Dominion of New Haven

"The Whyteholders have honour. The Erdannians have money. Both worthless. Us? We have knowledge" - Archmage Cassius StarlightThe Dominion of New Haven is a landlocked empire within the heart of Tyrrus. It is the smallest empire in Tyrrus, yet still incredibly powerful.
The Dominion is a very magically-inclined nation, ruled by mages and dragons. The Archmages of New Haven are some of the most powerful magic users in the world.
The Dominion is centred around the capital city of New Haven, and is the home of the New Havenites.
== OOC Summary ==
The Dominion of New Haven is a land of magic and innovation, ruled by powerful mages and the Arcane Dragons. Their culture centres around two things; serving the dragons and advancing their own magical power.
== History ==
See the History of New Haven.
== Geography ==
The Dominion is nestled in the Dragonvale between the Sunset Mountains and the Dragoncrags. It extends to the edge of the Everwood to the south.
The Dominion is a hilly landscape with the Wyrm river running through it. New Haven itself is built on a large hill adjacent to this river.
Around New Haven, the landscape gets a little bit strange, where the stones have been affected by the magic of the Worldshaking. In some places, rocks float in mid-air. In the centre of New Haven itself, massive chunks of earth have ripped themselves from the ground and float in the sky. Nobody is quite sure exactly what caused this.
== Provinces ==
=== Central Dominion ===
The Central Dominion is the heartland of the Dominion, with New Haven itself at the centre. This mostly encompasses the land between the Sapphire river and the Wyrm river. It is a hilly and cultivated region, which is also home to many smaller settlements.
=== Old Dominion ===
The Old Dominion is the land surrounding Old Haven, and the foothills of the Dragonclaw mountain. These lands exist in a shadow of their former glory, and many of the settlements have dwindled, or become abandoned completely since the destruction of Old Haven. It is still considered a sacred land by the followers of Zythia, and contains the most churches and shrines.
=== Loclands ===
The Loclands is a region south of the Dragonclaw, known for its many rivers and lakes. This region is currently contested, and both the Erdannian Empire and the Kingdom of Whytehold have taken swathes of land within the province.
The regional capital of this province is the great city of Lothair.
=== The Brand ===
When Salvakoryn the fire dragon attacked Tyrrus long ago, he burned a vast swathe through the northern section of the Everwood, which has never recovered fully. The land was reclaimed by humans, and most of the wreckage is gone, back into the soul, yet dotted throughout this region are charred and blackened great trees, which were once sacred and magical.
The most prominent town in this region is Cinderwood.
=== Antyrrea ===
A sprawling land of plains and hills, south of the Central Dominion, currently contested by the Erdannian Empire. A historically important region, Antyrrea has belonged to the Kingdom of Tyrraness, Vercassia, the Great Sturvandian Empire, and the Tiravian Clans, before eventually being controlled by Haven.
=== The Highlands ===
The northernmost domain, which borders the wild lands of Caerland. The Highlands were once the heartland of the ancient kingdom of Vercassia, the rebellious group ruled by the royal dragon Vercassetorix. The Highlands are rugged lands inhabited by rugged people, with many of the Caerth and the druids living there.
The city of Dunberlaine is the most prominent in the region, and is famous for its hunters and warriors.
=== The Everwood ===
A vast and wild woodland. The Dominion exerts no real control over this area, and it is instead ruled by disparate druidic tribes and elven leaders.
=== Zythesra ===
Zythesra is a realm within the Dragoncrag mountains, which contains many draconic lairs, and Dragon Cult Monasteries. Zythesra is not directly ruled by the Dominion, and is instead controlled by the dragons themselves, and a human theocracy who worship them.
== Hierarchy ==
"The New Havenites really do excel at sweeping things under the rug" - Grand Minister of Erdannia, Elizabeth Draycaster
=== The Dragonqueen ===
The Dominion of New Haven is devoted to Zythia, Dragonqueen of Arcane Magic. She is referred to as the supreme authority in the city, but rarely ever actually intervenes, trusting the decisions of her chosen champions.
=== The Immortal Emperor ===
Next in the hierarchy is the Immortal Emperor, Mirvalbadir; Supreme Ruler of the Dominion of New Haven, General of its armies, Lord of Dragons, Chosen of Zythia. Unbeknownst to the majority of the New Havenites, Mirvalbadir is actually a Royal Dragon taking the guise of a human. Mirvalbadir is one of Zythia's most trusted advisors, and so has been placed in charge of her nation.
