Heart of an Empire
Dreven City | Settlements | Notable Characters | Trade | Businesses
This region has only been in existence since the fall of Icaruss in the year 1200, but made the loudest noise in its infancy. Shadokhan, now boasting a population of nearly half a million people, was the center of the Dreven Empire from the time of the fall of the Mad Mage, Icaruss ap-ol Ithgath, until the death of Tumian Dreven at the hands of the mixed mage known as the Klockwork Master in 1268. The exact nature of the Klockwork Master's magic is still known by only a few. Leading an army of mixed races and mechanical creatures, The Klockwork Master marched on Dreven and took control of the Empire. In 1274, after the assassination of the Klockwork Master, a rebellion overthrew the remains of the Klockwork regime and placed Raphael Dolek on the throne. At present, he rules as Steward of Dreven with the assistance of his Council of Advisors.
Shadokhan also holds the infamous Crosswinds Tavern. The Crosswinds was once a part of Luminii, but was absorbed by Shadokhan when Cornelius Dreven (the First Emperor) created Shadokhan as a central location for the newly formed Empire. Originally just a well-known tavern where one could get good food and a clean bed, the Crosswinds proved to be priceless to the people of the Empire. When Icaruss made his march on Luminii, few knew his true reason for invading the Region of the Vivomancers. It only became clear in the early hours before the Battle of Dawn's Early Light in the year 1200. Everyone knew that there was a rather unique portal linked to the northern portion of the tavern. What no one knew until the battle was that the portal was also the origin of the source of magic on Lyran Tal. The portal at the Crosswinds not only allows people access to the multitude of otherworldly planes, but it also allows Lyran Tal access to the magical energies of the Nexus. He who held the portal held the lifeblood of magic in Lyran Tal. If Icaruss had won that day, the face of Lyran Tal would be vastly different. With the victory of Cornelius and the Order of the Silver Moon, the Crosswinds Tavern was declared a neutral zone for all of the regions, and it remained under the protection of the Emperor until the fall of Tumian. The tavern is now under the protection of Steward Dolek. The Crosswinds doors are open to anyone and everyone; its fame brings many to its small but comfortable interior, and entices them to stay with its cool drinks and hot food.
A mere hour's ride north of the Crosswinds Tavern, the city of Dreven is home to Taysąyad Keep, the seat of the Shadokhan government. Shadokhan is a region with few major exports; it relies heavily on the massive trade routes through the capital city of Dreven, a fact which has been difficult to maintain since the fragmentation of the army during and after the Rebellion. Attacks by roving bandits and outlaws on supply stores and routes has become the norm. Beyond the capital city there are scattered towns erupting within a few days travel. These small towns are havens for the many aristocrats, landed lords, barons and baronesses who earned their fortunes in riding the coattails of Cornelius I. Dreven is a young city, vibrant and filled with an earnest energy, and it's no rare thing to see a lord and lady sharing a drink and conversation with an elven woodsman or dwarven mercenary at the Crosswinds.
With the coming of the new, highly law-oriented Klock regime, illegal activities were slowed greatly. The Black Market and Underground suffered because of this. The Triad, a group led by three elves considered to be the most powerful in the thieving community, is believed to have survived this purging and is working in the background to either find a way to use the new Steward to their advantage or replace him with one more to their liking.
There are four separate bodies of law enforcement in Shadokhan. Two of the most well known are the Dreven City Guard, which patrols within the city walls, and the Silver Moon Knights, who are -- with the Steward's blessing -- responsible for patrolling the area just outside the wall, including the area around the Crosswinds Tavern. The Shadokhan Army, in tandem with the Silver Moon Knights, covers the rest of the region to protect those who wish help, including the shores and borders. Finally, there is the Palace Guard, whose responsibilities include protecting the Steward, his family, and the visitors at Taysàyad.
Dreven City
Taysąyad Keep
Gray-walled Taysąyad sits in the northern sector of the city and is bordered on three sides by Mount Cillian. The Keep is divided into three areas, the private quarters which are the home of the Steward and his family, the government offices, and the public halls. In the center of the Great Hall is a huge Arborian tree, magically displaced during a surge in the ley lines, affectionately known as 'Bob.' Bob is under the careful protection of its new hosts.
