Niole Dra

The capital of the Kingdom of Keoland has constituted an independent territory since the formal founding of the nation.
Niole Dra or "Old Dragon" in the ancient Suloise tongue, is the capital and seat of royal power for Keoland. This timeless and noble city dates back to the original Suel migrations. It is the oldest known center of government in Flanaess, and the mixture of races and cultures makes it a colorful and cosmopolitan metropolis of 25,000 people. Niole Dra has been called "the city where beautiful people shop."
Niole Dra was established soon after the migrations by the nobles of House Neheli as a governing demesne for the Duchy of Dorlin. However, its active control eventually passed to a bureaucracy appointed by the Council of Niole Dra when it became the capital of the united kingdom some decades later. It is one of the most impressive standing cities in the Flanaess.
According to legend, the placement of Niole Dra was determined by the seers of House Neheli, and its present location supposedly holds some mystical purpose. In any case, the majestic and sprawling city is located along the western bank of the Sheldomar River, at the northernmost point where it is still navigable to smaller seagoing vessels. In nine centuries it has never been besieged or touched by warfare. The city sports only token walls and fortifications. and most of these are adornments that only add to its acclaimed beauty. Niole Dra's quarters, of which there are more than a dozen, are separated by hanging gardens instead of walls, one more splendid than the next. The architectural style brings together the best of Suel and Oeridian influences, with soaring towers and open squares commonplace. All of these refinements contribute to the attitude of its residents, which is often described by outsiders as serene, slumberous, and even decadent.
Niole Dra is an active port, though it only sports a fraction of the traffic of Gradsul at the mouth of the Sheldomar. Barges travel southward to the capital from as far north as the headwaters of the Lort River, carrying trade from the Gran March and Waybury in the Duchy of Ulek, benefiting the city greatly. Niole Dra is administered by a lord mayor who reports regularly to the reigning king and his court at Santhmor, the royal palace, which dominates the western skyline. Currently, His Honor Pugnace Dillip holds the office of mayor. His appointment, as that of all mayors, was secured by the Court of the Land, which also affords him the budget needed to sustain a large bureaucracy. This bureaucracy is necessary to support the complex ritual and formality which dominates the culture of the city, a role that the corpulent, fatuous mayor takes on with ill concealed glee.
While the official precincts of Niole Dra extend to little more than a day's march in all directions, the population of the district falls off rapidly outside the city's immediate limits. Other than a handful of fortresses that house some of the kingdom's standing forces, most of this open land is featureless and not under cultivation. Well worn roads lined with trees emerge from the city in all directions, leading to the various provinces of Keoland. Only one fortress of note lies within the region, and that is located in the flat plains some 25 miles directly south of the capital, near the border with the Earldom of Linth. It is a lonely spire. known as The Silent Tower, home of an ancient order of ascetic sorcerers descended from the early seers of the Neheli. It is avoided by most southerly traffic, which instead favors the river road to Segor.
Though the public markets of Niole Dra are busy, the politics of court are the real traffic and trade of the city. Over a hundred nobles or their representatives maintain offices in the capital, most of them near the halls of the Court of the Land. Seats in these council chambers are emblazoned with the family crests of all the nobles, including those of provinces long since lost, with the whole affair being highly ritualistic. The figure of Archmage Lashton, chief advisor to the court and head of the academy of wizardry located in the Blind Quarter, cuts a large swath in the city. It is well known that King Kimbertos Skotti, who was an avid ranger in his youth, dislikes the city and can often be found instead at his retreat near Linnoden, where he is good friends with the Baron of Axewood. Skotti has already gained the nickname "The Commoner" from clucking critics. Without the king's moderating influence, various factions make bold efforts to promote their agendas before the Council, turning the city into a hotbed of intrigue.