Mirvalbadir has the final say on all decisions and has dictator-like power in New Haven, but rarely uses it. 
The title "Immortal Emperor" is given because Mirvalbadir is one of a trio of leaders across Coryphiel with the title. The other two are Emperor Raza in Izero, and the Emperor of Ao Mizhao in the Three Dynasties. The Supreme Magistrate of the Denizens; Que'Naroth, is also sometimes referred to as the "Immortal Emperor". These leaders work together for unknown reasons.
His Everlastingness, the Immortal Emperor, Mirvalbadir is also super cool and the best boss in the world. Totally. Ha. - Archmage R. Nightwatch.
=== Zythia's Court ===
There are a few other Royal Dragons in New Haven, though Mirvalbadir has authority. These other dragons have no political power in New Haven, but are considered very important individuals and cannot be commanded by mere mortals, not even the Archmages. These dragons mostly use New Haven as a base of operations while they do things for Zythia all across Coryphiel.
=== The Archmage Council ===
The Archmages are the most powerful humans in New Haven, both politically and literally. They have studied magic all their lives and reached a level of power to become candidates for the highest position possible in the Dominion. Usually an Archmage begins as an apprentice to the previous Archmage. Each Archmage is considered the best in their field of magic, but this is not always true.
The Archmages make many of the mundane decisions of the Dominion; anything deemed not important enough for the Immortal Emperor, but too important for the Magocracy or the Senate. This usually means decisions of alliances and trade, and bringing new technologies into the city. They can also veto any decisions made by lesser politicians. Archmages may take other relevant positions in politics, such as becoming a Military General or an Archon, but cannot become a member of the Senate.
The Archmages are all political equals, and have complete authority in their area of magic. Positions in the Archmages Council are flexible, and if the Grand Magus determines that a new title is needed, then he can create it without argument.
It does, however, require slightly more than knowledge to become an Archmage. The Grand Magus must determine whether a candidate has the necessary wisdom and the right motives, when he is choosing new Archmages.
The current Archmage Council is as follows:
==== Grand Magus ====
The Grand Magus is equal to the Archmages politically, but acts as a direct link from them to the Immortal Emperor and to Zythia. Additionally, the Grand Magus's vote counts for more in the Council, and he is the one who chooses new Archmages. However, he does not have his own area of magic to exert authority over. The Grand Magus does not take apprentices.
The current, and only, Grand Magus is an enigmatic figure known as Thaddeus Pureborn. Grand Magus Pureborn has held the position since the creation of the Dominion over fifty years ago.
Here's to another fifty years! - Grand Magus T. Pureborn
How did you get into my documents? - Archmage R. Nightwatch
I'm everywhere - Grand Magus T. Pureborn
==== Arch-Priest of Zythia ====
The Arch-Priest of Zythia is the head of the draconic church in New Haven, Warden of the Dragonclaw, and has authority over the usages of Draconic magic in the Dominion.
Currently holding this position is Valdaran Pureborn, a Pure-strain Arcane Dragonkin who may or may not be the son of the Grand Magus. He is also currently the Archon of the Old Dominion.
I know I'm supposed to be keeper of secrets, but everyone knows this. - Archmage R. Nightwatch
Shhhh - Grand Magus T. Pureborn
==== Archmage of the Arcane ====
The Archmage of the Arcane has authority over the usages of Arcane Magic within the Dominion. 
Currently holding this position is a Denizen by the name of Vak'Zaar, originally a high-ranking archivist in the Otherworld. His introduction to the council was part of an experiment to integrate more Denizens into human society.
==== Archmage of Secrets ====
The Archmage of Secrets has authority over the usages of Forbidden magic within the Dominion, and also is Warden of the Esoteric Archives, and head of the Order of Secretkeepers.
Currently holding this position is a former Wayfarer mystic, Ravian Nightwatch.
Ooh, who is this Ravian fellow? He sounds wonderful, and handsome! - Archmage R. Nightwatch
Don't be an idiot Ravian. - Grand Magus T. Pureborn
==== Archmage of Elements ====
The Archmage of Elements has authority over the usages of Elemental magic within the Dominion.
Currently holding this position is Reagan Knightsholme, one of the few people able to effectively wield all four elements. She has taken a position as General of the Dominion's Military.
