Drakrarroth
Drakrarroth is the secluded, rapidly-growing settlement of Kobolds and Forest Gnomes located deep within the Savage Grove, a dense and dangerous forest. The town reflects the Kobolds' connection to dragons and their ambitions to reclaim influence in Astrium by gaining a seat on the Astrium Council. Its name evokes both their draconic heritage and their resurgence as a community. Drakrarroth is a hidden, fortified refuge where its inhabitants have built an underground network of tunnels and homes nestled beneath ancient trees, utilizing natural camouflage and their resourcefulness to avoid predators and unwanted attention.
Founded in 804 by Krivixis, a cunning Kobold leader, and Eldwyn Greenthumb, a renowned Forest Gnome druid.
Demographics
(70% Kobolds, 30% Forest Gnomes).
- Kobolds: Fiercely loyal to their draconic roots, skilled in crafting traps, and resourceful in defense.
- Forest Gnomes: Experts in magic and land-based survival, using illusion magic to hide the settlement and provide food and shelter.
Government
Drakrarroth is governed by a Conclave of Scales and Roots, made up of Kobold elders and Forest Gnome druids. Decisions are made through a blend of draconic tradition and natural magic, with the council focusing on ensuring the survival of their people and the preservation of the Savage Grove.
Defences
Drakrarroth’s defense relies on intricate traps, hidden tunnels, and the natural camouflage provided by the Savage Grove. Every entrance is fortified with ambush points, poisoned arrows, and magical illusions. The Watchers of the Scale, a mixed group of Kobolds and Forest Gnomes, patrol and protect the settlement.
Industry & Trade
Drakrarroth primarily trades in:
Herbs and potions: Grown and produced in the Whispering Grove.
Traps and simple weaponry: Crafted in Serpent’s Forge and traded with nearby regions.
Magical items: Minor enchanted goods made through the collaboration of Gnomes and Kobolds.
Infrastructure
The infrastructure of Drakrarroth is built around its underground tunnel systems, hollowed-out trees, and burrows. It includes:
- Caves of Crafting: Where Kobolds create tools, traps, and magical devices.
- Druid Circles: Forest Gnome sanctuaries where rituals are performed to maintain harmony with the natural surroundings.
- Hidden Passageways: Tunnels connecting various parts of the settlement, used for defense and escape.
Districts
- Talon's Keep: The central hub for leadership and decision-making. The Conclave of Scales and Roots gathers here to govern.
- Serpent’s Forge: A district dedicated to Kobold crafting and trap-making. Traps for protection and tools for daily life are created here.
- Whispering Grove: The sacred druid district, where Forest Gnome magic weaves protection into the land and illusions hide the town.
Assets
- Venomclaw Armory: Specializes in creating simple weapons and armor enhanced with poison, using the resources of the Savage Grove.
- Burrowtail Apothecary: A Forest Gnome-run shop that provides potions, herbal remedies, and magical items.
- Fang and Claw Market: A general marketplace where residents trade for food, crafted goods, and minor magic items.
Guilds and Factions
- The Draconic Order: A group of Kobold scholars and warriors who revere dragonkind and advocate for a return to power.
- The Green Claw Alliance: A faction of Forest Gnomes working to ensure the preservation of the Grove while assisting in Drakrarroth’s growth.
- The Hidden Talon: A secretive group of Kobolds that specializes in espionage and covert operations, working to ensure the settlement's security.
Points of interest
- The Draconic Shrine: An ancient ruin where Kobolds gather to honor the dragons they revere.
- Whisperwood Sanctum: A sacred grove used by Forest Gnomes to perform powerful magic.
- The Hall of Scales: The meeting place of the Council, decorated with relics from past Kobold and Gnome leaders.
Tourism
Though secretive, Drakrarroth occasionally welcomes visitors under strict protection. Travelers interested in draconic lore or natural magic seek out the settlement to learn from its elders.
Celebration
Dragon's Resurgence
Held annually in Drakrarroth on the 14th of Sylvara, the Festival of the Dragon’s Resurgence is a day-long celebration honoring the Kobolds' draconic heritage and their resurgence as a community within Astrium. It marks their ongoing efforts to reclaim influence and power, and serves as a rallying cry for unity and strength among the Kobolds and Forest Gnomes of the settlement.
The Dawn of Scales
The day begins at dawn with the Dawn of Scales, a ceremonial march where Kobolds and Forest Gnomes gather at the Draconic Shrine to offer tribute. Each family places an offering—a symbol of their skill or trade, such as a crafted tool or a magical herb—at the shrine. The air is filled with chants in Draconic and ancient Gnomish, calling for the protection and guidance of the dragons.
The Trials of the Scaled and Rooted
The morning festivities include the Trials of the Scaled and Rooted, a series of challenges that test participants' cunning, agility, and cooperation. Kobolds and Forest Gnomes team up to navigate complex mazes, disarm traps, and solve puzzles, symbolizing their shared efforts to defend and grow Drakrarroth. The winners receive handcrafted treasures and are honored for their contributions to the settlement’s resilience.
The Dragon’s Feast
At midday, the Dragon’s Feast is held in the central square of the settlement, featuring dishes made from local ingredients, including game hunted in the Savage Grove and delicacies grown by the Forest Gnomes. During the feast, elders share stories of the Kobolds' ancient servitude to dragons and the Forest Gnomes’ mastery of the land, reinforcing the bond between the two communities.
The Breath of Fire and Magic
As evening approaches, the most anticipated event begins—the Breath of Fire and Magic, a grand display of pyrotechnics and illusion magic. The forest canopy lights up with swirling colors and dancing flames, created by a combination of Kobold ingenuity and Forest Gnome magic. Illusions of great dragons soar overhead, and the crowd watches in awe as these magical creatures seem to breathe fire and cast spells, filling the night sky with vibrant energy.
The Rally of Scales
The celebration concludes with the Rally of Scales, where the leaders of Drakrarroth—both Kobold and Gnome—give speeches of unity and hope. They speak of the settlement’s continued growth and its aspirations to be recognized by the Astrium Council. The day ends with a final chant in unison, honoring both the past and the bright future that lies ahead for Drakrarroth.
The Festival of the Dragon’s Resurgence not only strengthens bonds within the settlement but also serves as a reminder of the community's determination to rise once again as a formidable power in Astrium.
Architecture
The architecture is a mix of burrows dug into the earth and hollowed-out trees. Kobolds build functional structures hidden within the landscape, while Forest Gnomes use magic to enhance and protect these homes. The city has a naturally camouflaged appearance, blending with the dense undergrowth of the forest.
Geography
Drakrarroth is located deep within the Savage Grove, a sprawling forest with towering ancient trees and dangerous wildlife. The town is well-hidden by the dense foliage and natural features.
Climate
The Savage Grove experiences a humid, temperate climate with frequent rainfall, making it a lush but dangerous place to live. Mists often hang over the treetops, providing additional cover.
Natural Resources
- Medicinal herbs: Used by the apothecaries for potions and remedies.
- Rare poisons: Extracted from venomous creatures of the Grove.
- Wood and stone: Gathered for crafting and building, although used sparingly to preserve the natural environment.
Founding Date
854
Founders
Type
Town
Population
5000
Location under
Characters in Location
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