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Post by Admin: Otto on Dec 18, 2022 0:10:38 GMT -5
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Post by Admin: Otto on Apr 8, 2023 17:42:46 GMT -5
Cultural Groups
The Bihawari Amongst the mountain ranges of Dragon’s Cradle, a small but tightly knit community of mountain guides, shepherds, and miners make their living. On the shorter side of the average with black hair and auburn skin often burnt by the sun reflecting off the snow, the Bihawari are a noticeable sight within the villages of Dragon’s Cradle. Often accompanied by a train of yaks and mountain goats stacked to the brim with gear and goods, the Bihawari are usually the only way smaller settlements deep in the mountains can maintain their existence. The Osendel Osendel, By far the largest group of humanity in Dragon’s Cradle, they are easily picked out by their various black-inked clan tattoos that can cover a section of their body or even be full body. They tend to be light skinned with brown hair, but due to their larger population size have quite a bit of diversity to them. Raiding by land, piracy by sea, and drunken brawling in the villages are a few of their favorite past times. The clans have created a competition out of raiding and piracy, based around the amount and quality of trophies brought back, certain privileges are rewarded to the “winning” clan.
The DryadaliGeneral Appearance: The Dryadali are a tall and slender people with an elegant demeanor; they are made up almost exclusively of Wood Elves, although half-elven descendants and spouses of other races are not uncommon to see amongst them. The Dryadali most often possess skin tone(s) varying in shades of beige to bronze, and most often are born with hazel, green, or brown eyes. Hair colors may vary from black to a light brown, and rarely but occasionally, a stark white. Their average height rounds to about six feet or more, with exceptions on both ends of the height spectrum. The Dryadali of Dragon's Cradle live in relative isolation from other more well-known civilizations such as Sky Peak and Thorock. While most other well-known cultures live within the confines of cities, the Dryadali live amongst and within a massive tree which, according to Dryadali history, has been growing long since the days in which the gods walked amongst Charon. Although the Dryadali once lived around the Stone Tree, they now live within and amongst its branches. The tree itself is tall enough, massive enough, to gather the clouds of the Dragon's Cradles storm around its uppermost branches— causing storms constantly far above the arboreal homes of the Dryadali. Despite living mostly amongst themselves within what has been called "The Tempest's Perch", the Dryadali are a genuine and friendly people with little hostility to outsiders; on the contrary, the Dryadali believe that the Dragon's Cradle has a beauty that no other land could possibly claim, and are often more than happy to explain or show non-natives why. The poetic chaos which ravages the land in the form of storms, and the storms themselves, have a sort of holiness to the Dryadali that they have long since come to fearfully respect. The Dryadali claim to be the longest-lasting civilization residing within Dragon's Cradle. Their legends of The Tempest's Perch date back to the youth of the great tree, presumably from thousands upon thousands of years ago during The Collapse, when their ancestors fled from the wars in the Frost Gale. Eventually, the Dryadali settled amongst the base of the great tree— but over time, as the tree grew and grew, so too did the Dryadali's numbers; and eventually, they moved from the base of the massive tree, to building within the branches; and as the tree began to hollow over time with age, inside the trunk of the Tempest's Perch, itself. As a result of their experience with the Dragon's Cradle, the Dryadali know the land inside and out— making them excellent guides, and ideal escorts for anyone seeking to cross the Cradle. Part of the wonder of the Dryadali comes from their alternate titles, "The Stormriders", which is a title received by the symbiotic relationship that has been carefully crafted between the Dryadali, and the native Arcuila. A large population of these massive avians live in the farthest reaches of the Tempest's Perch among the storm clouds gathered in its gargantuan branches. The Arcuila not only acts as a lightning rod to protect the Dryadali's homes below; but the bird also serves as a loyal mount to many Dryadali, carrying them above the storms with ease, and serving as a protective force upon the rare raid or attack from neighbors or creatures of the Dragon's Cradle. Upon bird back, Dryadali warriors are equipped with javelins, polearms, and bows— all of which are often enchanted, allowing the Dryadali warriors to call upon the lightning stored within the Arcuila's feathers. Dryadali individuals will often wear bright and vibrant colors in contrast to the ever-gray dullness of the Dragon's Cradle within the safety of the Perch; as they are a peaceful people, they feel little need to camouflage themselves within their own homes— however, when out in the Dragon's Cradle, riders, hunters, and travelers will often wear stormy greys to blend in to the environment. The Dryadali often favor robe-like garments and tunics, with intricate and beautiful embellishments, embroideries, and dyes crafted within the artistic community of their homes. As storms play such a large role within the Dryadali's communities, most religious leaders and peoples focus on Avasha within the Main Pantheon. People of the Dryadali are often taught to remain calm in the storm, and to respect and embrace the nature and the unpredictability of the chaos of the world, in order to find peace. The Batul The Batul, more colloquially known as the Wind Riders by other tribes in Dragon’s Cradle, is a smattering of Grem people who have made their home in the Waste – the derelict lands nestled within the Dragon’s Spine. Where most travelers shudder at the thought of braving the Wastes, the Batul thrive in the danger brought on by their environment. It is difficult to say how long the Batul have been settled in the Waste, as they rarely make the effort to keep score of their own history. They have no need to keep their heads stuck in the past when the present moment is all that matters. This, unfortunately, means that the Batul generally fall into the same vicious cycles as their ancestors. Not that they would know, of course. Not that it would matter.