==== Arch-Druid ====
The Arch-Druid makes decisions regarding the teaching of druidism in New Haven, and is considered Warden of the Everwood. The Arch-Druid must have more support than only that of the Grand Magus; they must have the support of the Druids of the Everwood too.
Currently holding this position is Maria the Silver, a Half-Aelf and powerful druid, who only spends time in New Haven when a council meeting is called.
==== Archmage of Stars ====
The Archmage of Stars has authority over the usages of Astral magic within the Dominion, and is an agent of the Starlight Monastery.
Currently holding this position is Kirina Starlight, who is also Head Magister of the Grand Academy.
==== Arch-Artificer ====
The Arch-Artificer is in charge of Magitech, Golemancy and other Artifice magic. Due to a political arrangement, the Arch-Artificer usually comes from the Guild of Artifice in Lothair.
== The Magocracy ==
New Haven is a Magocracy; those with higher magical understanding are given greater political power. All of the aristocracy are powerful mages, but must of course also run aspects of the Dominion and its industry. This has created an unintentional class divide; those in higher positions are more likely to be able to send their children to learn magic, and those children will have more time to study if they don't have to world. The lower classes of New Haven have no knowledge of magic, and no way of achieving it.
That being said; anyone with knowledge of magic could feasibly gain a significant position in the New Haven political structure.
The Immortal Emperor pays little attention to the Magocracy, giving rise to infighting among the aristocrats. Many powerful individuals have gained their position by killing everyone above them.
=== The Archonate ===
"The Archonate" is the system of land governance across the Dominion. It is similar to the Governor system of Erdannia, in that most positions are elective, and that the system is highly centralised, with the capital city having almost supreme power. Archons are not representatives of the land they rule, instead they are representatives of the Capital, with their primary responsibility being to extend the power and influence of New Haven itself. An Archon has many responsibilities, such as collecting taxes, maintaining a standing army, defending the borders, and ensuring that the Dragon's Tribute is paid. These responsibilities are usually split and delegated, to members of their own Senate, and to vassals.
The hierarchy of the Archonate is as follows:
Archon - The highest rank, directly below the Archmages in terms of political power. An Archon controls a large portion of the dominion, called a province, and there are few of them.
Overseer - Vassals of the Archons, Overseers control divisions, smaller sections of land within the domain of the Archon.
Executor - Vassals of the Overseers. Executors control even smaller subdivisions of land called a district. They are usually much more hands-on with their rule.
Lord - The lowest rank in the nobility, lords usually only control a single castle or town. This position is often passed down through a family line, rather than being an elective position.
=== The Senate ===
Large population centres in the Dominion are controlled by the Senate, elected officials who control the more mundane affairs of the country, who vote on important decisions, and who appoint other officials. The system is roughly based on the old senate of the Dragonvale Republic, except the new system is far more biased towards mages, and is no longer equal to the Archmages.
There is a distinct power difference between the provincial Senates, and the Senate of New Haven itself.
==== Provincial Senates ====
Each province will usually only have one Senate, based in the largest population centre in that province. The Archon of the province sits at the head of the Senate, in the position of "Chancellor" with executive control over what the senate does. They must be careful not to abuse this power however, since their senate can vote to have them deposed.
Members of the Archonate within the province are elected by the Senate, and usually come from within the Senate. Archonate members can also be appointed by the Senate of New Haven however, and even override the decisions of the provincial senate.
Dependent on their size and influence, Provincial Senates vary in their level of specialisation, often combining several roles together.
==== New Haven Senate ====
The Senate of New Haven itself is significantly more powerful than the senates of the lesser provinces. The New Haven Senate is subordinate only to the Archmage's Council, and is politically on par with the Archons.
The New Haven Senate is run by a trio of Chancellors, the co-executives of the Senate, each of which has mutual veto power over the others.
The New Haven Senate can elect people into Archonate positions anywhere in the Dominion, and can override the decisions of lesser senates in this regard. Laws passed by the New Haven Senate are applied across the entire Dominion.
==== Senator Positions ====
Chancellor - The Chancellor is the head of the Senate, they are appointed by the Senators and can be deposed by those same Senators. They hold executive power over the Senate, but do not hold supreme authority.
Ecclesiarch - The Ecclesiarch of the Senate is charge of religious matters, and draconic relations. They are the representative of the Dragon Cult, and are in charge of maintaining the strength of Dragon Worship. They are also often placed in charge of collecting and assigning resources for the Dragon's Tribute. There is usually only one Ecclesiarch.
