Astana (as-tah-na): Land of Harnessed wind
The ever present slicing winds that seem to circle the entire region, said to have carved the mountains itself and be so sharp that it can cut through armor. And to some degree this wouldn’t be wrong. Most cities have been built within the valleys, jammed between mountainsides to shelter themselves from the whipping winds. As well as the multiple airborne creatures that take advantage of these winds, all of them being avian-like or winged creatures. It is safe to say that danger usually lurks from above, a habit the people of Astana had to grow into.
Astana’s perpetual gusts is a resource to the kingdom that it harbors, and its origin can be seen out in the open from just about anywhere. A perpetual, gargantuan cyclone at the heart of Astana’s land, a wall of wind so high that it is said to have made contact with the heavens. This cyclone alone is said to be the origin of Astana’s wind currents, and a good handful of these currents are consistent in their location. A way of travel for people and the creatures of Astana relies on. It goes without saying that this is the Gate of the Wind Region. However it is advised none dare attempt to get close to the cyclone, as the rapid winds could tear someone apart.
There is a rather common occurrence that one should know before traveling too far into Astana, or run the risk of being beheaded by the winds itself. The winds of Astana are constantly circling around the land, much like the pattern that gives the cyclone its shape, but to a lesser degree. However because of this circling, there is a point where the winds are at their strongest and weakest. One should take shelter or get as low as possible when the winds are at their weakest, as the strongest point of the winds should not be far behind. This is called the Zephyr Blade. A gust so strong that it chips away at mountains. This occurrence can usually be predicted like clockwork, but the telltale sign of the winds are more reliable. The winds are so strong that it travels outward into the other regions, providing the rest of the world with the resource of wind.
Drakengard Kingdom (dra-ken-guard): Built on a legend
The capital kingdom of Astana, built upon the remains of a colossal dragon that once terrorized the lands of Astana centuries ago, now a proud monument of a legendary hero that had slain the dragon and built a kingdom with the riches from the dragon’s hoard. Originally known as Darum, the black dragon, elder brother of Eldra, dragon of the Earth Region. Darum was a corrupt dragon that went against Eldra’s wishes to make peace, feeling no need to submit when he is at his prime and nothing could stop him. Although this would be his downfall, as one hero stood up against Darum wielding a sword that could harness the power of the Zephyr Blade. They battled for what is believed to be days on end, until the hero had finally bested Darum and at last put a stop to him once and for all. Or at least that’s how the legend goes.
In modern days, Drakengard has built their kingdom to be able to withstand the rapid winds and any airborne creature that might stray too close. They’ve reinforced their households with roofs to be more triangularly pointed to reduce drag from air moving past. As well as having a multitude of stone thin skyscrapers strewn about the kingdom, allowing anyone that is able to traverse the winds from high above to gain more distance. A few of these skyscrapers are equipped with mounted ballistas pointed towards the sky in preparation for attacks.
Aside from this, at first glance Drakengard will appear to be no different from the Water Region or Earth Region in terms of town structure. The usual plaza bustling with merchants selling their goods, larger and smaller homes depending on what financial class, and a big ole building in the midst of all of it to be the headquarters of those that govern the kingdom.
Mail delivery
However, the kingdom of Drakengard has something a little unique in terms of trade that no other region deals in. They are the world’s main source of messengers and transportation for mail delivery. Most messengers are usually equipped with a sort of air glider or wingsuit, sometimes they’re even winged Beastkin, in addition to being able to use wind magic to keep them airborne, allowing them to fly over most terrain and get messages to another region faster than any boat or horse could. It is usually a common sight to see a messenger take to the sky, and reach high altitudes in less than a minute. Buildings set for mail delivery are often located at the stone skyscrapers and the governing building.
Messengers will also come in the form of birds or small griffons, imbued with wind magic that’ll direct their flight and ease the burden of flying for long periods of time, with a small enclosed tube strapped to its back withholding the letter.
Drakengard has established itself as a neutral party among other regions, allowing them to station smaller ports where messengers may dock or continue their delivery on foot once close enough. These regions include; Eren of the Earth Region and Suna of the Water Region. And to a much lesser degree for varying reasons; Azmith of the Fire Region, Eiri of the Ice Region, and Yorn of the Clay Region. Thus creating an efficient network of communication by mail to keep kingdoms united and in the loop with one another.
