perhaps the most notorious city on Dragons’ Cove, there is not one inhabitant of the isle that hasn’t heard of Kaionar. The centre of criminal activity, Kaionar has power over much of the isle through its monopoly on goods from Yarrowitz, black market trading, and negative influence on many other cities and towns. Declared a separate state from the rest of Dragons’ Cove, ambitions for wealth can give great payoffs, although they come with potentially fatal risks, and even one wrong move can spell death for those with their hopes set high.
For those who do not aspire for greatness and power, but have no interest in earning a respectable living, multiple thief guilds exist, all vying for the top spot in the eyes of those who ‘rule’ Kaionar. The city is crooked to its core, and an unpleasant place to live as a result.
Even without this though, Kaionar would never be a desirable city to live in. The city is densely cramped with buildings throughout most of its spread, although there are some larger dwellings on the outskirts, owned by rich merchants and nobles. Rooftops act almost as roads in the sky, with break-ins and burglary common throughout the whole of Kaionar.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:34 pm

Jiluria

A bustling port found on the ‘cove’ of Dragons’ Cove, Jiluria has been hit hard by the recent invasion from the Surahnian Rebels. To some it is known as ‘Little Kaionar’ on account of the thriving black market in the town; however, this is thought to change in the coming months under new reign and new rules.
The town is (perhaps surprisingly) rather pleasant, especially during the day, with a busy atmosphere and friendly locals. These are the same locals that are willing to sell illegal magical goods and poisons after dark however, so care should still be taken at all times. Wealth prevails in the town due to the high prices of such objects, as well as other goods. Sometimes exotic goods from the north are shipped in to Jiluria from Bolarf, although this has declined in recent months due to the increased activity of Maledicus Eice in the west, blocking land routes to the smaller northern port.
Jiluria is especially non-judgemental towards different races and species, and even liches have been known to make their home in this town.
Invasion by the Surahnian Rebels was peaceful and easily achieved in mid-July 2709; inhabitants of the town have never been overly loyal to the Defenders of Dragons' Cove, interested only in the contents of their pockets. Under the rule of the Surahnian Rebels, citizens may not find it so easy to continue with illegal activities however, the punishments harsh for any found dealing banned goods.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:34 pm

New Racksom

Villages, Towns & Cities Racksom_zps2cfa9770

Racksom has long been a well-known location for housing the Earth stone within its walls, but in more recent times it has gained a more infamous reputation. Plague has struck the city multiple times in the last few years, and residents have not fared well through the times. General health is poor and negative association with this city is frequent; there has been a marked decrease in pilgrims visiting the city due to fears of ill-health. Before times of poor health however, pilgrims frequently came to stay in the city to visit the place of the Earth stone, and soak up residue earth magic. Racksom boasts a fine range of places to stay, from cheap taverns to expensive inns, and brothels for those so inclined. The Burly Maid and Swords and Scabbards are two of the most popular. Other entertainments in the city include a large open-air market, an underground fight ring and the royal gardens, which are occasionally open to visitors.
A larger deterrent than the plague has developed in recent months, that has driven away pilgrims from Racksom- or, as it is now called, New Racksom, Capital of New Surahnia. The invading Surahnian Rebels have made New Racksom their home and quarters, with the generals of the army residing within Racksom palace beside their king. Surahnians are free citizens within the city; natives on the other hand, especially non-human races, have been put to work labouring to fix the damage caused to the city during the Rebels’ invasion and successful conquest.

The Surahnians have not caused all bad things to Racksom, however poorly they are looked upon by natives, and especially by the Defenders of Dragons’ Cove. Health has improved within the city tenfold since the invasion, and many buildings have been rebuilt stronger and more efficient. Surahnian architecture is simple and plain, but this has given speed to restoration of the city. The city is a fortress-to-be against attack, and Surahnian society has quickly become established, with work for everyone. Crime levels are at a low, and corruption within the city is dropping at an astounding rate under new Surahnian law.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:34 pm

Quinsilla

Quinsilla is little more than a ruin these days, the first casualty of the Surahnian Rebels. A fairly large town found near the west coast of Dragons’ Cove, the most notable feature of Quinsilla is the Surselea, a horrific creation spoken of only in whispers. The town was fairly nondescript, pleasant enough to live in, but unremarkable in every way. Now, with the presence of the Surahnians, it is even more so, the buildings plain and functional, the town laid out in a well-organised but dull manner.
The town is a favourite for honest tradesmen, and a fair price will always be given for goods. Crime and corruption is nearly nonexistent, the Surahnians’ strict laws stamping out any shady dealings.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:34 pm

Plurith

Once a completely overlooked hamlet, Plurith has been suddenly and dramatically put on the map by the dragons of Maledicus Eice. Renamed to Halosis, the village has been mostly razed, the human population completely exterminated by the dragon faction in a bloody raid in July, 2709.Any non-dragons setting foot in the vicinity can now expect a violent and painful death, as the dragons of Maledictus Eice now use the ruins as a meeting point both out of convenience due to its being an obvious landmark, and to assert their control over their territory to any humans who may try to reclaim the town.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:35 pm