University of Dreven
A series of buildings located in the heart of Dreven, it's believed to be the largest University in the seven regions. Its original focus on science has been taking on an ever-widening scope over the last several years, boasting subjects that include language, mathematics, culture, political and historical studies, dance, music, and art. There are, one might note, no magical studies included in the curriculum, as those are taught specifically at the appropriate mage schools (The Tòrrea Talamh, Greystone, etc.). The student body is composed mostly of nobles, upper and middle merchant class, and those lucky enough to be sponsored for admission by one of the above. The University is presided over by Chancellor Margaret Higgins. A small body of elected administrators oversees negotiations with the city on behalf of the University, account-keeping, moderating exams, supervising ceremonies, and other such details. A Registrary records matriculations, admissions to degrees, and decisions of the professors.
Classes run from Fadefrost through Warmgrow, and then again from Fadewarm through Chillset.
The structure of the learning at the university is as follows:
- Trivium (entry level, three years in length, equivalent in atmosphere to the last year of high school and two years of junior college, though the same age restrictions may not apply.): Not all students who pass the Trivium will continue to the Quadrivium, nor are they required to do so. Successful completion earns the student the TAC, or Trivium Academic Certificate.
- Quadrivium (advanced level, additional four years. Traditional four year university in atmosphere): Successful completion is a necessity before taking on the graduate program, but it also earns the student the BAA, or Bachelor of Academic Arts.
- There is a graduate program of an additional four years following the Quadrivium in which successful completion allows for the individual to teach at the University level, and they are acknowledged as being masters in their field of study. The degree awarded is the MAA, Master of Academic Arts.
The Imperial Library
Not surprisingly, bordering the University is the Imperial library. A huge monument of a building, it has survived attacks by magic, nature, and governments. Its Librarians are the custodians to all manner of books, scrolls, and maps which have reached its walls by standard or secretive means. While the removal of any publicly available original works is forbidden, for a fee a copy will be made by the library's scribes. All public knowledge is readily available for study in the building and rooms are set aside for research. It is rumored that down in the depths beneath the building, secret stores of forbidden knowledge are kept.
The Dreven Academy of Trades
A private institution under the auspices of Brom Stoneheart and headmistress Bliss Lovejoy.
Fort Ubolutiin
Located north east of Taysąyad, the fort was once home to the Silver Moon Knights stationed in Dreven. It was later taken over and converted for use by the Klockwork Army, who ordered the execution of any Knight that refused to swear allegiance to the new regime. With the fall of the Klockwork government, its gates have once more been opened to joint occupation by the Shadokhan Army and the Silver Moon Knights.
Trade
Shadokhan's silkworm farms produce the majority of the silk in the Silver Moon Empire. Along with its dyes and weavings, many of the most elaborate clothwears come from this region. Other major exports include, but are not restricted to, lace, perfumes, fine china, jewelry, dyes, illuminated manuscripts, musical instruments, weapons and armor. Recently, freshwater cultured pearls have begun being produced in high enough quantities to allow them to be exported as well.
The biggest imports into the region include lumber, iron, grain, deep sea fish, and glass.
Settlements
Dendry Hill
Population: 5000
Primary Trade: Glassware, writing materials, books
Description: Often referred to as 'Scholar's Hill,' the centrally-located city of Dendry Hill is known primarily for its glassmakers, bookbinders, and numerous producers of parchment, foolscap, reed-paper, and vellum. As related industries, they have small success with producing ink and quills. The city even boasts a fairly large library, though not as large as the Dreven Library (Dreven, Shadokhan) or the Grand Repository of Etrauch (Etrauch City, Balthazor). Dendry Hill originally had a remote-study program with Dreven University (requiring annual trips to the capital for exams), but a new branch of DU (called Dendry Municipal College) was built in the early 1270's. Dendrans are often viewed as bookish, bespectacled folk, but the truth is that only about fifteen percent of the population are this well-educated; most are common folk.
