Vladdingmore

Written by ImGoogling

History

Vladdingmore is one of the older nations in Drasdorden and also, one of the richest. The nation when founded contained Wulkan and the surrounding land, covering only a few thousand square miles. The early history of Vladdingmore was marred with violence. After being founded by the Rakshasa warlord, Jethus, The Lord of Spilled Blood, Vladdingmore experienced a series of civil wars. The five hundreds years following the founding of Vladdingmore were filled with these intermittent wars. A Kenku assassin known as Lute String killed Jethus and sealed his soul within a magical flask so that he may never take another host. Lute String served undera Goliath warlord known as Tharhan Longleader Egena-Valathi. Tharhan would go on to found Vladdingmore, the Council of Houses, and obtain the title of Night Ruler. House Egena-Valathi would maintain control over Vladdingmore for nearly seven hundred years. They led the nation into the Third Era and during the nation's expansion. House Egena-Valathi suffered a fatal blow during the Battle of Port Vertel in 323 3E when the other Houses offered devised a plan to send a naval attack on the port at dawn, while House Egena-Valathi attacked the walls. This was a ploy however, as the other Houses sided with the ruler of Port Vertel, who agreed to surrender if they were made into a House. With House Egena-Valathi destroyed, the other Houses promptly killed the ruler of Port Vertel and captured the city from within. This marked the shift to a crime driven nation and is the point that many scholars point to when determining when the influence of the Bronzedawn came into play. 

Government

Since the fall of House Egena-Valathi, the structure of Vladdingmore's government has been especially stable. The Council of Houses has maintained control over the nation with the Night Rulers at it's head. The Council primary duty is commerce and maintaining trade. In Vladdingmore commerce and trade often means state sanctioned crime. Defense was once one of the primary areas that the Council dealt with, but the rise of House Vassa and the Black Blades has moved the control of defense to one House. Many are concerned that the lack of military might for the other Houses could spell their doom. 
The Council of Houses maintains six Houses, one of which the Night Ruler must be from. The Night Ruler is not required to be a House leader, but there has yet to be a Night Ruler who is not head of their House. A House may be expelled from the Council by a majority vote of the other five Houses. A House may be admitted to by the same majority vote. Admitting a House often follows the expulsion of a House. The Council may fall below six Houses or go beyond, but precedent appears to have fixed the number at six. The Night Ruler may veto any vote that the Council undertakes should he choose to. While the veto is absolute Night Rulers rarely exercise this power because of the great anger it will cause the majority. 
The selection of a new Night Ruler is a difficult process that often leads to the shedding of blood. To be eligible to be Night Ruler a House leader must be sponsored by another House. This means that there can be at most three House leaders eligible. If all House leaders back one House leader for Night Ruler then the Night Ruler has been selected. If this does not occur, then the nobles of Vladdingmore who exist outside of Houses must vote. This leads to a form of coalition building by Houses to nobles. This process causes great violence with strong leaders being assassinated, threats are made to encourage someone to vote a certain way, and alliances are forged. Whichever House leader accumulates the most votes is the new Night Ruler until they perish. Many scholars question the role of the Bronzedawn and how much influence they play in this process.