Corstel

PENDING

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:35 pm

Great Tree

PENDING

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:35 pm

Index:
Calaina
Didienne
Harglen
Nusfar
Shayenne
Tarz
Volfiris
Yarrowitz
Kaionar
Jiluria
New Racksom
Quinsilla
Plurith
Corstel
Great Tree
Nabiscan
Sand City
Bolarf
Caspan
Golam
Ironshas
Turich
Xanile

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Nabiscan

Villages, Towns & Cities Nabiscan_zps32e2280e

Found in the centre of the Volcane Belt, Nabiscan is where the largest population of green goblins are found. However, the majority of goblins live scattered across the Volcane Belt on individual farms or near mines, their town home only to smiths, children, matriarchs tending to youngsters, and the ruling hobgoblin.
The town is simple, buildings generally short and wide, made from natural stone, clay and metal sheeting. Wide dirt roads run through Nabiscan, causing the town to sprawl outwards.
For goblins, Nabiscan is a passable place to live, with low crime rates, and regular access to food and menial supplies through regular trade with other settlements.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:35 pm

Sand City

PENDING

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:36 pm

Bolarf

A tiny village found on the west coast of Dragons’ Cove, perhaps the view of the Fleetus Isles is one of the reasons this settlement is still inhabited. Not much else appeals about this place however, with the village almost constantly under siege by bandits, rogue traders from Kaionar or, more recently, attacks from Maledicus Eice.
Occasionally, exotic goods make it through to the little port, where they are then transported round the coast to Jiluria, although this has dwindled over the years. Those who live permanently in Bolarf make their coin through fishing and diving for rare corals, which are sold as trinkets and fascinations to collectors. This rarely brings in wealth of any measure however, and the village is very poor; corruption is nonexistent due to the uselessness of such a task for no recompense.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:36 pm

Caspan

Caspan is a village unfortunately caught between the warring Defenders of Dragons' Cove and Surahnian Rebels, on the edge of Maledicus Eice's eastern range, and frequently influenced by Kaionar. Simply put, Caspan is an unfortunate place to live in these times, despite easy access to the fertile Everplains. Fortunately, it is small enough to be currently fairly ignored by the Surahnian Rebels, although in the future it may become a sticking point between this faction and the Defenders of Dragons' Cove.
Found in almost the centre of the isle, access is fairly open to every direction when factions are disregarded; past years have seen ebbs and swells in the number of travellers using Caspan as a rest point between the beginning and end of a long journey across Dragons’ Cove.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:37 pm

Golam

Found in the northern rainforest, not far from Nusfar, Golam is a friendly and open town that is a little bit more affordable than the larger city to the north. However, the downside to this is that the town is a little bit rough around the edges, and unfortunate fates have been known to come to unwary wanderers at night.
Built into the rainforest itself, at many points the town rises from the ground into the rainforest trees itself, with buildings connected by treetop walkways that can give magnificent views where they rise above the canopy. Some sections of the town are reminiscent of Yarrowitz, with buildings artfully incorporated into the trees- without the splendour of white marble, of course.
The climate is hot and sticky most of the time, although can become drier and less humid when north-eastern winds blow.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:37 pm

Ironshas

Certainly somewhere advised against without prior knowledge, is Ironshas. While Kaionar holds the crown for corruption and underhand deeds, Ironshas surely is the most vicious place to live on Dragons’ Cove. Found on the far eastern shore of the Nusfarian Desert, normal laws are barely acknowledged; the sword is the ruler of this town, and murder is a common tool in climbing the social ladder, or ‘earning’ dues. Elites' presence is low due to the town’s isolated location, although if Elites in other cities hear wind of Ironshas residents in the vicinity, frequently increased alertness is raised.
Tribal Battle Bloods are openly worshiped as deities, and those that speak against devout followers in the town never meet pleasant fates. By many, Ironshas is seen as inhabited only by the insane, and visitors to the town are few and far between.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:37 pm

Turich

This isolated mountain hamlet is fairly well known throughout Dragons’ Cove… as the butt of jokes. Generally keeping themselves to themselves, apart from a few even more isolated tribes that live on the ice plains, Turichians have a unique culture, deities and festivals. However, some of their traditions are seen as old-fashioned or ridiculous; the annual log-throwing competition is heralded as perhaps the most stupid custom throughout the majority of the isle, and the most prestigious within the hamlet itself.
Despite the low opinion held of Turich, the settlement is a pleasant place to live, if the cold can be borne. Festivals and celebrations are frequent, and the community is very tightly knit, with everybody knowing everybody else’s business.

Subject: Re: Villages, Towns & Cities Wed May 21, 2014 6:37 pm

Xanile

Xanile is perhaps one of the most unpleasant places to live in Dragons’ Cove. Little more than a shanty town, constructed of multiple small settlements that have been subsumed into one over the years, Xanile has little wealth and little worth, a scar on the land. Crime is rife and unchecked by thieving or undercover guilds; as such, nothing comes of the city except greater poverty, with every family out for themselves. Being so remote, at the furthest north-west corner of the isle, the city only grows due to those in the area having nowhere better to go.
Of all settlements, Xanile is the one nighies are most regularly seen in, a stronghold of this race not far away.