The capital of the New Draconic Empire, Drakai was built as a shining example of Draconic excellence.
Founding
After the loss at the crystal bay land bridge and the dragon fight above it, dreams of restoring the Draconic empire were dashed. Refusing to give up
Essyrri took her followers west into Frostmourn. Finding a large rock Spire in which to create a new lair she had a city built to her vision around it. Built to a plan, Drakai showed off exactly what the Draconians were capable of, Large decorated avenues spread out in straight lines from the spire, with beautiful public buildings lining them, everything a city with a much larger population than its current one would need. Housing filled in the gaps.
Growth and extending dominace
As Drakai filled, some of the more hidden areas became more crowded and more slum-like. Realizing the need for growth Essyrri conquered the surrounding area. Though this brought goods and wealth into Drakai, Non-Draconic races were permitted residence in the city proper, creating an actual slum around the edge. Periodic destruction of this slum would take place, but always with enough warning that people could get out and thus keep serving.
Empire and rebellion
The focus was turned on the city, keeping it stable and growing during the divine age. Necromancy was made legal as well as new districts to accommodate other races sprang up. The Draconic area was neatened up with extra districts reserved for kobolds and Dragonborn being added to accommodate. Wealth flowed in through raids which saw more conflict with the
Demon Prophet. After several years of conflict, the toll started to tell on Darkai. Despite its lavish appearance, it was the poorest city in Undinia.
This continued even after the collapse of the Empire of Akoom. The city was shunned by all the surrounding states and, seemingly in an act of desperation, Essyrri enslaved her own population. Waging wars to reclaim her empire, the city saw a sharp drop in population and standing. By 250 Chroma the city was a shadow of what Draconia was. In desperation a group of Dragonborn rebelled against their queen, striking out on their own. The revolt saw the poorer districts burning and fighting throughout the city. Though the outcome of this rebellion wasn't clear, a mass exodus from the city occurred, with several Dragonborns swearing the Draconic empire would never rise.
ghost town
Through the Chroma and Fey ages, the city was a decorated ghost town. Built to hold a few thousand, its population never rose above a few hundred through this period. The painted marble faded and grew dusty while the poorer districts started collapsing. Only the Kobald's and a few Dragonborn still loyal to Draconia remained.
State in 122 fay
The outer stone wall stands with open gatehouses. The main avenues are frozen over, with faded and broken art lining the old, tired public buildings. The gaps between are filled with empty homes with battle damage from the revolts, occasionally a figure might be seen running from one area to another. As you exit to the outer districts rotten, damaged buildings seem on the verge of collapse. Though the capital of the Empire, it is the poorest city, a fact not helped by the fact the army is away fighting the undead horde.
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