Exchequer - The Exchequers control the financial matters of the Dominion. They control the banks and the treasury.
Adjudicators - The Adjudicators control law enforcement, criminal sentencing, and preside over court cases. They also sometimes handle new legislation.
Magisters - Magisters have a measure of authority over magical matters. They control the training of mages, and the distribution of magical knowledge. In the New Haven Senate, Magisters control the Grand Academy.
Castellors - The Castellors are the military authority in the Senate. They are in charge of recruitment, and the maintenance of the standing armies. They control the armouries and all fortifications, and are in charge of handling the military hierarchy, and appointing commanders and generals.
=== Magocratic Factions ===
There are several powerful factions in the Magocracy who exert more influence than others. There are usually powerful families, but are often simply groupings of people who believe in a political or religious ideology;
==== The Pureborn Brood ====
The Grand Magus of New Haven, Thaddeus Pureborn, has had a lot of children over the years, resulting in his family being a large and powerful group. The Grand Magus is often seen as a holy figure due to his connection to Zythia and the Immortal Emperor, therefore each of his children are also considered to have sacred blood. Because of this, the Pureborn Brood are very religious, and influential within the church.
The unofficial head of the clan is Valdaran Pureborn, Arch-Priest of Zythia. Though Valdaran is younger than many other members of the family, his status as a Pure-strain Dragonkin lends him greater authority in the highly religious group.
==== House Vigil ====
House Vigil are one of the most mysterious of the major houses of New Haven. It is said that they are loyal to the Eyes of Mirvalbadir, New Haven's Secret Service, and so other nobles are cautious around them. Nobody quite knows the full extent of House Vigil, and new family members seem to come from nowhere, or disappear without a trace.
The head of House Vigil is an old woman named Ezressa Vigil. There are thousands of rumours circulating her, about who she is and what she can do.
==== House Starlight ====
The descendants of the legendary Cassius Starlight, House Starlight is incredibly influential and has connections to the Astral Monastery.
The head of the House is Kirina Starlight, who is also Archmage of Stars and Head Magister at the Grand Academy.
==== The Gallows Family ====
A branch of the influential Gallows family has a place in New Haven. It mostly exists just to represent Telmont, but carries with it the influence of the legendary Cedric Gallows, one of the Saviours.
==== House Knightsholme ====
House Knightsholme is heavily connected to the military, and to training battlemages.
The head of the family is Reagan Knightsholme. She is also Archmage of Elements, and a general of the Dominion's military. Though getting on in years, Reagan is a powerful mage, able to effectively wield all four elements. She also has a dragon companion which she rides into battle.
==== The Everwood Assembly ====
The Everwood Assembly is not a family, but a collection of venerated druids and keepers of the forest. It represents the interests of the Everwood, and acts as a link between the denizens of the Everwood and the politicians of New Haven.
The head of this group is Maria the Silver, who is Arch-Druid and warden of the Everwood.
==== The Otherworld Emissaries ====
Many of the individuals of significance in New Haven are Denizens, or otherworldly creatures. This has given rise to such beings gathering together to form their own political force. The de-facto head of this faction is the creature "Cryptic", an ambassador sent by the Supreme Magistrate of the Otherworld; Que'Naroth.
==== The Scholastic Syndicate ====
A mysterious group, the Scholastic Syndicate represent an ideology of invention and progression at any cost. The syndicate is formed from prominent Magitechnicians, and academics from across New Haven, and are responsible for many of New Haven's mechanical wonders.
=== Political Traditions / Laws ===
==== The Dragon's Tribute ====
In order to ensure that the alliance between the Arcane Dragons and the city of New Haven is maintained, New Haven law has a set of laws called "The Dragon's Tribute". As part of this, landowners must set aside certain resources, to be granted to local dragons. Most commonly, this is livestock, which is sent to a central location and provided to the dragons as food.
In more wild areas of the Dominion, landowners set aside certain areas of land as "Dragon's Hunting Ground", where dragons can hunt for game, uninterrupted by humans. The agreement goes that humans and dragons stick to their own hunting grounds, and any human who dares set foot in the wrong area is considered prey.