Efforts have been made on behalf of the people of Stormgale Village to assimilate the Batul people into their land; for their own safety, supposedly. As the only oasis in the middle of the wastelands, most inhabitants of the village believe that it is insane for people to try and make a living in a place where little life thrives. But the Batul relish the challenge. As such, they have denied the cushy, easy, civilized way of life, knowing that their own beliefs would only grate with settlement living… much to the confusion of Stormgale.
It is true that the Wastes foster little in the way of survivable life. The frequent, deadly storms in the Lightning Fields, the cracked arid land, the lack of plant and animal life – all of this makes the Wastes an unlivable place. However, the Batul appear to have found ways to make it work. They have developed rudimentary tools that allow them to dig through the earth and strike the few veins of water nestled underground. They primarily hunt monsters as game, rather than prey animals; though they have become adept at trapping smaller, weaker animals like voles and birds to use as bait in attracting bigger creatures.
Though they are strong individuals, their numbers are small; that generally makes the Batul subject to attacks from raiders looking for an easy meal. Any attackers would find they’d have a hell of a time taking down the Batul. The Grem spirit runs deep in their veins, and in a direct fight, for every Batul that falls, at least three opponents fall with them. But the Batul generally prefer to stay out of such battles. Not because they think they would lose, but because they understand that there is no honor in combat intended to prey on the weak. It is for this reason that the Batul refuse to participate in raiding themselves. They do not see any pleasure in terrorizing folk who cannot defend themselves; to the Batul, this is not a real battle at all.
In fact, the Batul are rooted firmly in anti-raiding beliefs. They rarely get into fights with the pockets of thugs that litter the Wastes, but when they do, it is on the behalf of merchants and traders that they have sought to defend from people like the Storm Raiders. On rare occasions, the Batul may even take protection jobs from caravans in exchange for goods and services – as they have no need for money, they are a strictly bartering society. However, their status as quasi-guardians of the Waste is not what they are known for.
The Batul are nomadic in nature, and prefer to sleep in caverns and plateaus scattered around the waste. Their unique form of travel is what earned them the title Wind Riders. They have specifically developed wagons that contain curved pieces of wood rather than wheels, almost like the bottom of a boat. These special carts allow them to glide through the waste, generally pulled by winged creatures rather than beasts of burden; it is on these vehicles that the Batul travel through, under the cover of vicious dust storms kicked up by the Cradle’s violent tempests.
Overall, the Batul are a friendly lot of people; they do no harm, but they will also take no insult from anyone. Their ingenuity, thrill seeking, and perseverance is what has kept them alive thus far. However, their quick tempers and their pride has seen their numbers slowly dwindle in the past few years. Their way of life is not sustainable; it is only a matter of time before the last specks of their tribe dissolve and they wander on their separate ways. Still, they refuse to turn to raiding and make a living, convinced they will be just fine on their own.
