House Skyrider of Drakoria

Pre-Suncoast Rule Era

Founding and Early History

Drakoria, situated beside Elaria in the west of Galendor, is a land characterized by its rugged landscapes, sprawling forests, and towering cliffs. It is home to the beast-mastering House Skyrider. The capital, Drakonhold, is renowned for its high aeries and training grounds where the Skyriders train their majestic beasts. The people of Drakoria have always held a deep connection with nature and the magical creatures that inhabit their lands.

Culture and Society

The Drakorians are known for their extraordinary bond with a wide variety of beasts, including giant eagles, griffons, wyverns, and many terrestrial creatures. This bond is considered sacred, and it is said that some Drakorians can even speak with animals and communicate with them on a profound level. There are rumors that many Drakorians are druids, harnessing the power of nature to maintain harmony between their people and the beasts. The people of Drakoria are skilled hunters, scouts, and trackers, using their knowledge of the natural world to protect their lands and gather intelligence. Their society places great value on bravery, loyalty, and the harmonious relationship between humans and beasts.

Guilds and Traditions

Drakoria is home to several esteemed guilds, each dedicated to different aspects of beast mastery and natural harmony:

• The Aerie Keepers: Maintain and care for the air beasts, ensuring their well-being and training.
• The Skyward Rangers: Elite scouts and hunters who patrol the skies and borders of Drakoria.
• The Beastmasters' Guild: Trains individuals in the art of bonding with and commanding various beasts.
• The Herbalists' Circle: Focuses on the care and healing of both beasts and riders, using natural remedies and potions.
• The Druidic Order: A secretive group believed to possess the ability to communicate with and control nature, ensuring the balance between the people and the natural world.

Golden Age Under House Mudae

Era of Unity

During the just rule of House Mudae, Drakoria experienced a golden age of unity and prosperity. House Mudae, recognizing the strategic advantage of Drakoria's bond with beasts, forged strong alliances and provided support to the region. Drakonhold's aeries and forests saw an influx of new recruits and resources. The Skyward Rangers, Beastmasters' Guild, and Druidic Order flourished, and Drakoria became known for its exceptional natural defenses and scouting capabilities.

Cultural Exchange and Advancements

The golden age brought significant advancements in beast mastery, natural magic, and aerial tactics. Drakorian trainers developed new methods of bonding with beasts, while the Herbalists' Circle created powerful remedies to aid in the care of both riders and beasts. The exchange of knowledge with other nations enriched Drakoria's cultural heritage and enhanced its strategic capabilities. Drakoria's contributions to the defense and prosperity of the Rookery Isles were widely acknowledged, and the region's influence grew.

The Dark Age

Exploitation and Struggle

The Dark Age under Rhaenor Mudae's tyrannical rule brought great suffering to Drakoria, despite their initial alliance with House Mudae. Recognizing the strategic value of Drakoria's air beasts, Rhaenor exploited this alliance to breed dragons at an unnatural pace, seeking to bolster his forces. Crossbreeding experiments were conducted to create more powerful and obedient dragons, often with little regard for the natural order. This exploitation led to great unrest among the Drakorians, especially the druids who saw these practices as an abomination against nature.

Anger of the Druids

The Druidic Order, guardians of natural balance, were particularly incensed by Rhaenor's actions. The forced breeding and genetic manipulation of the dragons and other beasts were seen as a violation of natural laws. The druids, along with the Aerie Keepers and Beastmasters, tried to sabotage these efforts whenever possible, using their knowledge of nature and beasts to resist the unnatural practices imposed upon them. Despite their efforts, many noble beasts were lost or turned into abominations, deepening the resentment and anger within Drakoria.

Resistance and Resilience

The suppression and exploitation under Rhaenor's rule forged a strong resistance within Drakoria. The Skyward Rangers and Beastmasters, alongside the druids, engaged in guerrilla tactics to undermine Rhaenor's operations. They used their intimate knowledge of the land and their bond with the beasts to launch surprise attacks and rescue as many creatures as they could from the oppressive breeding programs. The Herbalists' Circle worked tirelessly to heal both beasts and people, maintaining their strength for the resistance.

Strained Alliance and Isolation

The alliance with House Mudae became increasingly strained as Rhaenor's tyranny continued. Drakoria's leaders were torn between their loyalty to the original alliance and their duty to protect their land and its creatures. As the atrocities mounted, Drakoria began to isolate itself, focusing on internal resistance and the protection of their homeland. This isolation led to resentment from other regions, who felt abandoned by Drakoria's withdrawal from broader conflicts.

The Great War and Its Aftermath

Contribution to the War

During the Great War, Drakoria's air beasts and skilled riders played a crucial role. The aerial scouts and warriors provided essential intelligence and support to the allied forces. The Skyward Rangers and Beastmasters executed daring raids, disrupting enemy supply lines and communications. The Aerie Keepers and Herbalists ensured the health and readiness of the beasts, allowing Drakoria to maintain superior tactical advantages throughout the conflict. Drakoria's contributions were instrumental in the eventual victory over Rhaenor's forces.

Rebuilding and Revival

After the war, Drakoria began the process of rebuilding. House Skyrider, supported by the allied forces, led the recovery efforts. Drakonhold's aeries and forests were restored, and the guilds resumed their work with renewed vigor. The techniques and knowledge developed during the resistance were refined and shared openly, leading to a resurgence of beast mastery and natural harmony. The people of Drakoria, guided by their leaders and the wisdom of their ancestors, embraced the challenge of rebuilding their society.

Current Era Under House Sunspear

Cultural Renaissance

Under the rule of House Sunspear, Drakoria experiences a cultural renaissance. The training grounds, aeries, and forests of Drakonhold are once again bustling with activity, attracting aspiring beastmasters and druids from across the Rookery Isles. The Aerie Keepers continue to expand their knowledge and techniques, while the Skyward Rangers patrol the skies, ensuring the safety of Drakoria. The Beastmasters' Guild and the Druidic Order make new discoveries, further enhancing Drakoria's reputation as a center of beast mastery and natural harmony.

Economic Prosperity

The strategic alliances with other nations, fostered by House Sunspear, have brought economic prosperity to Drakoria. Trade routes are secure, and the wealth generated from these exchanges is used to support the guilds and further the region's intellectual and cultural pursuits. Drakoria's skilled beastmasters, rangers, herbalists, and druids continue to excel, contributing to the nation's strength and resilience.

Legacy of Drakoria

The legacy of Drakoria is one of resilience, strength, and a deep connection to the beasts and nature that have been their companions and protectors for generations. The trials of the Dark Age and the sacrifices made during the Great War are remembered and honored. Under the vigilant eyes of House Skyrider and the just rule of House Sunspear, Drakoria stands as a beacon of natural harmony and beast mastery in the Rookery Isles. The bond between the people and their beasts remains unbreakable, ensuring that Drakoria continues to thrive and contribute to the prosperity of the Rookery Isles.