The Kingdom of Damcyan

Although smaller and less populated than its southern neighbor, the kingdom of Damcyan is vitally important to the flow of commerce across much of the Earth. Ruled by the benevolent von Muir dynasty, Damcyan is known throughout the world as a leader in commerce and trade. Within the exotic, bustling bazaars of Damycan and Kaipo almost any item known to man can be found, along with merchants from all walks and trades of life. As the kingdom itself is protected from any military threat by the scorching desert that surrounds it, Damcyan is a nation more interested in trade, luxuries, and information than military might

1. The City of Damcyan

Size: Large Town (10,000)

Government: Monarchy

Affiliation: Kingdom of Damcyan

Trade & Industries: Commerce, Information, Luxuries, Trade

Crime Level: Low

Deep within the heart of the Great Desert stands a testimony to the tenacity and genius of a scattered band of nomadic tribes who came together to establish the city of Damcyan. Although the harsh desert sands provide little in the way of arable land, the city's location is instead the result of the major trade route running from the kingdom of Baron to the city of Fabul. Although dependent upon this trade for food, this same trade is the lifeblood of Damcyan's economy, establishing this desert city as one of the wealthiest in the known world. As a result, most of Damcyan's citizens are either upper or middle class, trading in various profitable ventures. Other than limited black market sales, this affluent city is relatively free of crime, perhaps due to the small numbers of lower class citizens. On the whole, the people of Damcyan are successful, content, and as a people more enamored with commerce than warfare.

History

According to the earliest accounts, many small nomadic tribes dwelt within the Great Desert, moving from place to place according to established traditions and occasionally warring among themselves. Eventually, these scattered tribes came into contact with those who would become the peoples of Mist and Fabul. In time, these tribes began to act as guides across the Great Desert, allowing goods to travel across the desert for the first time in history. This, in turn, led these scattered nomads to establish tradeposts, where each tribe could come together peacefully for trade and news of the wider world.

The town, which would become known as Damcyan, had just such an origin. A large oasis, fed by underground springs, made for an ideal location, as did its proximity to the only major pass through the Golden Mountains that splits the Great Desert north and south. For the first few years of the annual gathering at this oasis, no permanent structures existed. However, by the middle of the seventh century, it would seem the Muir tribe settled into this region, breaking with their long-established nomadic tradition. In time, their traditional tents gave way to more permanent structures, and soon the tribe began to prosper under their increased control of the trade that passed through the region.

Within several generations, the oasis has been transformed into a small, fortified town. Several of the other tribes followed the example of the Muir, abandoning their nomadic lifestyle and settling within the vicinity of the town. Some tribes, however, felt betrayed by such actions, and several raids were conducted against the fledgling town, none of which were ultimately successful. Thus, by the end of the eighth century, the small town had grown significantly, as had the defensive fortifications. Stone was quarried from the nearby mountains and wood brought from the north to transform the primitive fort into a much more modern city. Gradually, the people's tribal identity was subsumed into their identity with the growing town, and eventually with the concept of a national one. To this end, in the early ninth century, the von Muir family ascended the throne of the newly established kingdom known as Damcyan.

Over the next hundred and fifty years, the kingdom of Damcyan prospered under six successive rulers from the von Muir family, and grew to become the wealthiest nation in the world through the control of the major trade routes across the great central continent. Indeed, in the middle of the tenth century, Baron approached the rulers of Damcyan hoping to finance their growing military operations. After fierce negotiations, Damcyan agreed to loan Baron the necessary funds in exchange for one of Baron's technological marvels: the blueprints for an amazing craft that hovered over land and sea and Baron's only prototype. This vehicle, nicknamed the Hovercraft, saw significant use among the von Muir family, and eventually a limited number of similar vehicles were constructed.

Key Landmarks

The Bazaar - Although the term bazaar could refer to several different marketplaces throughout the kingdom of Damcyan, to speak of the Bazaar is to speak of the largest outdoor marketplace known anywhere in the world, located in the large plaza just past the main town gate. Goods and merchandise from across the world are available here, some of which cannot be found anywhere else. In addition, food vendors are frequented throughout the marketplace, filling the plaza with marvelous and exotic scents of food and drink from nearly everywhere in the known world. But, of even greater worth than these material things is the information that passes through the Bazaar on a daily basis. Whether reclining near one of the food vendors or resting in one of the first-class inns that dot the plaza, peoples from all over converse, interact, and swap gossip and stories. If it exists somewhere within the world, it is probably represented somewhere within this multicultural experience known as the Bazaar.

