Urdrus

Urdrus, meaning "Order" in Draconic, is a grand, ancient city located at the southernmost edge of Astrium. Built over 1000 years ago by the Dragonborn in the aftermath of the Prismatic Parliament's fall, Urdrus stands as a testament to the Dragonborn’s legacy, endurance, and adherence to the rule of law. The Dragonborn, born from the bloodlines of dragons, have kept the spirit of their ancestors alive in this defensible city, which has become both a center of governance and a place of skilled craftsmanship, especially in smithing and the creation of artisanal tools. As one of the oldest cities in Astrium, Urdrus remains a pillar of law and order, reflecting the age-old structure the dragons once enforced over the land.
Year: 470 BD (Before the Division) Founder: Vorgathin Flameclaw, a prominent Dragonborn leader who sought to secure his people after the collapse of dragon rule.

Demographics

Dragonborn (80%) Humans (10%) Dwarves (5%) Other (5%): This includes Tieflings, Aarakocra, and a small community of Kobolds who serve as artisans and assistants.

Government

Urdrus is governed by a Council of Scales, a ruling body composed of representatives from each dragon bloodline—Chromatic, Metallic, and Gem Dragonborn—who ensure the laws of the city and the broader lands of Astrium are maintained. The High Arbiter, currently Naeros Ironheart, a Silver Dragonborn, leads the council and acts as the city's judicial authority. The Dragonborn have long taken responsibility for maintaining order across Astrium, often influencing or directly advising the Astrium Council in times of conflict or political need.

Defences

Urdrus is a fortified city with natural defenses on nearly every side, including sheer cliffs and deep ravines. The walls are built of dragonstone, a magically reinforced stone that repels attackers. The Drakeguard, an elite force of Dragonborn soldiers, patrol the walls, ensuring the city’s safety. The Council of Scales also maintains a standing army of Dragonborn warriors, trained in both combat and the use of draconic magic.

Industry & Trade

Urdrus’ economy thrives on its smithing industry, producing some of the finest weapons and armor in all of Astrium. Its Dragonforged Steel is highly sought after, and their magical wares are sold throughout the continent. The city also engages in the trade of precious metals and gemstones, often mined from the nearby Bloodstone Caverns, and crafted into intricate jewelry and magical items

Infrastructure

Urdrus is a marvel of both ancient and modern architecture. Its stonework is both sturdy and beautiful, with each building constructed with the precision of Dragonborn artisans and their innate connection to draconic magic. The streets are wide and built with large, intricate tiles carved with dragon symbols representing strength, wisdom, and unity. The city is separated into several distinct districts that divide the populace by function and purpose, each fortified by natural defenses like cliffs and ravines.

Districts

• The Hoard District: Home to the elite of Dragonborn society, this district houses the wealthiest and most influential Dragonborn, including those descended from the most prestigious dragon bloodlines. It is also where the Council of Scales meets in the Chamber of Ancients.
• Forgehaven: The heart of Dragonborn industry, Forgehaven is where the city’s most talented blacksmiths, armorers, and artisans craft some of the finest weapons, armor, and magical items in Astrium. It is renowned for its Dragonforged Steel, a highly prized material in weaponry and armor.
• The Order's Ward: This district houses Urdrus' administrative and military institutions. The Council of Scales headquarters is here, along with the Drakeguard Barracks, where the city’s elite warriors train and prepare to defend the city.
• Tradehold: This bustling district is home to the merchants, traders, and general populace. It is the commercial heart of Urdrus, where goods from across Astrium are traded and sold. The marketplace is renowned for its Dragonborn artisan crafts and magical wares.
• Shrine Heights: Located at the highest point of Urdrus, this district is dedicated to worship and reflection. It houses temples dedicated to ancient dragon gods and shrines to the ancestors of Dragonborn bloodlines.

Assets

Blacksmiths and Armories: Forgehaven is known for its Dragonforged Steel, weapons, and armor crafted by the best Dragonborn smiths. Apothecaries: Several apothecaries supply medicinal herbs and magical potions. Magic Item Vendors: Enchanted items crafted by Dragonborn artisans are sold in Tradehold, especially rings of protection and dragon-themed relics. Tailors: Tailors specialize in draconic-themed garments, often reinforced with light armor for protection. Artisan Toolmakers: Known for their precision and craftsmanship, Dragonborn artisans produce high-quality tools for crafting, smithing, and other professions.