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Post by Admin: Otto on Jun 17, 2023 16:51:14 GMT -5
Regional CustomsInterment of the DeadDragon's Cradle has a diverse number of ways that the dead are interred mostly tied to the traditions of specific races or culturally distinct groups. Traditional burials in the earth are very difficult due to the scarcity of topsoil throughout the region. As most plots of land that can support any amount of plant life are coveted by the nomadic shepherds throughout the region, interment of bodies tends to shy away from co-opting this limited space. Lightning PyresPopularized in Dragon's Cradle from Dryadali traditions, Lightning Pyres are one of the most flashy ways bodies are rendered inert in Charon. Since wood is a scarce resource in Dragon's Cradle, burning a body requires an immense amount of heat generated using a different source of energy. The perpetual electrical storms that plague the region more than serve this purpose, though they are highly dangerous and unpredictable. In an attempt to harness the power of the lightning strikes, when someone passes away it is their family's responsibility to fund the creation of a conductive metal rod. The rod serves two purposes: one, as a lightning lure; two, as a sign of status of whoever had passed away. For example, a rod that is mainly made out of copper is expected from someone of a lower social class compared to one made of gold. Once a lightning rod is crafted, the body is then taken by the family up to a designated area as close to the sky as possible and away from any other tall structures. Due to the unpredictable nature of lightning strikes, the set up of the body and lightning rod is highly dangerous and there have been incidents of family members being electrocuted while carrying out the funeral rites. The Dryadali people do not rely on crafted lightning rods and the unpredictable nature of storm bound lightning in the interment of their dead. Instead, the Dryadali practice a lengthy ceremony that involves prayers and food offerings to Avasha that ends with the body being burned by the electrical energies coursing through an Arcuila's body. This is a much more controlled and intimate practice compared with the mainstream use of Lightning Pyres. PetrificationLikely one of the most disturbing interment practices in Charon, petrification tends to be the preferred method of preserving the deceased in the region's major settlements. Designated catacombs are carved out of barren stone and act as storage vaults for the petrified remains. Properly maintained catacombs serve to keep the petrified remains away from the wind and rain which would threaten to erode them. The petrification process is carried out by Beastmasters and their trained Basilisks who are often under contract with the major settlements of Dragon's Cradle. It is not a cheap service, usually only families with a fair amount of wealth can afford to not only have the Beastmaster's expertise at hand but also secure a location for the petrified body to be safely preserved. The more macabre aspect of this method of interment is the art of posing the body. The most common and simple pose is that of the person lying on their back with their hands folded across their chest, though there are some families that prefer to prop up the body to either a sitting or standing position. Though fairly rare, there have been cases of the dead being posed in much more complicated ways, such as dancing with one another, hugging, or interacting with an object. The practice has been criticized by other regions as a mistreatment of the deceased, with many critics comparing the posing of the bodies to that of a mannequin or art piece. Despite the criticism, this method is still practiced to this day as many locals believe that they can connect with their lost loved ones by visiting the petrified bodies. In a way, the bodies of the deceased act as their own memorials or tombstones. Shoal HolesMuch more rare and only really practiced by the Osendel people is the use of Shoal Holes to dispose of the dead. In and around the city of Thorock, naturally formed tidal pools of extreme depth can be found thanks to the unusually porous stone that makes up most of the northern inlet. The depth of the water in these pools rises and falls dramatically with the tides, often resulting in very strong currents known as rip tides. When tides are high, the holes fill with frigid sea water and become fully submerged which allows fish to pass in and out freely. However, when the tide lowers, any sea life that wandered into the space becomes trapped for several hours until the next high tide. It is during this time when the tide is low that the Osendel people will come to dispose of any bodies of the deceased they are responsible for. Bodies are unceremoniously stripped of any personal belongings and cast into these deep pools after the pool has been cut off from the ocean for a few hours. There is a specific species of fish that is native to the tidal areas around Thorock that have ravenous appetites for just about anything put in front of their faces. By the time the next high time comes around, these fish have reduced any bodies to nothing more than bones which litter the bottom of the tidal pool. The Osendel people do not hold any beliefs about an afterlife or preserving the dead. A body is no longer considered of any use or purpose once the person has died, and in order to prevent a build up of rot or source of disease, the body must be discarded. It does not matter if the deceased are family members, enemies, or casualties caught in the crossfire between feuding clans. Though lacking sentimentality, the Osendel do sometimes make a spectacle of the act by bringing along alcohol to imbibe in as they make rousing speeches or sing sea shanties in a sort of send off. Depending on how popular the person was in the clan, this can either be a more joyous or tearful event, or a final mockery. Honoring the DeadMemorializing the dead varies in importance across the region, though influences from the Dwarven cultures of Frost Gale are observable in what practices are present. ObelisksStone is a favored medium for creating monuments memorializing the dead since there is an ample amount and wide variety of it mined out of the surrounding