Districts

Noble Estates:
This expansive district is where a majority of the noble estates reside. Although there are no walls around the Estates, each estate has a retinue of men-at-arms who keep watch over their demesne, regardless of whether the noble is currently in residence. With few exceptions, each noble has estates elsewhere, and typically only reside in Niole Dra when King Skotti is holding court. Those that do reside here for most of year have enduring duties with the Court of the Land.
Court of the Land:
The Court of the Land is the ruling seat of both Keoland and Niole Dra and this island is where almost all Keoish bureaucrats carry out their daily duties. King Scotti holds formal court at the Capitolium and the Council of Niole Dra meets there as well. There are two bridges on and off the island, with each being guarded by imposing gate houses. The island on which the Court resides rises above the surrounding area, with steep cliffs on all sides. Some say this island was created by magic not wielded since the Twin Cataclysms, but no one save the Silent Ones can say for sure.
Blind Quarter:
Adjacent to the Noble Estates, the Blind Quarter is where many of the servants of the nobles live. The Blind Quarter also features multiple shops and taverns that cater to both those employees and nobles. It got its name because the residents, workers, and business owners in this neighborhood can be relied upon for their absolute discretion. If you have gold, just about anything can be bought here and no one will know.
Copper District:
One of the smallest districts in Niole Dra, the Copper District is nestled west of the Market Quarter and consists of five blocks in front of the Royal Bank of Keoland. The Copper District is the financial heart of Keoland and features multiple smaller banks and businesses that support the financiers that keep those banks running. While the City Watch patrols this district, the Royal Bank of Keoland employs a sizable force of humorless guards who zealously guard both the financial institutions and those who work within.
Dock District:
The Dock District covers two areas, the main dock area on the north bank of the Sheldomar River and the smaller dock area on the south side of the river. The northern dock area handles the majority of cargo traffic coming from the Azure Sea that will remain in Niole Dra, or transship overland from Niole Dra. It also contains the largest warehouses in Niole Dra, as well as the Dock Worker’s and Cartwright’s Guilds. The southern dock area handles river traffic coming from the headwaters of the Sheldomar River that will remain in Niole Dra or transship overland from Niole Dra.
Tankard District:
Located north of the Dock District, the Tankard District, as its name implies, primarily consists of taverns and inns that serve the burgeoning population of sailors, dockworkers, cartwrights, and merchants who work in the Dock District. A drink can always be had here, as well as a game of chance. The City Watch typically looks the other way when it comes to drunkenness or minor brawls, but they will step in if they see someone’s life is in danger, (provided they are looking).
The Arcane Ward:
A tall wall completely encircles the Arcane Ward, which is home to the Library of Niole Dra, as well as the Star Spire Academy, the only institution in the region dedicated to teaching wizardly arts. There are shops in the Arcane Ward selling magical ingredients not found anywhere else in Keoland and intrepid adventurers can always find work here as those shopkeepers pay good coin for items to stock their shelves. A portion of the Dock District is only accessible via the Arcane Ward, but rowdy sailors and stevedores take their chances when trying to cause trouble in the Arcane Ward, as the City Watch patrols in the Ward include moderately powerful mages.
The Market Quarter:
Located in the center of the city, the Market Quarter is where all manner of goods can be bought. Brokers from as far north as Ket hawk their wares next to vendors from Rel Astra, which means just about any item can be found for sale in the Grand Bazaar. The rest of the Market Quarter is filled with shops just as diverse, as well as with taverns and cantinas with fares to match that diversity.
Merchant Quarter:
While the Market Quarter caters to those looking for small amounts of goods or unique items, the real commerce occurs in the Merchant Quarter. While you may find a bottle of Velunan Fire Amber in the Market Quarter, you will find a trader willing to sell you casks of it in the Merchant Quarter, all for the right price. Most of the major trading houses of Keoland have a presence in this district and this is where the big trade deals of the region are negotiated and managed. The City Watch maintains a heavy presence in this district, but most of the trading houses have their own guards as well.
Artisan District:
Many of the city’s guilds have their halls in the Artisan district. Various manner of skilled tradesman can also be found here, willing to accept commission for all sorts of projects.
Rivermen’s District:
Niole Dra is the northernmost city along the Sheldomar River where the depth of the river allows deeper keeled ships coming from the Azure Sea to travel freely and the Rivermen’s District is where they hand that cargo off. Accordingly, the Rivermen’s District consists of docks and warehouses that aid in the transfer of cargo from those heavier ships coming from the Azure Sea to the barges and riverboats that take cargo further up the Sheldomar River. Adjacent to the Court of the Land, it enjoys an increased number of City Watch patrols, so smuggling is a chancier proposition here than in other cities.
Protector’s Quarter:
The Keoland Royal Army has its headquarters in the Protector’s Quarter, and many mid-level officers live and work in this neighborhood. Although North Keep is the main training ground for the Army, all save low level trainees typically reside in the Protector’s Quarter. Almost all of the City Watch in this quarter are either former Keoish Army soldiers, or reservists. The Watch typically defers to army officers when it comes to apprehending perpetrators and handling disputes. As such, a civilian/soldier fight or argument will see a member of the City Watch side with the soldier, regardless of the facts bearing on the situation.
Royal Keoland Coliseum:
Although not officially its own district, the Royal Keoland Coliseum is also not part of any other district. All manner of events are held here, from jousts, various sporting competitions, to festival celebrations. The City Watch in the southern Dock District covers this area and is augmented by other Watch Houses from across the city, when the Coliseum is active.

Keoland Coat of Arms

by Anna B. Meyer

Motto/Nickname:
"Old Dragon" in ancient Suloise
Ruler
Lord Mayor, His Honor Pugnace Dillip
Government
Lord Mayor appointed by the Court of the Land
Established
-440 CY
Currency
Keoland Standard Griffon (pp), Lion (gp), Eagle (ep), Hawk (sp), Sparrow (cp)
Population
25,000
Demography
Human 75% (SOf), Elf 8% (sylvan 60%, high 40%), Gnome 6%,Halfling 5% (lightfoot), Half-elf 2%, Dwarf 1%, Other 1%
Languages
Common, Keolandish, Elven, Gnome, Halfling
Alignments
LG, NG, N, LN, CG
Religions
Heironeous, Phaulkon, St. Cuthbert, Fharlanghn, Ehlonna, Lydia, Osprem, Zilchus, Kord, Xerbo, Norebo, Olidammara, Elven pantheon, Trithereon
Allies
Gran March, Sterich, the Ulek states, Geoff (exiles), Bissel
Enemies
Pomarj, Iuz, Obsidian Confederacy, nonhumans and giants in Crystalmists and elsewhere, Sea Princes (all factions), Celene (greatly disliked), Valley of the Mage (distrusted)