Draelyn
Draelyn: The City of Guilds. Founded on the principles of freedom and collaboration, Draelyn has long been a haven for those seeking to be judged my their deeds and not by their names. Whether seeking safe refuge from the warring clans of the south or freedom from the oppression of northern nobility, people from all corners of the world have made their way to Draelyn and thrived. The guilds of Draelyn are home to the most skilled craftsmen, talented artisans and cunning warriors.
Demographics
Draelyn is home to a wide range of people from all parts of the Eastern Continents. This diversity is present in all demographic areas, from the species of its citizens to their professions. Though most citizens of Draelyn abhor traditional class systems, there are different levels of wealth found in the city. A meritocracy at its core, those who have established themselves through their work and contributions have achieved wealth while those not as fortunate must survive on their own and through the charity of others.
Government
Draelyn is ruled by a large council consisting of the representatives of guilds in good standing with the city. Each guild which has achieved this representational status is afforded a single seat in the council, and no guild has more voting power than any other. That said, the larger guilds have the greatest influence due to their wealth and notoriety.
All guilds within the city are taxed based on the size and profitability of the guild itself. Individual citizens are not taxed, only the guilds themselves (which may tax their members). While in some cases it might be beneficial not to belong to a guild, there are often many benefits to guild membership that outweigh the freedom from taxation.
Notable locations: Chimera Company guild hall, Meeting Hall for the Council of Guilds, Registrar's Office. The Hill lies at the center of the city and represents the oldest settled area within its borders. The high ground was initially settled for defensive purposes, and as the city grew it expanded from the top of the hill, down the sides and eventually to the surrounding areas. While many of the old residential homes do still exist in this area, it is primarily a commercial and political zone. The oldest and most prestigious guilds and businesses are situated in or near along the main thoroughfare which runs along the crest of the square. This area, known as The Square, is where many of the governing offices can be found, including the great hall where the Council of Guilds convenes. The southern side of the Hill from the Square to the Docks is a mainly commercial area. Here there are numerous shops, marketplaces and larger bazaars where goods can be traded at all hours of the day.
Notable locations: Dockmaster's office, the Rusty Anchor Tavern Draelyn is home to the most expansive docks and shipyards found in Temur. Stretching for miles along the coast of the Redwater bay, the Docks are continuously expanding to meet the demands of the guilds and merchants in the city. Along this stretch are numerous inns and taverns where weary sailors can find food, drink and rest. Many of the markets in the city are located within or on the border with the Docks district, and the constant movement of goods makes them active at nearly any hour. More recently Draelyn has become home to a growing community of shipbuilding guilds, and some of the largest shipyards and drydocks can be found in this area.
Notable locations: Iron Suns guild hall The Waterfront district is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city notable for it's beautiful architecture and views of the Redwater Bay and mouth of the Tigertail River. Originally the home of the first noble and merchant families, there are a number of large residences and ornate structures which are amongst the most beautiful in the city. Many prestigious guilds (including the Iron Suns) have their halls situated here, though in modern times most guild halls can be found on the Hill. The Waterfront district is both secluded enough to provide a peaceful environment while being close enough to the city center to have it's share of business and enterprises. It's main commercial stretch, Centre Street, is home to many of the best shops, inns and taverns in the city, including the secret tavern owned by the Suns.
View of the Waterfront district from just outside the Iron Suns guildhall.
Notable locations: Residences of House Tommeri and House Razac Eastglade is situated on the opposite bank of the Tigertail river from the city center. Founded by richer noble and merchant families who sought refuge from the ever-growing metropolis, Eastglade is the center of wealth and opulence in the city. It's homes and buildings represent some of the finest examples of work from Draelyn's various architect guilds. The neighborhood has many parks and fountains, as well as many of the more prestigious theaters and museums. Many of the richest families make their homes here.
View of the Eastglade neighborhood as seen from the Waterfront district.
Notable locations:The White Wall Whitewall is the name for the area which surrounds the White Wall, the first major fortification which surrounded Draelyn when it existed solely on the Hill. Originally home to Draelyn's early defenders, the neighborhood soon expanded beyond the wall as people fled to Draelyn to escape the dangers of the southern war tribes. Rapid expansion meant that new fortifications had to be raised further out, and the White Wall is now obsolete as a defensive structure, though it has remained standing. Whitewall is generally known as a poorer area, though several older militaristic guild do make their homes here. As the industrial sector continues to boom in the city, many areas of Whitewall have been converted from family homes to forges, factories and warehouses.
Notable locations: The ruins of the Old Temple The Old Temple District is the only neighborhood in Draelyn in which the majority of the area remains in a near-ruinous state. Once the location of a large grandiose temple of worship, the neighborhood has fallen into a state of disrepair. In modern times, it is occupied mainly by those seeking cheap housing and storage space. The Old Temple still stands, however there is no longer any religion practiced within its walls. Instead, it has become of the home of the city's unwanted, lost and unstable citizens who make their homes in the slums and shantytowns which pepper the area.