mountains. Obelisks are tall and slender structures carved out of a single piece of stone that is often polished and engraved with the names of those they are in honor of. Families may have ancestral obelisks which list the names of all their past family members, with ample room for future generations, or they may instead have several smaller obelisks for specific branches of their family. These obelisks are usually kept in a family home or in a public space if the obelisk is memorializing many individuals who were lost in a specific tragedy. The type, size, and quality of the stone used in the construction of obelisks is often a reflection of the social status of a family line or deceased individual. Granite is commonly used, with obsidian from the Smokey Mountains and crystalline quartz being in higher demand by the noble family lines. Marble imported from abroad is also used, though is very difficult and expensive to acquire. CairnsCairns are mostly used to memorialize those who died out in the wilds of Dragon's Cradle or during a journey wherein the body may have been lost. Cairns are typically made out of loose stacked stones and tend to be placed in the location of where the person lost their life, thou The nomadic Bihawari people believe that cairns not only remind those who are alive of the fleeting nature of mortality, but also that the stacks can serve as landmarks for lost souls. A soul that waits at a cairn will eventually be found by Avasha who can then whisk them off to the afterlife where they continue to exist in an endless field of lush grasses. Coming across a knocked over cairn is considered a bad omen, while deliberately knocking over a cairn is a highly disrespectful act towards the dead. Likewise, making stone stacks or cairns that are not specifically marking where someone has died is considered insensitive and deceptive. The populace of Dragon's Cradle is likely the most indifferent towards the practice of necromancy. Their various ways of disposing of the dead, along with all the dangerous scavenging wildlife makes it very unlikely that a necromancer would even find viable corpses to raise in the first place. Since practicing necromancy in this region has such challenges, locals are not particularly wary which may make the area more appealing to anyone trying to hide their practice. The locals of the region adopt a very "do what you want, just don't bug me" type of attitude when it comes to the necromantic arts. Though anyone choosing to push their luck and cause trouble in Dragon's Cradle will still be met with swift retaliation.
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Post by Admin: Otto on Jun 17, 2023 16:51:18 GMT -5
Flora and Fauna Bolt ApplesLocation: Found in Dragon's Cradle, usually along the edges of the Smokey Mountains and Dragon's Spine These apples, curiously, grow from a tree that looks like it should be incapable of producing anything at all; they are charred and barren, the picture of something burnt and dead, and yet, the tree will flower with small violet blossoms when producing the apples. Bolt Apples themselves have a bright, electric blue outer skin that glows, and on the interior, the flesh is a very pale silver, almost white in color. They are spherical in shape, like most traditional apples. Bolt Apples are a bit of a high-maintenance fruit; the strength of their glow indicates both their ripeness, and thusly, their edibility. When they have no glow at all, they do nothing and taste like nothing-- at their strongest, you're basically biting into an electric current. The midpoint results in something quite delicious, though, as well as a powerful alchemical component; it's a good source of electricity for magic cores, too. Bolt Apples are coveted by alchemists and mages and food connoisseurs alike; you just have to... time it right. Don't zap yourself. Toxicity: See above. It fluctuates-- oh, but you won't get poisoned. Just electrocuted. They're harmless otherwise. Additional Notes: If you harvest them at the right time, their electric prowess is frozen in time; they won't lose or gain charge, meaning you can actually use them in baking and the like. They're good, too! They have a sweet taste with only an edge of tartness at their prime-- there's a bit of a spiced quality, too. I find them to taste good when baked with some cinnamon or nutmeg. Or both. Nimbus RosesLocation: Found in Dragon's Cradle, usually around the Dragon's Spine, often even around the outskirts of Sky Peak Village These flowers are incredibly beautiful; they're whorls of lavender-grey petals that spiral around in a coil, thus earning them the 'rose' moniker, and little wisps of mist tend to emanate off of the exterior petals. The stem is a deep grey, almost black, with a shock of pale lavender veins branching up through it and onto the leaves, looking not unlike the jagged bolts of lightning that jolt the sky. Nimbus Roses are a favorite flower of mine to use as a remedy, actually; the conditions they grow in can be a bit finicky to replicate, but they're very potent in various forms of medicine, specifically burn remedies and ointments. Even just a few petals in some normal water left to sit and then applied with a cotton pad can serve as a very solid base to settle aggravated skin. I use them in skincare as well as in medicine, in fact. Toxicity: None at all; they don't taste good, but they won't hurt you. You'll get get a mouthful of petals and likely be very disappointed. Additional Notes: Despite the name and appearance, they're not roses at all; they'd actually be closer to daisies. Nimbus Daisies doesn't have the same ring to it, and they don't look quite like them, though, so Nimbus Roses it is. Static RootsLocation: Found in Dragon’s Cradle, namely in Dragon’s Spine or the Lightning Fields, where the storms rage at their wildest
Static Roots are a bit tricky to catch sight of on their own, as they usually look like normal, charred saplings, springs, or other such things above ground, but when uprooted, the roots are a brilliant, glowing indigo, with branches of shining violet thrumming through them. They’re a bit dangerous to handle, considering the electricity, but they’re astoundingly beautiful– just admire them when you’re safely out of the danger of being struck by lightning. And handle with gloves. Protective ones.