Houses of Vladdingmore

Nobility in Vladdingmore is divided between those in a House or those who are not. Houses are formed when a family acquires many titles of nobilities and can solidify their power to gain the recognition of the Night Ruler and The Council of Houses. This process is often accomplished through marriage to bring about the formation of a House. Nobles who exist outside of a House often pledge their loyalty to one House, thus leading to a House being able to exert control beyond the members of the House. Often those who pledge loyalty to a House are the first to be considered as a possible marriage prospect for a member of the House.
The Night Ruler's power to grant titles of nobility allows the Night Ruler to grant further power to their allies, while seeking to diminish the power of their rivals. This has often led to considerable conflict between Houses and has been the downfall of many Houses in the past. Currently, there are six Houses in Vladdingmore.
House Rhoma currently holds the title of Night Ruler. The House is led by Julum Rhoma. House Rhoma is a newer House that has sprung to the forefront in the last two hundred years. House Rhoma was formed in a period when it seemed to many that humans may lose control of Vladdingmore. Many of the noble human families made marriage pacts and within a generation the formation of House Rhoma was completed. One of the unique aspects of House Rhoma is that the men of the House take multiple wives. This is one of the primary factors that has led to the sudden rise in power for the House by allowing more marriages and more ties to be forged. Julum Rhoma has five wives from the five most powerful families within the House. House Rhoma has held the title of Night Ruler for nine years and obtained the title by winning the support of various nobility through the economic prowess. The Rhoma Trading Company deals in a massive trading network that has brought exceptional prosperity to the House and its allies. With their success, House Rhoma was able to poach many nobles from other Houses to their side.
House Black Paw is compromised of Tabaxi. House Black Paw is the oldest House still in existence, dating all the way back to the founding of Vladdingmore. The House in its history has faced various challenges and celebrated triumphs. The darkest period for House Black Paw is when the son of the current House leader, Shadows in the Wind, went missing forty three years ago. After losing his son, Shadows in the Wind has yet to have another child. With his health beginning to fail, and no heir apparent, infighting within the House has begun to take place. Backstabbing, bribes, shattered loyalties, and even murder has become common place in the House. Many worry that the oldest House may soon fall without strong leadership. The House despite the current issues has continued to run successful street gangs and a drug operation that operates in close connection with that of the Bronzedawn.
House Goldbloom is a smattering of halflings, humans, gnomes, dwarves, and half-elves who have joined together and are headed by Verbrix Goldbloom, a halfling woman. The House after the Three Nights War. The Three Nights War was an up rising of slaves and peasants across Vladdingmore, but specifically in Wulkan. Three Houses fell quickly as their nobles were slaughtered due to being caught off guard. The Night Ruler eventually regained control and mass executions were carried out. There were claims that perhaps the Three Nights War was organized by the Night Ruler at the time, House Vassa. While many discredit this theory, House Goldbloom believes it to be the truth. Formed from the remnants of the fallen Houses, House Goldbloom has extreme distrust of the existing Houses and seeks to gain the allegiance of those who stand against the other Houses. House Goldbloom is known for their wide network of farms in Vladdingmore, and often provide favorable agreements to peasants farmers. Some say House Goldbloom and specifically, Verbrix Goldbloom, has hopes of creating a second Three Nights War to strike down the other Houses.
House Vassa is the most feared House, even though the power of the Night Ruler rests with House Rhoma. House Vassa is different than the other five Houses of Vladdingmore, because the House has few members. The other Houses boast at least a a couple hundred members, while House Rhoma has as many as a thousand members. House Vassa has only thirty true members. Each of them are Tieflings. The House maintains exceptionally close ties with many nobles in the country and has what some would call branch families. The current leader of House Vassa is Zorron Zypher. Zorron has led the House for nearly twenty years, and became the House leader shortly before the Three Nights War. Many accused him of purposely holding his Black Blades back while Houses were slaughtered. Some go as far to say that he started the war. House Vassa controls the mercenary army that is the Black Blades. The question of how nearly fifty thousand men have been brought under the control of a single family is often questioned. The question has many answers. Bribery, supplying of drugs, safety, and many other shady dealings are likely the explanation.
House Wuldhall is compromised of Dragonborns. Dragonborns were the first settlers in the area that is now Wulkan. They were fleeing the eruptions of the Skrag Mountains and founded Wulkan. As more races moved to the regions and the land became filled with crime, the Dragonborns fled and dispersed across Drasdorden. A couple hundred years ago they began to return to Vladdingmore and Wulkan. There they became strong warriors and jewelers. Most of all they sought to return a sense of nobility to Vladdingmore. That motivation spurred the establishment of House Wuldhall. Currently, the copper Dragonborn Kinkik Jarcrath rules the House. House Wuldhall is often known to stand in opposition to House Vassa, and has recently forged a tentative alliance with House Goldbloom.
House Zuvolath is the single House that has no members permanently reside in Wulkan. The Tritons that compromise House Zuvolath live in underwater caverns underneath the Aqu Strait by Wulkan. They appeared a thousand years ago and demanded that they be given a place on the Council of Six or they would prevent any ships from ever reaching the shores of Vladdingmore. Fearing that threat, a House was immediately expelled from the Council of Six and House Zuvolath was added. Their leaders rarely emerge from the depths of the ocean surrounding Vladdingmore, but when they do they are accompanied by four Water Elementals.