The Old Temple slums.
Districts and Neighborhoods
The Hill
District type: Administrative, commercial, historicalNotable locations: Chimera Company guild hall, Meeting Hall for the Council of Guilds, Registrar's Office. The Hill lies at the center of the city and represents the oldest settled area within its borders. The high ground was initially settled for defensive purposes, and as the city grew it expanded from the top of the hill, down the sides and eventually to the surrounding areas. While many of the old residential homes do still exist in this area, it is primarily a commercial and political zone. The oldest and most prestigious guilds and businesses are situated in or near along the main thoroughfare which runs along the crest of the square. This area, known as The Square, is where many of the governing offices can be found, including the great hall where the Council of Guilds convenes. The southern side of the Hill from the Square to the Docks is a mainly commercial area. Here there are numerous shops, marketplaces and larger bazaars where goods can be traded at all hours of the day.
The Docks
District type: CommercialNotable locations: Dockmaster's office, the Rusty Anchor Tavern Draelyn is home to the most expansive docks and shipyards found in Temur. Stretching for miles along the coast of the Redwater bay, the Docks are continuously expanding to meet the demands of the guilds and merchants in the city. Along this stretch are numerous inns and taverns where weary sailors can find food, drink and rest. Many of the markets in the city are located within or on the border with the Docks district, and the constant movement of goods makes them active at nearly any hour. More recently Draelyn has become home to a growing community of shipbuilding guilds, and some of the largest shipyards and drydocks can be found in this area.
Waterfront District
District type: Historical, residential, commercialNotable locations: Iron Suns guild hall The Waterfront district is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city notable for it's beautiful architecture and views of the Redwater Bay and mouth of the Tigertail River. Originally the home of the first noble and merchant families, there are a number of large residences and ornate structures which are amongst the most beautiful in the city. Many prestigious guilds (including the Iron Suns) have their halls situated here, though in modern times most guild halls can be found on the Hill. The Waterfront district is both secluded enough to provide a peaceful environment while being close enough to the city center to have it's share of business and enterprises. It's main commercial stretch, Centre Street, is home to many of the best shops, inns and taverns in the city, including the secret tavern owned by the Suns.
Eastglade
District type: ResidentialNotable locations: Residences of House Tommeri and House Razac Eastglade is situated on the opposite bank of the Tigertail river from the city center. Founded by richer noble and merchant families who sought refuge from the ever-growing metropolis, Eastglade is the center of wealth and opulence in the city. It's homes and buildings represent some of the finest examples of work from Draelyn's various architect guilds. The neighborhood has many parks and fountains, as well as many of the more prestigious theaters and museums. Many of the richest families make their homes here.
Whitewall
District type: Residential, industrialNotable locations:The White Wall Whitewall is the name for the area which surrounds the White Wall, the first major fortification which surrounded Draelyn when it existed solely on the Hill. Originally home to Draelyn's early defenders, the neighborhood soon expanded beyond the wall as people fled to Draelyn to escape the dangers of the southern war tribes. Rapid expansion meant that new fortifications had to be raised further out, and the White Wall is now obsolete as a defensive structure, though it has remained standing. Whitewall is generally known as a poorer area, though several older militaristic guild do make their homes here. As the industrial sector continues to boom in the city, many areas of Whitewall have been converted from family homes to forges, factories and warehouses.
Old Temple District
District type: Residential, slumsNotable locations: The ruins of the Old Temple The Old Temple District is the only neighborhood in Draelyn in which the majority of the area remains in a near-ruinous state. Once the location of a large grandiose temple of worship, the neighborhood has fallen into a state of disrepair. In modern times, it is occupied mainly by those seeking cheap housing and storage space. The Old Temple still stands, however there is no longer any religion practiced within its walls. Instead, it has become of the home of the city's unwanted, lost and unstable citizens who make their homes in the slums and shantytowns which pepper the area.
Iron Alley
District type: Industrial, commercial In terms of prosperity, the area known as Iron Alley has experienced the most growth of all Draelyn's city districts. As the number of trade guilds and the technologies available to them multiplies, workshops and forges have been forced to relocate from the city center in order to grow. Before it was known as Iron Alley, the neighborhood was notable only for it's numerous warehouses and docks which allowed cheap access to the Tigertail river. This adjacency to the river and the need for industrial expansion created an influx of guilds and commercial enterprises, and the area is now home to most of the city's industry. Many of the oldest trade and craft guilds hold large facilities in Iron Alley, though they keep their guild halls on the Hill.Defences
The original settlement was built atop a large hill which overlooks the rivermouth. This area was later fortified with a defensive wall which only enhanced to the natural protection of the hilltop. Since then, the city has continued to expand and sprawl out from the base of the hill. Though several inner walls have been constructed over the years, a large portion of the city remains unprotected by any fortification.