Damcyan Keep - At the center of the town of Damcyan is a small stone keep often referred to as simply the Keep. The Keep is the result of years of gradually enhancing the fortifications of the original fort that was located here. Although smaller than most of the other castles in the region, it nonetheless houses most of the royal von Muir family, the soldiers and officers of Damcyan's military forces, as well as apartments for several of the other noble families of the kingdom. Although it has never been besieged, it is nonetheless well prepared for such an event.

What is general not known is that the Keep also contains a magnificent crystalline chamber, built by visitors to Damcyan around the middle of the tenth century. At that time, the von Muir family accepted a commission to safeguard a magical gem known as the Crystal of Fire. Few know of its existence, and fewer still know that it is secreted within Damcyan Keep or how to reach the secret chamber that holds it.

The Hall of Bards - In addition to its wealth, Damcyan is also renown for its bardic tradition. Built around the turn of the tenth century, the Hall of Bards is a repository for much of the collective songs and lore of bards throughout the world. A council of masters maintains the Hall and determines, on the basis of skill and knowledge, those who are worthy to enter this place of great knowledge. Those who are granted this privilege usually study within the Hall for many years, and several upon their departure have gone on to become famous throughout the world. Needless to say, entrance into the Hall of Bards is considered a great honor, and one to which almost every bard aspires.

Important People

King Gilbert von Muir

Human male age 63

Job: Average level Bard

Attributes: STR (Low), VIT (Low), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (High), SPR (High)

Skills: Etiquette (Trained), Instrument: Lute (Trained), Lore: History (Talented),

Lore: Arcane (Trained), Lore: Legends (Trained), Negotiation (Trained),

Singing (Trained), Trade (Trained)

Equipment: Very Good

Queen Kris von Muir

Human female age 59

Job: none

Attributes: STR (Low), VIT (Avg), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (Avg), SPR (High)

Skills: Etiquette (Trained), Lore: History (Trained), Negotiation (Talented),

Trade (Trained)

Equipment: Good

For several generations, the von Muir family has been renown in Damcyan for their skill as bards, their knack for commerce, and their wise leadership over the kingdom. Gilbert and Kris are the latest rulers in this royal tradition. Gilbert distinguished himself in his youth through admittance to the Hall of Bards and later through his excellent grasp of commerce. He did not assume leadership of the kingdom until well into his thirties, and only married after realizing the need to produce an heir for the throne. Although not as respected or as distinguished as her husband, Kris is well liked by her subjects, and shares her husband's skill in commerce. Under their reign, the kingdom of Damcyan has continued to prosper. The royal couple has one son named Edward.

Prince Edward von Muir

Human male age 24

Job: Average level Bard

Attributes: STR (Low), VIT (Low), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (High), SPR (High)

Skills: Healing (Trained), Instrument: Harp (Talented), Lore: History (Trained),

Lore: Elves (Trained), Singing (Talented), Survival (Trained)

Equipment: Good

Born into prestige and wealth to King Gilbert and Queen Kris, Edward's childhood was marked by comfort and indulgence. He showed little talent or interest in any martial pursuits, and instead followed after his father as a skilled orator, singer, and musician. Unlike his parents, however, Edward showed little interest in the trade and commerce that was so vital to his kingdom's prosperity. His amazing vocal skills, coupled with his grasp of history and lore, earned him a place within the Hall of Bards as its youngest member in history. Despite these achievements, Edward showed little interest in his future role as ruler of Damcyan. Eventually, this discontent led him to secretly leave the city of Damcyan to wander about the region, disguising himself as a simple traveling minstrel. In time, his wanderings led him to the oasis of Kaipo, where he fell in love with a beautiful young woman named Anna. Edward currently resides in Kaipo, trying to dissuade Anna's father to allow the two to wed while concealing his true identity.

2. The Kaipo Oasis

Size: Small Town (4000)

Government: Town Council

Affiliation: Kingdom of Damcyan

Trade & Industries: Brewing, Commerce, Luxuries, Trade

Crime Level: Low

The Kaipo Oasis is the largest of the villages and small towns that slowly came to life over the past few hundred years. It is remarkable as the largest oasis within the Great Desert and as a popular resting point along the trade route that stretches across the desert sands of the kingdom of Damcyan. Like all of the towns located within the desert region, it is dependent upon trade for food and other basic supplies for survival. An elected town council, who in turn answer directly to the throne of Damcyan, oversees the town. With its steady influx of trade, the cooling breezes off the oasis, and little criminal activity, the small town of Kaipo is a pleasant place to live or visit.

