Drakenwald

Drakenwald:

Overview

Drakenwald (City of Dragons) is a city state, located just in the foothills of the Euras Mountains, guarding the mountain pass between itself and Merolav. It is lead by the Dragoons, a collective of old Dragon Riders and other assorted professionals and has it's own legal system and currency.

Geography

Drakenwald (the city) sits in the south east corner of Bythenia at the mouth of the Harvark pass, a lowlying path through the Euras Mountains through which trade passes to Merolav. The land is rocky by the mountains before gradually sinking down into a flat fertile land.

Government

The Drakenwald government is referred to as the Dragoons which is composed of the elder Dragon riders who are no longer fit for battle as well as a horde of trained civil servants to advise them on areas such as finance or the greater political landscape. The assembly is led by the Elder Dragoon who is honourarily awarded the seat of the Patriarchal Dragon Smagol (although both are now too old to fly) and presides over the Dragoon assemblies, retaining order in the Dragon Chamber.

Laws

Drakenwalds laws are similar to Bythenias, they operate a feudal system for the surrounding lands; the peasants rent their land, and pay their dues to the city in exchange for receiving the protection of the Dragon riders in times of need. Most property belongs to the city of Drakenwald as set out in the Fiery Treaty of 230AF (After Founding, see History), but there are several wealthy independant landowners living in Drakenwald although they are expected to pay dues as well. Local constables are given special powers to enforce the peace in the outlying areas and often hold their own trials, with powers up to and including execution (although it is rarely used in favour of banishment) while in the city low level Dragoons take court.

Economy

Because of its mountain mineral wealth, the almost unique trading position with Merolav as well as its dragon mercenaries Drakenwald is extremely rich for its size, printing great big gold coins called Drakenmarques with one side featuring the imprint of a dragons head and the other listing the year and place it was created. For smaller amounts there is also the Drakentoque, with twentyfour toques to a marque.

Military

Drakenwalds military strength comes almost exclusively from its dragons, as the mighty Dragon Riders are held responsible for the protection of their land and the Harvark Pass. There are 78 active dragon riders currently with another 86 Great Drakes to call upon if necessary. See the Dragon entry for more details.

Religion

Drakenwald follows the Erurian pantheon with varying degrees of sincerity and the notable addition of Scalin, Lord of Dragons to the pantheon. There are large temples to Erur and Scalin in the city and numerous other smaller temples to the lesser gods.