These plants are… lacking in medicinal worth– it’s not very easy to make medicine out of charred residue and electric roots, after all. However, they are chock-full of magic power, and therefore are especially useful in a lot of potions, especially Consortium potions that give you temporary access to certain spells– its key use is in the Chaos Bolt potion, for example.
Toxicity: Why would you eat a plant that’s been struck by lightning? If you want to take your chances, be my guest, but it isn’t going to go well.
Additional Notes: Come prepared with protective gear, namely gloves that are electric-resistant in some way, and tools that can help you uproot them– the charred, above-ground part of the plant may crumble if you handle it too roughly. It’ll be smooth sailing if you come prepared. Thunder LycorisLocation: Found in the Dragon's Cradle, specifically in the Lightning Fields-- or in any battlefields
Thunder Lycoris, interestingly, does not look especially different from a typical spider lily; they share the same strange silhouette with arching petals and wiry stamens, albeit with a thicker, more solid stem. The entire flower tends to come in a deep, blood-red color, petals and stem and all-- there's a faint purple gradient to the edges of some of the petals, and the veins on them tend to resemble lightning scars. It's an interesting phenomenon, really.
The most curious thing about Thunder Lycoris flowers is that they blossom from where blood wets the soil and lightning falls; this is hardly coincidental, and indicates they bloom through magic instead of traditional means. They have no medical properties, but they, a bit morbidly, have a lot of use in various forms of crafting. They tend to be dried and used in dyes, pigments, and paints despite the dangers of going out to fetch them; they also are useful in a variety of different kinds of potions, particularly (naturally) ones pertaining to lightning magic.
Toxicity: Very mild; they have no danger after being dried, but don't put a raw one in your mouth. It'll sting and taste coppery and burnt and you might feel a bit sick, but that should be it. Might zap a bit. Who knows.
Additional Notes: They have a lot of ornamental longevity, but one should take care in remembering that they do appear to be quite literally formed from blood and thunder. Be respectful, as always.
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Post by Admin: Otto on Jun 17, 2023 16:51:22 GMT -5
Military FactionsDragon’s Cradle relies on a combination between two main forces to cover the vast difference in altitude and land mass, the Cradle Sappers and the Valkyrie Riders. The Cradle SappersThe Cradle Sappers primarily recruit from the Dwarven clans within Dragon’s Cradle. Their region and cultural knowledge of the mountain ranges presents an overwhelming advantage when engaging in combat amongst the peaks, valleys, and caves. While only numbering around a thousand Dwarves, the Cradle Sappers maximize their coverage by operating in squads of 25 and when combined with the terrain advantage that they make for themselves allows them to combat much larger groups over the Dragon’s Cradle region. Nothing like seeing a hole form in the cliff above you and being shot at by crossbows or watching the front of the line collapse into a pit while a manufactured rock slide pushes the rest of you off the side of the mountain. A large part of the Cradle Sappers’ advantage comes down to their understanding of how to best apply their equipment. Their pickaxes, shovels, and rope have killed more of their enemies than the swords, axes, and crossbows that they wield. The Valkyrie Riders draw upon the combined populations of the Ash Land Dvoryanin, the Osendel, and the Bihawari to form multiple regiments, each regiment consists of around 500 Riders, of light cavalry that patrol the land trade routes through Dragon’s Cradle. These patrols’ tactics use the endurance of a stocky horse bred by the Dvoryanin to cover massive amounts of ground without stopping for a rest. Riders learn to sleep, eat, fight, and defecate all while on the move so that they can react to any word of the appearance of Storm Raiders. Light lamellar armor, multiple boar spears, and a short recurve bow makes up the majority of their equipment as primary form of combat tactic is to stall and redirect through endless skirmishing as a form of herding their foes into a kill-zone where there’s finally enough of the Riders to eliminate or capture their targets.
