Dhrinragh

= Geography = Entry into Dhrinragh from the Empire proper is done through the Plutonic Archway: a massive natural cavern entrance that has been extended and supported over the years. It guides you into the city proper, and is often flanked by Gemcutters and Legion members. There are a variety of other entrances into the city (both documented and undocumented, and natural and manmade).

Once you pass through the Plutonic Archway, you find yourself in Dhrinragh proper; there is a massive, ovoid negative shape in the middle, with several tiers of the city that can be seen at any point.

= Flora & Fauna = Dhrinragh’s placement high up on the slopes of the Dathoril Range, as well as stretching into the Range itself means it is home to several different kinds of plant and beast.

= Government = Line of succession: As a result of the Iron Lattice Concord, Dhrinragh is considered a component piece of the Artus Empire, ultimately under the authority of whoever is sitting on the Everglade Throne. However, thanks to Dhrinragh’s unique position as the co-founder of the Empire, they are not considered a simple vassal state, with the ruler of Dhrinragh subservient entirely to the Empire. Instead, Dhrinragh is considered a principality; while still providing soldiers for the Legion as well as paying taxes, Dhrinragh is given a great deal of freedom to conduct business and expansion without strict Empire oversight.

The main noble line of Dhrinragh are the Drakecloaks: a minor noble line from Criag Pros that were charged with scoping out the Dathoril Range for further settlement.

= Trade = Dhrinragh makes the bulk of its money through the creation of weaponry, arms, and jewelry, as well as the sale of raw materials mined from the mountain itself.

= Defenses = As with all component pieces of the Empire, the Divergent Legion keeps a consistent presence throughout the city. Complementing their presence however are the Dhrinragh city-guard, known as the Gemcutters. The Gemcutters are distinguished by their adherence to using axes that resemble chiseled stone, and the gems inlaid in their helmets to denote rank.

= History =

= Rumors & Legends = Many children growing up in Dhrinragh hear stories of Korrowguard, the apocryphal city of gold that was built in a night by the dwarf Korrow striking a deal with the devil of greed, Aplista. Many explorers have delved into the Dathoril Range in search of Korrowguard, but have either died or disappeared in search of it.

= Notable Locations =

The Ironwrought Citadel
The seat of power for the Drakecloaks, located on the top level of Dhrinragh. It is here that the administration of Dhrinragh and its territories is done. In addition, the Citadel also holds the Iron Lattice Concord, which is the binding document that holds the Empire together. It is kept here in a show of good faith by the Artus family to their Drakecloak allies.

It is a harsh thing of twisting metal and foreboding countenance, built in a sub cavern high above the rest of the city. As a result, the Citadel is often very cold on the inside.

The Plutonic Archway
The entrance into the city proper. An archway thirty to forty feet high, with a variety of luxstones carved and placed at strategic angles to provide mood lighting. As you walk through the Archway, you can look above a see a variety of stories carved into the walls and ceiling, giving a brief history of both the Drakecloaks and the citadel of Criag Pros from which they hail.

The Flinthrop District
The middle level of Dhrinragh. It is here that all shopping and sale of items in the city occurs.

The Hellpit
A harsh name for the lower rungs of the city, where all the smithing and processing of raw materials occurs. At practically any point in the city you can look down and see the glow of hundreds of forges, and the ring of hammers is the song that floats throughout the shops and homes. The heat constantly rises from the depths, and as such there is a marked temperature increase the further down you go.

The Jaspar Road
A massive construction project, and a joint venture between the Dhrinragh Principality and the Holy State of Sabrene. Running the length of the Dathroil Range, this road will, once completed, significantly ease traffic to and from the two countries, aiding trade significantly. As it stands in 1,283 AY, the preliminary work is done, as carts can travel to and fro for the most part. However, monster and bandit attacks are a consistent concern, and as such only the especially brave, foolhardy, or those with the means to protect themselves currently avail the road.

= Inhabitants = As one of the major Artus Empire cities, many large and small noble lines are residents of Dhrinragh. Above all else this includes the Drakecloaks, descended from two separate lines: Quella Drakecloak and her legitimized bastard half-brother Fetbar. From these two starting points the family has grown considerably in size, although authority still remains with Quella’s line.