Society & Culture

Wealth equals power in Vladdingmore, assuming you can keep someone from stealing it. The true power of an individual is measured by the amount of money they have, how much land they own, or even the number of slaves they have. Titles of nobility are not only way to demonstrate power, but often may be a sign of wealth because the titles can be bought from the Night Ruler, at the right price. Among the elites, especially those of the Houses, extravagant parties are often held at their estates. 
Vladdingmore's most prized properties are in two locations. First, the Spires in Wulkan. The Spires are tall, plateaus in the city. The Spires rise above the ash filled air and buildings of the lower districts. Here wealthy individuals enjoy fresh air and magnificent views while the lower classes grovel below. The second highly prized property are estates north of Port Vertel in the Fire Woods. These homes dwarf the estates in the Spires and lay hidden deep with the thick forest. Many are built directly on the coastline. 
Vladdingmore highly regulates the use of magic. Arcane magic is outright banned unless sanctioned by the Council of Houses. The Council established the Order of Arcane Arbiters to manage mages within Vladdingmore. The Order requires any arcane magic user to register their spellbooks with the Order, and often require extremely high fees to be allowed to practice arcane magic within Vladdingmore. Alternatively, a mage could join the Order and have free reign to use magic, but find themselves in service of the Order's leadership. Notably, divine magic of clerics and paladins are the only magic exempt under this law. Any violation of ban is met with a death sentence.

Structure

Night Ruler: The highest ranking noble in Vladdingmore. The Night Ruler sits atop the Council of Houses

Demography and Population

The population of Vladdingmore is roughly 6.2 million. The population is highly diverse (31% humans, 17% gnomes, 16% halflings, 11% tabaxi, 9% dwarves, 16% other).

Military

The Black Blades are the standing military force for Vladdingmore. The Black Blades are operated by House Vassa and are the primary source of standing and money for House Vassa. The Black Blades are easily identified by their all black armor and the black crow crest of House Vassa. Each Black Blade carries a specially made black scimitar that is imbued with necrotic energy. The Black Blades are known for their willingness to use the power vested in them to the absolute bounds allowed. The common folk are especially susceptible to violence at the hands of The Black Blades.

Religion

Vladdingmore is centered on commerce, especially Wulkan. Waukeen is the primary deity that Vladmorians worship and seek her blessing before engaging in a barter, a trading mission, or auctions. While, Waukeen may be the primary deity, many of those in Vladdingmore worship. Mask, the God of Thieves, often has prayers directed to him by the various criminals that reside in Vladdingmore.

Agriculture & Industry

Vladdingmore is not known for agriculture products, but does have a handful of crops that flourish. Grains and potatoes do especially well in the western and southern regions, especially along the Axe Road on the eastern coast. Tomatoes grown on the Black Coast are highly regarded in the region due to the increased acidity from being grown in the volcanic soil of the region. 
The criminal industries of Vladdingmore are by far the most profitable industry in the country. Production of drugs and smuggling of drugs are one of the most profitable due to the country's expansive coastline. The following are three of the most common drugs in Vladdingmore. Halfling Weed: Most often dried, chopped, and smoked. Causes extreme emotions to abate and induces near euphoric mellow-ness and, occasionally, a user will experience mild hallucinations. Side effects include increased appetite and red, puffy eyes. Dream Flake: Thin slivers of a dried, black fungus. When place between cheek and gum, it induces hallucinations and euphoria. When smoked, the user enters an extremely vivid waking dream, which can last for hours. Extended use blackens the teeth and make 'bad trips' more common. Addictive. Patch: It works similarly to ecstasy, expanding yourself to feel the sensations all around you. It grants the ability to speak with plants and animals for 1d4+1 hours, and the comedown has a DC15 CON save. Failing the save adds one point of exhaustion immediately after waking from the first long rest you take, and lasts until completing the next long rest. 
Piracy and the slaver markets that follow it are also common place in Vladdingmore. The primary markets are in Wulkan, where during the late summer and early fall the harbors will be filled with ships delivering their cargo. Fishing may Assassins, robbers, and many other criminal activities are found in Vladdingmore. 
Vladdingmore is not only filled with harsh criminal activity but also has a substantial mining industry due the presence of dwarves in the Black Coast and along the Axe Road. These mines are known to produce rare materials such as Chardalyn, Mithral, and Adamantine. Other more common ores and gems consist of a high level of the production of the mines. The mines around the Black Coast are known especially for the production of diamonds due to the pressure of volcanic vents that form the large veins.