History

According to the oldest tales, the Kaipo Oasis was the place of many battles among the various nomadic tribes that at one time roamed the Great Desert. Even after many of these tribes began to permanently settle the region, conflict over who would control the oasis kept any long-term settlement from being established. Indeed, for a time the merchants that passed through the Great Desert would journey miles out of their way simply to avoid the conflict over this great oasis.

Eventually, the von Muir family personally involved themselves in the situation, and negotiated a truce among the warring tribes. Fearing that any continued conflict might permanently disrupt the importance of the trade routes, it was declared that the oasis would be shared among all the peoples of the region, and that no one clan would rule over it. Instead, representatives from several tribes were chosen by the people to govern over the oasis. With the restoration of trade through the oasis permanent structures finally began to spring up in the area, forming the foundation of what would become the town of Kaipo.

Following the official establishment of the kingdom of Damcyan, Kaipo became a possession of the kingdom and subject to the monarchy. However, the von Muir family recognized the strategic value of the oasis, and allowed the town to continue to govern itself, provided these representatives acknowledged their fealty to the throne of Damcyan. The townsfolk readily agreed, and thus the Kaipo Oasis peacefully came under the banner of the new kingdom.

Like the rest of the kingdom, Kaipo continued to grow and prosper in the last one hundred and fifty years, becoming the second most important town in the kingdom. Although its markets never reached the prominence of those in Damcyan itself, the small town boasts one of the greatest outdoor bazaars in the whole kingdom, and as continues to be an important point along the desert trade routes.

Key Landmarks

The Inn of Kaipo - As the only one of its kind within the town, the Inn of Kaipo is filled most hours of the day and night with both locals and merchants. Although the inn is quite large for a town of Kaipo's size, it is not unknown for the inn to be totally filled when large merchant trains pass through the oasis. The inn also boasts the town's only apothecary, where all sorts of exotic items and medicines can be purchased for the right price. In addition to its excellent accommodations and exquisite cuisine, the Inn of Kaipo is famous throughout the region for its local ale, which comes from the town's only brewery. Although the local varieties are exported throughout the world, they simply cannot compare with those freshly brewed.

The Brewery - The Brewery is a common attraction for anyone passing through the town of Kaipo. Although the workers are careful to guard the secrets of their craft, they are quite proud of their operation, and willing to allow visitors a glimpse of their day-to-day operations. The Brewery is the town's most successful business, exporting its wares all across the known world. Both the inn and the brewery are owned by one of the most respected and wealthy men in the town of Kaipo.

Important People

Jonathan Wyreth

Human male age 45

Job: none

Attributes: STR (Avg), VIT (Avg), AGI (Low), SPD (Avg), MAG (High), SPR (Avg)

Skills: Lore: Commerce (Talented), Negotiation (Trained), Trade (Talented)

Equipment: Good

Growing up, Jonathan Wyreth promised himself that he would become one the greatest men in Damcyan. He never lost sight of this vision, and over the past thirty years established both the Kaipo Inn and the Brewery. These two business ventures have made him quite wealthy, and as such he has a profound influence on the affairs of the town and the kingdom as a whole. Although generally well liked, Jon has a reputation as a fierce competitor, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve success. Despite his wealth, he is a frugal man, spending his finances only when he is sure they will earn him a sizable return.

Tellah Miroso

Human male age 60

Job: Average level Sage

Attributes: STR (Low), VIT (Low), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (High), SPR (High)

Skills: Awareness (Trained), Inquiry (Low), Lore: History (Trained),

Lore: Arcane (Talented), Staves (Low), Teaching (Trained)

Equipment: Average

Born in the city of Mysidia, Tellah spent most of his life in that city, studying under the elders of the city and mastering their arcane lore. He showed great promise as a master of both white and black magic, and in time he was recognized by his teachers as one of the great mages to ever study in Mysidia. He married young, but lost his wife to disease not long after the birth of their only daughter named Anna. As he grew older, Tellah spent considerable time passing on his knowledge and skills to the next generation of neophyte mages in Mysidia before eventually leaving the city to retire to the oasis of Kaipo. Unfortunately, Tellah has been struck with a rare disease, greatly affecting his memory and taking away much of his former skill as a mage. Recently, Anna fell in love with a wandering bard by the name of Edward, who has repeated asked for her hand in marriage. However, Tellah does not believe such a marriage is suitable for his daughter, and has refused the young man's advances.