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Post by Admin: Otto on Jun 17, 2023 16:51:26 GMT -5
Criminal Factions
Storm Raiders
 Driven to extremes by both the harshness of their environment in the Lightning Fields and constant competition with other roving bandits and mercenaries, the Strom Raiders have cemented themselves as the fearsome raiders in the Dragon's Cradle. This group started small, but over the years they have absorbed other raiding groups and swelled in numbers thanks to the alliances they have formed with the resident giants of Dragon's Cradle. Now a formidable force with their strength bolstered by giants and half-giants, the Storm Raiders rove across the Lightning Fields ambushing caravans, travels, and pillaging small settlements for goods and wares. The Storm Raiders are infamous for using the volatile weather of the Lightning Fields to their advantage, often lurking amongst the craggy environment until a storm rolls through, forcing their quarry to either take shelter or scatter as lightning rains down from the sky. When an ambush isn't possible or their target is a settlement, the Storm Raiders instead rely on the might of their giant allies who are able to throw boulders, carts, and other debris around with little effort. Initiation into the Storm Raiders includes traditions practiced amongst the giants. One of these traditions involves the collection of Static Roots which are found in the Lightning Fields. After successfully collecting these roots, they are fermented and brewed into an ale-like liquid which is to be consumed after a prospective new member partakes in a raid, proving their worth to the raid party leaders and the group as a whole. The Storm Raiders' pillaging often clashes with the interests of the Osendel clans who view the Storm Raiders as cultish brigands unfit to partake in their own interclan competitions. Not ones to back down from a challenge or be looked down upon, the Storm Raiders often go out of their way to interfere in raids plotted by the Osendel clans, even if that interference ends with both factions on the losing out on the spoils of a raid.
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Post by Admin: Otto on Jun 17, 2023 16:51:33 GMT -5
Important NPCs Count Thadda Dragon's Cradle, Human, Male | Appearance | 
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| Description | Personality | | Leadership in the Dragon's Cradle is unstable, with many different people trying to claim leadership over the entire region. The current seat of power in the Cradle resides in Sky Peak Village, with its leader Thadda. A brave warrior who has governed Sky Peak since his youth, he has recently taken over as the regions spoke person, leading and guiding the people through the political scene. While struggling to lead the region, he has struggles to retain his peoples favor, with many questioning his abilities. | Thadda is a strong noble man who believes in tradition and honor. Having fought a few skirmishes and up risings, he is no stranger to combat and actually prefers to engage in combat over leading a region. Many view him as a rough, hard to get along with man, but those who spend time with him learn that his is just a big, kind sap. |
Mizzi Bells Dragon's Cradle, Gnome, Female | Appearance | 
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| Description | Personality | | Mizzi is a beloved member and leader of Stormgale Village, having been nominated by the locals. She has earned a reputation in battle and is one of the best at navigating the Lightning Fields. Her people love her and value her guidance, believing that she should have been chosen to rule over the region. Despite how beloved she is, the gnome has little experience in politics, having to rely on others around her for the more tedious parts of leading. | Mizzi is a fun, out going, and sometimes brash individual. She is very loud, joyous and sometimes drinks too much. While Stormgale and the Lightning Fields are a tourist spot in their own right, many people travel here to meet and drink with Mizzi. |
Dorvann Baan Dragon's Cradle, Dwarf, Male | Appearance | 
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| Description | Personality | | Dorvann has been the official leader of Thorock for years, having obtained the seat of power from his father who received it from his father. While he is the leader, the dwarf stays on the topside of the village, living with the rich and nobility. He has become a lazy man who prefers to drink and whore rather than lead. While he is recognized as the leader, everyone knows its the Court's Council that truly rule the village. | Dorvann is a selfish, egotistical man that believes his family name is enough to lead. The people of Thorock turn a blind eye and talk about him in hushed whispers while he ignores the peoples needs. He is acknowledged as the worst leader in years, having no combat experience and little social advantages. |
The Court's Council Dragon's Cradle, Varied, Varied | Description | Personality | | The Court's Council has become the defacto leadership group on the lower side of Thorock. A shadow group that consist of several members, most notably being pirates and smugglers. They have slowly come to power over the last few years as the living conditions of the lower city were getting worse. The people knew something needed to change and so have formed this council to provide a better life for those who could not defend themselves. | The council consist of several members, most of their identities a secret. They consist of several notable figures who work in the shadows and pull the strings. |
Dagren Scale-Hide Sky Peak Village, Orc, Male | Appearance | 
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| Description | Personality | Dagren Scale-Hide is the founder of Yi-Shan martial arts a style of fighting that uses grappling and mastery over balance to subvert the center of gravity of others, and an "immortal" ascetic having elongated his life through self perfection. Standing at only Six feet tall, he is an unusually small Orc at least in comparison to those that come from the northern lands of the Dragon's Spine Mountains. His has a well muscled and sturdy graced by a more then a few scars. His skin is a more subdued shade of green with soft liminal highlights whenever sunlight directly touches his skin making him seem otherworldly at times.