Guilds and Factions

Claw and Fang: A mythical mercenary order made up of one chromatic dragon of each type, dedicated to undoing the tyranny of the Prismatic Parliament. Though their members are scattered across Astrium, their headquarters and sacred meeting grounds are in Urdrus. Anvils of Varkoth: A powerful guild of master blacksmiths that has produced some of Astrium’s finest weapons and armor, often imbuing their creations with draconic magic. The Scaled Guard: The elite fighting force of Urdrus, composed of Dragonborn warriors and wyvern riders who protect the city and enforce the will of the Council of Elders. The Ironclaw Smiths' Guild: A prestigious guild of smiths known for their expertise in working with Dragonforged Steel. The Drakeguard: The city's elite military force, responsible for its defense. Members of this faction are trained in both martial combat and draconic magic. The Ancestral Circle: A group of Dragonborn priests and scholars dedicated to preserving the history and traditions of dragonkind.

Points of interest

• Chamber of Ancients: The seat of the Council of Scales, where laws are made, and draconic artifacts are kept.
• Drakeguard Barracks: The training grounds for Urdrus' elite military force.
• Runeforge: A legendary forge said to be blessed by ancient dragon fire, where the finest weapons are created.
• Bloodstone Caverns: A network of caves where Dragonborn miners extract valuable ores and gemstones used in their trade.
• Arena of Scales: A massive arena where Dragonborn and their wyvern companions compete in epic battles.
• The Scorched Wing Apothecary: Famous for rare potions and draconic alchemical ingredients.
• The Grand Forge of Urdrus: Where master blacksmiths craft their legendary weapons and armor.

Halls of Roaring Valor – Urdrus In Urdrus, the Halls of Roaring Valor stands as a fortress of Kord’s worship, set high atop the cliffs of a storm-ravaged mountain range. The citadel-like temple is crafted from ironwood and granite, forged to withstand the powerful winds and thunderous rains that frequently batter its walls. The exterior is lined with carved depictions of Kord’s battles and the many feats of his followers, including past champions and heroes who have proven themselves in trials of strength. Inside, stone benches line a central pathway leading to an altar where a massive thunderstone, rumored to have fallen from a great tempest, rests upon an iron plinth. Each year, a sacred ceremony known as the Rite of the Shattered Sky is held, where followers gather to witness mighty warriors spar in lightning-lit bouts, competing for the honor of receiving Kord’s blessings. These halls are also a refuge for those seeking strength to face their greatest challenges, a place where soldiers, mercenaries, and even local hunters find empowerment through Kord’s teachings of bravery and perseverance.
Platinum Hall of Shields – Urdrus Urdrus, known for its rugged landscape and history of warfare, houses the Platinum Hall of Shields, a fortified temple and armory dedicated to Bahamut. The hall is an imposing structure, surrounded by high walls and turrets that stand as symbols of Bahamut’s vigilance. Inside, gleaming suits of armor and shields bearing Bahamut’s crest line the walls, along with weapons forged in the Platinum Dragon’s honor. At its heart is the Forge of Justice, an anvil imbued with Bahamut’s divine essence where skilled blacksmiths craft weapons for the order, believing each weapon to be blessed for defenders of the innocent. The hall’s grand altar is a massive platinum shield engraved with depictions of Bahamut’s triumphs over malevolent creatures and tyrants. Before battles or significant conflicts, followers perform the Ritual of Honored Steel, a rite of blessing and fortification where weapons and armor are consecrated to bring Bahamut’s strength and protection to those who wield them. The Platinum Hall serves not only as a place of worship but as a training ground for those sworn to uphold Bahamut’s virtues in the face of adversity.

Tourism

Tourism in Urdrus revolves around its ancient architecture, the Council of Scales, and the city's artisan markets. Scholars and historians from across Astrium visit Urdrus to study its long history and the draconic artifacts preserved in the Chamber of Ancients.
Celebration The Day of the Dragon's Will is a revered and solemn holiday in Urdrus, commemorating the unwavering will of the dragons and the Dragonborn’s dedication to preserving their ancient law and order. It is a day that emphasizes the Dragonborn's continued role as protectors of Astrium, standing in for their ancestors, the dragons, who once ruled the skies. The holiday also highlights the importance of balance between the different Dragonborn factions—Metallic, Chromatic, and Gem Dragonborn—especially in the face of external and internal threats.
History and Significance The holiday traces its origins back to 470 BD, the founding year of Urdrus by Vorgathin Flameclaw. Following the collapse of the Prismatic Parliament and the exile of the chromatic dragons, the Dragonborn found themselves without guidance for the first time. This day was established by Vorgathin as a reminder of the Dragon’s Will—the dragons’ mandate to protect their hoards, territories, and maintain balance over Astrium.
The holiday also serves as a day of reflection on the Claw and Fang, the secretive mercenary order composed of one chromatic dragonborn from each type. While few know the true members of the Claw and Fang, their legacy is celebrated for their efforts in working from the shadows to prevent the tyranny of the Prismatic Parliament from returning.
Rituals and Traditions

• The Thunder March: The day begins with the Thunder March, a procession of armored Dragonborn warriors walking through the Order's Ward and the Hoard District. As the first crack of thunder sounds, the Dragonborn march through the streets, wielding their weapons and invoking the strength of their ancestors. The march is symbolic of their unity and readiness to defend Urdrus and the world from any threat, just as the dragons once did.