Marrford
Population: 7000
Primary Trade: Iron, smithwork
Description: Marrford's place in history was assured when the hundred Luminite Vivomancers ended their crusade against the Bloodgaunt Plague in 1132 UY (q.v.). Its success, however, is due to its proximity to two deep iron mines in the Sturrbith Mountains (which border two sides of the city). Smiths from across the Empire are drawn to Marrford, due to its reputation and its placement. The river Marrwater, which tumbles from the mountains and just past the city, also drives the Marrford Millwheel, a technological marvel that helps to power the city foundry (where most of its stock originates). The Millwheel is enormous; easily fifty feet wide, its never-ending rotation is often said to pull the Marrwater from the mountains, rather than the opposite.
Midford
Population: 3000
Primary Trade: Silks
Description: Located just southwest of Dreven, Midford has the largest of the silk farms in the region. The trade has increased with the fall of the Klockwork regime due to the opening of borders and ability to purchase the luxury items.
Port Ethralest
Population: 4000
Primary Trade: Seagoing vessels
Description: Known primarily for its shipyards, the actual town of Port Ethralest is an unremarkable place, mostly inhabited by sailors, shipbuilders, and other ocean-affiliated men and women. The town boasts a large warehouse district, mostly containing raw materials and provisions (used to restock the cogs and coasters that ply the coastal trade routes). The port lies on the southernmost tip of Shadokhan, and has an excellent relationship with the outlying islands of Southern Oceanuus; the Oceanuusians are frequent customers at the Ethralest shipyards. In 1274 a devastating surprise attack by Pirates -- aided by Archmagess Elorac Seamere -- destroyed most of the city. It is still in the process of being rebuilt.
Port Marrwater
Population: 1700 or so (fluctuates)
Primary Trade: fishing, shipping
Description: Poised at the mouth of the Marrwater River, this quiet little town wasn't even on the map until the Silver Moon Knights took up residence during the Rebellion against the Klock Regime. While there is (as yet) no fort in the making, Captain Rane Thadael and an entire battalion of Knights now call this home.
Tatham
Population: 1700
Primary Trade: Fishing
Description: Tatham is a large fishing town almost due south of Dreven. It boasts a moderate set of docks, though they're incapable of supporting anything larger than a cog or coaster (Luminii is known to send them around the Sturrbith to trade grain for fresh sea fare). Tathamers are generally a hearty, friendly sort; their experience with Luminian traders and mountain-bound travelers (since it's easier to cross the Sturrbith where they meet the sea) has broadened their tolerance, while their work ethic keeps them at a pleasant balance of rustic and urbane. The town has almost no high-class folk or wealthy families, as those with enough resources to leave generally find homes near other wealthy families.
Turnan
Population: 6000
Primary Trade: fishing, cultured pearls
Description: Resting on the shores of Lake Turnan, the town has been relatively free of the conflicts that have troubled other towns and villages of Shadokhan. Due to the heavy mussel population in the lake and rivers, the people of the village have taken to growing cultured pearls. Experimentation has led to multiple color variations, including white, peach, lavender, pale blue, pale green, and black.
Villisport
Population: 9000
Primary Trade: No primary (spread evenly through shipping of goods)
Description: One of the many port towns that line the Shadokhan coast, Villisport still sees a steady stream of arriving and departing ships due to its location at the region's western 'point.' Aside from the money the town takes in for ship repairs, docking, and the selling of goods, Villisport was once one of the few places one could purchase illegal armament for seacraft and was largely spared the Pirate's looting, as many of then of them had contacts at the port. Since the fall of the Pirate Nations of Southern Oceanuus, Villisport has seen a marked decrease in its income which largely came from pirate trade. Not surprisingly, the population of Villisport has seen a marked increase over the last few years -- including many displaced citizens of the Pirate Nation.
Notable Characters in Shadokhan
(Click on a name to go to the character's Who's Who entry.)
For more information on Shadokhan, contact:
Dreven City | Settlements | Notable Characters | Trade | Businesses