| Dagren is a man of very few words and even fewer emotions, having walked the path of self mastery for so long it seems as if he is always in another world, lost within his own thoughts and actions. He has lived in Sky Peak Village for over a hundred years already with no sign of aging or slowing down.
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Viktor Vasilievich
Dragon's Cradle, Human, Male
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| Description | Personality | Viktor is the head of operations of the Dragon's Crest Observatory. He and his elder brother, Yakov, are professors of the Mage's Academy, specifically that of astronomy. Having been a professor for over thirty years, he frequently takes on personal proteges to carry on his research, a task that has grown as of late with the new developments around Charon.
| Known for being brusque, Viktor is still very personable and influential, apparently having inherited the raw charisma of his family line. He is well-liked and respected, though he often finds himself standing in the shadow of his older brother. Determined to make a name for himself, he takes his job seriously, almost zealously, and hopes to build an observatory in Sol City.
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Post by Admin: Otto on Jun 17, 2023 16:51:41 GMT -5
Notable LocationsDragon's Crest ObservatoryThis observatory is located in the highest reaches of the Dragon's Cradle on a mountaintop not terribly far from Sky Peak Village at the heart of the Dragon's Spine. It is manned by Viktor Vasilievich, an astronomer and gifted mage of the Arcane Academy in Sol City. Built roughly one hundred years ago and meant to be a sister observatory of the one in Starfield in Moonglade, this location also doubles as a meteorologic research station, where storms developing off the coast are observed and tracked, ensuring the preservation of life for those who might be unprepared for inclement weather.
With the recent events of the Sol Stone, Viktor left his position at the Mage's Academy to go and observe the new phenomenon from one of Charon's highest places. The Dragon's Crest Observatory serves as a center of research for the currents of wind and water off the sea, and how they have been changing. This observatory has also been primarily cataloging which stars in the night sky have changed, particularly where certain ones have gone missing.
This Observatory, while currently functional, has had its operations decreased in the wake of the current earthquakes in the region, stemming from Mount Drakholt to the South. Caerdydd MôrKnown in the common parlance as "Leviathan's Passage", Caerdydd Môr is the North-most cove shared by Frost Gale and Dragon's Cradle. The legend goes that a creature so massive it creates the very tides clashed with the progenitor king of the Rime Guardians. The ensuing battle tore the pair of divinities and the very earth asunder. Now, all that remains are the vaulted, shattered cliff faces bearing the battle scars of this ancient battle to the death, and a bat littered with the broken teeth of creatures that were larger than the heavens. So the story goes.
The rocky, jagged shores of the bay freeze over during the winter months, allowing for ice to be harvested at the mouths of rivers and for easy passage between Frost Gale and Dragon’s Cradle. However, there are plenty of creatures who use the sea ice as their hunting grounds and much care needs to be taken when going between. Certain pods of Emperor Akhlut are known to use the comparably still waters of the bay in the spring months as a nursery before their young are strong enough to venture out into the open ocean.
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Global Moderator
545 POSTS & 0 LIKES
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Post by Admin: Otto on Jun 17, 2023 16:51:52 GMT -5
stuff
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Global Moderator
545 POSTS & 0 LIKES
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Post by Admin: Otto on Jun 17, 2023 16:51:57 GMT -5
stuff
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protect him at all cost. (can’t use discord anymore so making use of this here)
Oct 9, 2024 3:16:11 GMT -5
protect him at all cost. (can’t use discord anymore so making use of this here)
Oct 9, 2024 3:16:11 GMT -5
Oct 9, 2024 14:58:16 GMT -5
Oct 9, 2024 14:58:16 GMT -5
