Aethelgard

Aethelgard is a magnificent sprawl of limestone towers and wide avenues rising from the plains. Its most striking features are the massive stone landing platforms that jut out like docks for dragons. Below the heights, the city is a labyrinth of markets, stables, and leather-working districts. It serves as the primary hub for aerial trade and military dominance across the southern continent.

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Metropolis

Aethelgard

Where the horizon meets the wings of legends.

TypeMetropolis

Population150,000 residents

WealthProsperous

GovernmentStratocratic Meritocracy

ReadinessHigh

“The air hums with the beat of massive wings and the scent of ozone.”

Gallery

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Connections

Geography

RegionSun-Drenched Lowlands

ClimateTemperate and breezy

TerrainRolling golden grasslands

Travel Links

The Great Western RoadThe Sky-piersThe Silver River

Culture

Honor is found in the height of one's flight and the strength of one's bond.

Races

HumansElvesDwarvesHalflings

Religions

The Solar SovereigntyThe Wind Weaver

Arts & Entertainment

The city is famous for aerial ballets and sky-writing using colored smoke.

History

Founded on a strategic river bend, Aethelgard rose to power when the first nomadic kings tamed the wild drakes of the plains. It has never fallen to a siege due to its unmatched aerial superiority. The city expanded vertically over centuries to accommodate the growing fleet of dragon riders. This growth was fueled by the fertile plains and the discovery of limestone quarries nearby.

Age of IronThe Founding of the AerieThe first permanent stone tower was erected to house dragon mounts.

Age of AshThe Great Dragon PlagueA mysterious illness nearly wiped out the city's aerial fleet.

Government

LeaderHigh Wing-Commander Valerius

Stratocratic Meritocracy

Key Laws

Flight permits are mandatory for all large beasts.Magic is strictly prohibited within one hundred feet of the stables.The hoarding of grain during the dry season is a capital offense.

Problems

Feed Shortage

A shortage of high-quality dragon-feed is causing unrest among the riders.

Economy

Industries

LivestockLeatherworkingMercenary Services

Scarcity

Fuel for heating during the winter months.

Wealth LevelProsperous

Exports

Cured meatsDragon scalesGrain

Imports

SteelTropical fruitsRare oils

Defenses

ReadinessHigh

Fortifications

Triple limestone wallsAnti-air ballistaeEnchanted steel nets

The Sky-Guard(10,000 soldiers)

An elite force of dragon-mounted knights supported by heavy ground infantry.

Law & Order

crime Level: Moderate
enforcement: Aerial patrols and city watchmen.
typical Punishment: Hard labor in the surrounding grain fields.

Valerius

NPC

High Wing-Commander

A grizzled veteran with a scar across his left eye.

Silas

NPC

Merchant Lord

A wealthy dwarf draped in fine silks and gold chains.

Elara

NPC

Chronicler

A slender elf often found in the highest libraries.

Kaelen

NPC

Rogue Rider

A young man with wind-swept hair and a defiant gaze.

The Iron Talon

Shop

Blacksmith

A glowing forge specializing in gear for dragon riders.

The Roaring Drake

Tavern

Dragon riders and soldiers.

A boisterous tavern where riders celebrate their successful patrols.

The Sky-Guard

Faction

Military

The official defenders of Aethelgard and its skyways.

The Scale-Breakers

Faction

Insurgent

A shadowy group that believes dragon taming is slavery.

The Cloud-Pier

Point of Interest

The highest landing dock in the city with a breathtaking view.

The Lower Grass-Markets

Point of Interest

A sprawling marketplace at the base of the city walls.

The Statue of the First Rider

Point of Interest

A massive bronze monument dedicated to the city's founder.

Calendar of Events

First day of Spring

The Festival of Wings

A week of aerial displays and feasts celebrating the dragons.

A rogue dragon typically escapes and must be caught without violence.

Secrets

The High Commander is actually a construct powered by magic.

LocalHe never eats or sleeps during long diplomatic meetings.

The city sits atop a dormant volcano that is showing signs of activity.

RegionalWarm steam rises from the deepest cellars in the city.

Rumors

The dragons are planning a collective revolt.

There is a hidden vault of gold beneath the High Aerie.

The water in the Silver River has been cursed by a hag.

Plot Hooks

The Stolen Scale

A rare obsidian scale was stolen from the Commander's dragon.

MysteryThrumA custom masterwork dagger.

Poisoned Skies

Several dragons have fallen ill after eating a new batch of grain.

InvestigationBramA permanent pass to use the Sky-piers.

The Traitor Among Us

A member of the Sky-Guard is planning a coup against Valerius.

CombatValerius1000 gold pieces and a minor title.

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