The waterfront boasts a few small seawalls and fortifications, the largest of which is housed within the large stone bridge which spans the river. Additionally the city maintains a fleet of warships which patrol and protect the waters nearby.
Infrastructure
Though the city was founded centuries ago, its infrastructure has been in a continual state of evolution. Many of the original buildings have been torn down and rebuilt, while others have been rendered unrecognizable from improvements and restorations. Because of this, the city's infrastructure is one of the best in the Eastern Continents. Perhaps the best example of this is the expansive docks and shipyards which line the coast of the bay and the rivermouth, which allow tradeships from every port and harbor to dock and trade efficiently.
Guilds and Factions
There are a large amount of guilds of all shapes and sizes based out of Draelyn, which is why it is known as the City of Guilds. The majority of the guilds are commercial in nature, either working with the trade of goods or the manufacture of them. Because of the city's location and adjacency to more "wild" territories, the city is also home to a large number of mercenary companies who provide protection services to those venturing south.
Notable members: Maise Tommeri
Trade: Garments, fashion, weaving
Sigil of House Razac
Notable members: Roth Vallion
Notable Guilds
Chimera Company: Mercenary guild created by former members of the Draelyn Sun's a couple years after Jrata disbanded the chapter. Similar to the Iron Suns in organization and style, Chimera prefers to maintain a smaller roster of highly talented individuals. Steel Singers: One of the more prestigious iron working and smithing guilds in the city. Known for the quality and artistry of their work. Order of the Shattered Star: The Order is the largest mercenary guild in Draelyn. It is actually composed of several smaller “companies” which work independently from each other. These companies have their own leadership and take their own jobs, though they still answer to the leadership of the Order. This gives the Order flexibility; they can be hired en masse as a complete army for the purpose of warfare and conquest, or take smaller jobs and individual units. The companies vary in prestige and skill. The top companies in the Order are composed of the best of the best and are highly sought after. Together the top companies constitute the best professional army money can buy in Temur. The companies at the bottom of the Order are filled with a mixture of new recruits, mediocre officers and exiles/rejects from within the Order. They handle less glorifying/lower paying jobs. Those who show worth are promoted in rank and assigned to higher tiered companies while the mediocre are left to stagnate. Quontas: Commercial guild dealing in a wide array of products and goods. Controlling one of the largest fleets based out of Draelyn, nearly one out of every ten ships docking in the city is affiliated with Quontas. Though they have established permanent offices in other cities, including Valspear, Morrow and Parcades, Draelyn remains their headquarters and primary port. The Reliqui(The Remnants, The Relics, The Leftovers, The Remaining): The Reliqui is a mercenary organization based out of Draelyn. Its name comes from the fact that its ranks are filled with the survivors and leftovers of other armies, guilds, etc. The Reliqui are efficient and ruthless, truly willing to take any job for the right price. Renfre was briefly a member, joining after the Draelyn Suns disbanded but ultimately leaving to for the Chimera Company with Velah. The Reliqui do not present themselves as other guilds do, they have no emblem or sigil, no uniforms. Their flags are blank banners of rust brown cloth, often left unmaintained and tattered. Amber Loom: A prominent weavers' guild based in Whitewall. Emphasizes quantity over quality, producing massive amounts of goods.Notable Houses
Tommeri
Head of House: Lord Orman TommeriNotable members: Maise Tommeri
Razac
Head of House: Lady Navashe RazacTrade: Garments, fashion, weaving
Vallion
Head of House: Lord Rinth VallionNotable members: Roth Vallion
Saumond
History
Draelyn was originally founded by traders and merchants who needed a home base in the wild continent of Temur. Though many of these types of settlements were founded in the early days, most were unprotected from the wartribes of the south and eventually were raided and sacked. Because of Draelyn's location on the north side of the Redwater and east of the Serpent mountain range, it had remained protected over the centuries. As its reputation as a safe haven grew, so did its population, until it because the largest city in Temur.
In the early days, the prominent merchants took charge of governing the city. Since these traders and merchants were the first to form guilds, the role transferred to a council made of guild representatives which formed the basis of the current government. Soon the city's location and relative safety encouraged new guilds of all kinds to form or to relocate.
Architecture
Unlike many older cities, Draelyn does not have a particular style of of architecture or design which it is known for. Instead, its structures are a mix of many different styles from all over the world. What it lacks in unity of style, it more than makes up for in its quality. Since Draelyn is home to some of the most talented architects, stonemasons, carpenters and artists, it is home to some of the most beautiful and magnificent structures in the Eastern Continents.
Geography
Draelyn sits on a hilltop which overlooks the Redwater Bay. On its eastern side it is bordered by the Tigertail river. Surrounding the city is a small area of irrigated farm land that soon gives way to a large stretch of wild jungle.
Comments