Trade & Transport

The Axe Road stretches from the tip of the Poronin Peninsula to Port Vertel that lies just east of Brondheim. The Axe Road passes through the Golanin Hills to reach Wulkan and then stretches south to Port Vertel. For many seeking to reach Wulkan, or another location in Vladdingmore, the Axe Road is often safer than taking a ship. The fear of bandits and brigands is always present and a traveler is best to not travel the road alone. The Axe Road earned its name for the vast number of axes planted in the ground on the southern stretch of the road near Port Vertel. Logging was and is still prevalent in the region. Many of the axes mark grave markers for loggers who perished, often at the hands followers of various nature gods, such as Silvanus, who believed that the loggers were interfering with the natural world. 
The logs that are collected along the Axe Road are shipped to Port Vertel, where they are either processed, used in construction, or shipped. The Axe Road is also a popular trade route for those who ship the ores and gems of the Dwarven mines in the area. The agriculture in the Golanin Hills will use the Axe Road to ship to Wulkan. These trips often are compromised of whole harvests from villages who pool their wealth to fund the defense of the caravans.

Alone we stand, alone we shall prosper.

Climate

Vladdingmore experiences a wide range of weather. The Skrag Mountains and the surrounding region remains hot and dry due to the rain shadow from the Kjempe Peaks and volcanic vents. The region stretching from the Golanin Hills to Port Vertel in the south has a temperate climate and receives considerably rain in the fall, when wind patterns shift and counteract the rain shadow of the Kjempe Peaks. The western section of Vladdingmore, has increasingly warm weather the farther west you travel. Summers in Vladdingmore are known to be hot and dry, while the winters are especially harsh. Blizzards often form in the swirling winds of the Kjempe Peaks. These storms can deposit a couple feet of snow in just a few hours. Towns and villages in the Kjempe Peaks often become isolated during the winter.

Geographical Features

Bodies of Water

Aqu Strait A narrow passage of water the divides the island, Meckallok, from mainland Drasdorden. The Strait is now home to Tritons.
Black Bay A small bay located south of Wulkan that divides the Skrag Mountains. The bay often turns black as volcanic ash is deposited in the bay. Ancient legends tell of a black dragon who once resided in the bay.
Langtvann The largest bay in Vladdingmore. It is a popular shipping route that is plagued with pirates who hide in the rocky alcoves on the eastern side of the bay.

Forests

Fire Woods Located in the southern region of Vladdingmore, the forest is named for the bright reds of the leaves in fall.

Hills

Golanin Hills Located west of Wulkan, these hills are named after the Hill Giant who once ruled them. Now gone, small villages populate the hills. Fields of grain and orchards thrive in the hills.

Mountains

Kjempe Peaks The tallest mountains in all of Drasdoren form most of Vladdingmore's western border. Rich minerals lie deep within the peaks.
Skrag Mountains Located in the east of Vladdingmore, this volcanic range of mountains often spews black ash into the sky.
Sorbrann and Nordbrann The two most active volcanos in the Skrags. Sorbrann lies to the south and Nordbrann to the north. Legends say that two Flame Dragons brothers guard entrances to the Plane of Fire within the volcanos.

Valleys

Ashenfall Splitting the Skrag Mountains in the north, Ashenfall is a region that few dare travel to. The volcanic vents in the region spew toxic fumes that few can survive. Flame elementals, fire newts, flame salamanders, and other fiery creatures reside in the valley. Perhaps most terrifying is that many of the cooled volcanic vents survive as passage ways to the Underdark, and travelers in the valley often report seeing Drow in the area.