Noble Knights of Drakengard
It should be known that this diplomacy should not be mistaken for weakness, rather it should be honored much like how the Drakengard army is built upon. The soldiers of Drakengard are an upholding army of noble knights that will live and die by the code of keeping the peace of their kingdom. Clad in shining armor, as they must also look the part of being sworn protectors of their beloved kingdom. The knights of Drakengard are highly skilled in aerial combat, with the aid of their tamed winged mounts. Usually ranging from griffons or dragon-like creatures, along with being equipped with a lance, spear, or even a sword.
Their specialization in aerial combat is further evident from their war balloons and armed airships, all of which are usually powered by air magic. They might not have much in the way of ground forces or naval combat, but most regions are not prepared for an attack from above. Drakengard, knowing full well of their advantage, would rather make peace with the other regions.
Regardless of this statement, actual dragons seem to stray far away from the Air Region. With how prepared they are against threats in the air and the fact that they built a city along the remains of their own kind, the biggest of their kin, one could understand why dragons are very reluctant to go anywhere near that place.
A war in the sky
As much as Drakengard wishes to stay out of the affairs of other regions to keep its own peace, their mettle’s will be contested against those that can match their battle prowess in the sky. Storm Pirates of the Thunder Region. Over the past decade, the Storm Pirates have been encroaching upon the lands of the Air Region, and they’ve been gradually winning this war. The Thunder Region’s weaponry and advancements in electrical based machinery overshadows the firepower of the Air Region’s. The only reason Drakengard forces have been able to hold back their advances for so long is because they are battling on their turf. They know the ins and outs of their land and know how to use it to their advantage. But Drakengard is unsure of how long they can hold them back.
There was a time when Suna of the Water Region and Eren of the Earth Region sent out their forces to aid Drakengard in their endeavor, however, they were quickly dispatched by the Storm Pirates and their technological weaponry. Stationary boats and marching soldiers only made for an easy target. And so, not wanting to send their soldiers to be meaninglessly slaughtered, Suna and Eren abstained their forces from partaking in this war any longer. Although they haven’t left Drakengard for dead, they are just unsure on what their next move should be that will give them the results they desire.
The Royal Guard
Among the knights of the Drakengard army, there are a carefully selected few that are considered the best of the best in their combat prowess and valorous spirit. Those that exceed expectations and beyond are given the responsibility and honor of becoming a Royal Guard of Drakengard. Once anointed, one of two tasks is given to uphold, either command a squadron to lead during a call of arms or defend the Gate against any unauthorized personnel or hostile forces. While most choose to lead a squadron of their own in this time of war, it is considered top priority to have an acceptable amount standing guard at the Gate if things would go from bad to worse for the Air Region.
When it comes to scouting those that have the potential of being a Royal Guard outside of the Drakengard army, there are a few families that are known to have prodigies among them or show a lot of promise and dedication. One of them being the Harrington family, known for being of the utmost chivalrous and spirited. Especially after an unfortunate incident that happened with one of the elder family members, a father of two. They are now looking into recruiting one of the two to take up the mantle in their father’s stead. And both of them do show a lot of promise.
Darum, The Black Dragon
When the dragons fell to their diseased rage as a consequence for their sins and Eldra begged for mercy for her people to Eriden, it was Darum that would set the example of what would become of a dragon once they had fallen victim to the rage. Eldra pleaded for her brother to receive the treatment Eriden had blessed them with, but Darum could already feel himself changing and losing his mind. It was much too late for him. With what little sanity he had left in him, he wounded Eldra and flew away to the Air region to prevent himself from hurting his people any longer.
Once arriving at the Air Region, Darum would no longer be in control of himself, now being piloted by the unforgiving curse. He would destroy, thieve, and decimate anything in his path. It was no different from what he did before, but only this time Darum has no free will. He was a prisoner within his own body, losing all sentience and thoughts, and becoming this mindless beast. It was as if he was already dead, just trapped. If Darum could plead for anything around this time, he wished to await sweet release.
And it came in the form of an adventuring hero, wielding a blade blessed to him by the spirits of the Gate that have bestowed him with a singular task, slay Darum. The battle between Darum and this hero lasted for a whole day, but the legendary blade is what gave the hero the edge and managed to fatally wound Darum. As Darum could feel his life slipping away, as was the curse leaving his body, he wept in self-pity, but also in relief that his suffering had now come to an end.