• The Ritual of Scales: At noon, Dragonborn of all bloodlines gather in the Chamber of Ancients to participate in the Ritual of Scales, where representatives from each Dragonborn faction (Metallic, Chromatic, and Gem) pledge their loyalty to the ideals of order, balance, and protection. It is a highly symbolic event, representing the harmony between the Dragonborn, despite their differing ancestries.

• Anvil of Ancients: In Forgehaven, the city's skilled blacksmiths spend the day crafting powerful weapons and armor as a tribute to their draconic heritage. One special item is crafted from Dragonforged Steel and blessed by the Council of Scales to be gifted to a warrior who has demonstrated exceptional bravery and loyalty to Urdrus. This year, the award is named after one of the fallen members of the Claw and Fang.

• The Skywatcher’s Vigil: At sunset, Dragonborn gather in Shrine Heights to perform the Skywatcher’s Vigil. They gaze toward the distant sky, silently communing with the spirit of the dragons who once ruled above. It is a time of quiet reflection, where Dragonborn remember their ancestors and seek guidance for the future. The vigil is often accompanied by quiet prayers and small offerings placed at the foot of ancient dragon statues.

• The Draconic Blessing: During the final hours of the day, the High Arbiter leads the Draconic Blessing, a powerful ritual where the city's strongest warriors, artisans, and scholars are blessed by ancient draconic magic. This blessing symbolizes the continued will of the dragons flowing through their descendants and prepares them for another year of leadership and protection over Astrium.

Festivities

• Thunderous Revelry: After the Thunder March, the city comes alive with joyous celebration. Music, storytelling, and feasting fill the streets, with Dragonborn and visitors alike enjoying a range of draconic-themed dishes like Fire Roasted Wyvern and Molten Lava Stew.
• The Claw and Fang Feast: In secret, members of the Claw and Fang host a private feast, where they toast to their clandestine victories and reaffirm their mission to prevent the return of the Prismatic Parliament’s tyranny.
• Tradehold Fair: In Tradehold, a bustling market opens where visitors can purchase weapons, armor, and magical items forged especially for the holiday. Special dragon relics and artifacts from the Runeforge are sold at high prices to those seeking to wield the strength of dragonkind.

Impact on Urdrus The Day of the Dragon’s Will is a crucial event for the people of Urdrus, reinforcing their identity as the descendants of dragons and protectors of order in Astrium. The holiday not only strengthens unity between the factions but also serves as a day of remembrance for the fallen members of the Claw and Fang, ensuring their efforts to prevent tyranny are not forgotten. It is a time for all Dragonborn to reflect on their duty to maintain balance, order, and protection in the land.
The holiday also attracts visitors, scholars, and warriors from across Astrium who come to witness the strength of the Dragonborn and participate in the grand ceremonies and festivities, making it one of the most important cultural and political events in the region.

Architecture

Urdrus is constructed from dark stone mined from the surrounding mountains, reinforced with draconic enchantments. The buildings are angular yet elegant, with high towers capped by dragon-shaped spires. Massive dragon statues line the city’s streets, a reminder of the city's ancient ties to the dragons themselves.

Geography

Urdrus is located in a remote, defensible position in the southern regions of Astrium. It sits on a plateau surrounded by sheer cliffs, with views of the Bloodstone Caverns and distant volcanic mountains to the west. The location was chosen for its natural defensive advantages and its proximity to valuable mineral resources.

Climate

Urdrus experiences a temperate climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Due to its elevation, the city is often shrouded in low-hanging clouds, giving it a mystical and ominous appearance.

Natural Resources

The city is rich in precious metals, including gold, silver, and a unique mineral called dragonstone, used for both construction and magical purposes. The Bloodstone Caverns provide the city with gemstones and ores essential for their smithing industry.

Founding Date

470BD

Founders

• Vorgathin Flameclaw

Type

City

Population

55,000

Characters in Location

• Scorvax Embergleam