Founding Date

9163 2E

Demonym

Vladmorians

Leader

Julum Rhoma

Leader Title

The Night Ruler

Head of State

Julum Rhoma

Head of Government

Julum Rhoma

Government System

Oligarchy

Power Structure

Client state / puppet state

Economic System

Market economy

Official State Religion

Waukeen, the Golden Lady

Deities

• Mask, The Lord of Shadows

Controlled Territories

• Lost Way
• The Shore of Dusk
• Wulkan, City of Ash

Neighboring Nations

• Astoria, The Final City of the Giants
• The Morrand Alliance

Settlements

• Wulkan (pop. 241,000): The "City of Ash" is the capital of Vladdingmore. It lies at the major crossroads of the Axe Road and lies on the Aqu Strait. Here the Night Ruler and the Council of Houses conduct their business. The city serves as a massive trading hub for smuggled goods, drugs, and slaves. 
• Port Vertel (pop. 89,672): The second largest city in Vladdingmore, Port Vertel is an important shipping hub for the nation and is known as one of the most difficult cities to conquer because the city lies on a peninsula. The city is a large manufacturer of ships.
• Mil Thorim (pop. 32,981): One of the three dwarven sister cities in Vladdingmore. The city has grown in diversity in recent centuries. The city serves as an important source of minerals for Vladdingmore. The city is built partially into the Skrag Mountains and is located between Langtvann and the Black Bay.
• Kholdor (39,128): The largest of the dwarven sister cities, Kholdor is located just east of the Black Bay. Due to close proximity to Sorbrann the city attracts worshippers of Kossuth and Tiamat. The city itself has a large temple dedicated to Moradin. Kholdor is known for weapons forged from obsidian. The obsidian is mined from veins surrounding Sorbrann. The obsidian is said to cool after being heated from the fire of a flame dragon. 
• Vern Daruhl (pop. 19,385): The smallest of the dwarven sister cities, Vern Daruhl is located just south of Nordbrann. The city suffered a significant loss of population in 241 3E when the mines below the city were breached by Duergars. Since the attack, mining in the city has nearly ceased and most dwarves have fled to Kholdor and Mil Thorim. The city now houses a diverse population and is the primary military city in Vladdingmore. 
• Brackhill Castle (pop. 5,435): Located near the western border of Vladdingmore, the Castle and surrounding town serves as the first line of defense and as a trading town along the Axe Road. 
• Gesvad (pop. 971): Existing high in the Kjempe Peaks, Gesvad is the only town under the control of Vladdingmore that exists beyond it's borders. The town serves as an important trading post in the summer when travel through the mountain passes is possible. During the winter the town is nearly impossible to reach. 

Ruins

The Molten Borough Located north of Ashenfall, The Molten Borough was a temple dedicated to Garyx, a Dragon god of fire, destruction, and renewal. The Borough was the site of many sacrifices, where worshippers would burn a portion of their body away. It was common for worshippers to be missing many appendages. The most devoted would be nothing more than a torso and head. Those who sought the ultimate sacrifice would bathe in fire and their soul and flesh to Garyx to be cleansed. Adventurers say that a volcanic vent located in the center of the temple spews multi colored fire. 
Shore of Dusk Located just north of the Golanin Hills, the Shore of Dusk is what remains of an ancient Elven city. Long ago the city was engaged in a war with the Dwarves in the region. A mage who was growing tired of the war sought a way to put an end to the war. He found the answer in lichdom. Believing that he could remain his humanity and save his people he proceeded with the ritual. He would succeed in both ending the war and achieving lichdom. Most would say he failed however. After obtaining lichdom, the mage went on a rampage destroying the city and driving the Dwarves back. Going mad within days the now Lich unleashed a spell that destroyed himself, but has forever turned the ancient city into a city of undead. Black clouds block the sunlight from ever reaching the barren roads, and the stench of death will forever cling to the air there. Adventurers say that great treasures exist in the Shore of Dusk, but few ever survive a journey to the ancient city. 
The Vault of Dragons The location of the Vault of Dragons is unknown. The Vault is said to have once served as the base of operations for the Cult of the Dragon, before the Achivelli destroyed it. Legends have it that the Vault contains hundreds of magical artifacts and perhaps millions of pieces of platinum and gold that were once part of the hoard of the Dracolich, Jagos, The Redeemer. Speculation has been made that the Vault could be located in the Skrag Mountains or the Kjempe Peaks. Other possible locations could be Mount Edaka, the Grototens, the Grantacken Range, or even Sorra's Storm in the Bayris Sea.