Quentin Altos

Human male age 71

Job: none

Attributes: STR (Low), VIT (Low), AGI (Avg), SPD (Avg), MAG (High), SPR (High)

Skills: Healing (Talented), Inquiry (Trained), Lore: Damcyan (Trained),

Lore: History (Trained), Teaching (Trained)

Equipment: Poor

Quentin Altos is one of the oldest men in Kaipo. He lived in the oasis town all of his life, serving at the apothecary and treating all manner of injury and illness. Now, in his old age, he continues to serve the community in this manner, training others to follow in his footsteps. His specialty is in treating an ailment known as Desert Fever, which afflicts many who end up wandering in the desert. Although he is quite skilled in caring for those afflicted with this disease, the only known cure is a rare substance known as the Sand Ruby, the secret of which is carefully guarded by the royal family of Damcyan.

3. The Great Desert

The Great Desert, also known as the Damcyan Desert, is the largest desert in the known world. It encompasses nearly the entire northeast section of the greater continent from the Misty Mountains nearly to the famous Mount Hobbs. The desert is further split into a north and south section by the jagged Golden Mountains, which form an impassable barrier save for the underground river that forms the Watery Pass. Scholars speculate that the origin of the Great Desert may not be entirely natural, as a desert of such vastness simply seems out of place, especially given the abundance of underground water in the region.

The Great Desert is an inhospitable place to those who are unprepared for its dangers, with scorching hot days and nearly frigid nights. Although seemingly desolate, many creatures are native to the desert, adopting unique methods of finding water and surviving the extreme temperatures. Most of the caravans that travel through the Great Desert are guided by native Damcyans, who know the safest routes, the location of each oasis, methods of adapting to the heat and cold, and the secret to finding water even in the middle of the desert sands. These merchant caravans are also well escorted by alert guardsmen, for both bandits and dangerous creatures roam the desert, preying upon those too weak to defend themselves.

4. The Watery Pass

The Watery Pass is a series of underground caverns through which an otherwise nameless river passes underneath the Golden Mountains. For centuries, this has been the only land route through the Golden Mountains, and thus is an integral part of the trade route that stretches across the Great Desert, connecting the kingdom of Baron to the cities of Damcyan and Fabul. Although the caverns themselves are natural, they have been expanded and enhanced over the generations, allowing for much easier passage for merchants passing through the region. The pass is actually divided into two parts, emerging in the middle of the mountains into a small valley before returning underground. This valley makes for an ideal resting place for travelers, as the nearby water creates a lush, pleasant environment and the isolation protects it from the other dangers of this desert region.

The Watery Pass itself is not without its own dangers, however. Although infrequent, dangerous creatures do lurk within the depths, occasionally attacking smaller groups of merchants or travelers. In addition, the pass is subject to flooding from time to time, especially during the spring months. These floods often damage some of the added infrastructure within the pass, forcing travelers to temporarily brave the waters in order to pass through a flooded section. Fortunately, the people of Damcyan have dotted the underground caverns with small caches of supplies and medicines, allowing merchants a chance to wait for the floodwaters to subside before continuing on their way. Thus, although the Watery Pass has its hazards, it is an important link in the trade routes, and most who begin the journey complete it with little or no incident.

5. Antlion's Lair

The Antilion is a large insect-like creature, with large, razor-sharp pincers and jagged teeth. Although fearsome in appearance, this creature has been tamed by the kingdom of Damcyan, and dwells within the deepest chamber of what is affectionately referred to as Antlion's Lair, a large cavern to the east of the town of Damcyan. As some point now lost in history, it was discovered that the Antlion secreted an organic substance that had two amazing features. First, when properly distilled, it is the only known cure for the debilitating disease known as Desert Fever. Second, the chemicals within the secretions somehow react with natural mineral deposits, enhancing the formation of beautiful gems and precious stones. Thus, the royal von Muir family has meticulously cultivated the Antlion's Lair, resulting in precious mineral deposits unrivaled anywhere else in the known world. The cavern also doubles as a treasury for much of Damycan's wealth, which is hidden throughout the depths. Needless to say, the cavern is guarded fiercely by soldiers of Damcyan, who allow only those of the royal family to enter.

Back to The World