Landowners who do not own livestock or hunting lands can provide other services. Gifts of beautiful trinkets or magical artifacts are common tribute, but it is even more common for nobles to give up young members of their household to be taken away to the Dragon Cult monasteries, to be indoctrinated and trained to serve the dragons fully. 
=== Wardenship ===
One of the most prestigious titles within the Dominion is that of "Warden". A Warden is responsible for the protection and maintenance of a particularly special region or location. These locations are special in that they are highly important to the Dominion, and do not follow the usual political rules as the rest of the Dominion.
==== Warden of the Dragonclaw ====
very few humans live upon the Dragonclaw itself, but many dragons do, and there is a prominent meeting place for dragons known as the Dragon Summit halfway up. Wardenship of the Dragonclaw is therefore tied to the position of Arch-Priest of Zythia.
==== Warden of the Everwood ====
Though the Everwood is considered as belonging to the Dominion of New Haven, this is only nominal. There are no Havenite towns inside the region, and no Archon can claim rulership of it. Nevertheless, New Haven values its alliance with the various druidic clans within the Everwood, and so is dedicated to protecting the forest. The title of Warden of the Everwood is tied to the position of Arch-Druid.
==== Warden of the Esoteric Archives ====
The Esoteric Archives, beneath the Citadel of Old Haven, is the most dangerous store of knowledge in Tyrrus, and perhaps the world. This title also involves defending Old Haven in general. The Wardenship of these Archives is tied to the title of Archmage of Secrets.
==== Warden of Zythesra ====
The isolated region of Zythesra, among the Dragoncrags, mostly only contains monasteries of the Dragon Cult, and dragon's lairs. Wardenship of this region is a sacred title, and the Warden is often responsible for defending the region from the Kingdom of Whytehold to the east.
==== Warden of Glawgan ====
Glawgan in the north is a complex of mountains, valleys, and narrow passages, between Tyrrus and Hirokir. Years ago, an army of demons made their way through this region to attack New Haven itself, and since then the Dominion has been dedicated to defending the passage. 
== Magical Factions ==
Within New Haven, there are many magical factions. Like most magical groups, these horde magical secrets to themselves, try to claim aspiring mages into their ranks, and have minor rivalries with each other. Their disagreements with each other are nothing compared to how much they hate other Tyrranean magic groups.
=== The Grand Academy ===
The Grand Academy is the centre of learning in New Haven, but is also a faction in its own right. The Grand Academy has a monopoly on providing recruits to the other magical factions and to the military, and keeps many magical secrets to themselves. The magisters of the Academy are some of the most powerful mages in the city, other than the Archmages.
=== The Order of Secretkeepers ===
The Order of Secretkeepers are users of forbidden magic, and are tasked with keeping this knowledge safe. They are the keepers of the Esoteric Archives, and directly controlled by the Archmage of Secrets
=== The Dragon Devout ===
The Dragon Devout are the religious faction of New Haven. However, this religion is based much less on faith and more on fear and respect. The Dragon Devout are the most loyal subjects of the Dragonqueen Zythia. This group wield powerful draconic magic, and are able to tame drakes and wyverns.
=== The Eyes of Mirvalbadir ===
Whispered, rumoured, and secretive, the Eyes of Mirvalbadir are supposedly the secret service of New Haven. Each member is an anointed Warlock of Mirvalbadir, wielding a portion of that mighty dragon's arcane power. It is said that Mirvalbadir himself can see through their eyes, and occasionally take control of their minds.
== Military ==
The military of the Dominion of New Haven is powerful, but small. One of the major reasons the Dominion has not taken over neighbouring territory is that their forces would then be stretched too thin. Nevertheless, they keep a strong military for defensive purposes.
=== Vigilants ===
New Haven's policing force and militia, the Vigilants, are elite city guards, specifically trained to deal with problems of a magical nature. Not all the vigilants are magic users, but all are trained with the knowledge of how to deal with magic users. The lowest members of the Vigilants are drafted from the citizens, and given extensive training. Those who prove themselves may become officers, but preference is given to magic users. The High Vigilants are the highest-ranking members of this force, and are exclusive chosen from people with Metamagic abilities. The Vigilants are lead by a military general.
Vigilants are employed all across the Dominion as a guard force, but most are in New Haven. They are very rarely employed outside of the Dominion.
A special order of Vigilants, the Wardens of Old Haven, specialise in protecting some of the assets that remain in Old Haven. This group are exclusive and isolated, and are based in Vigil, close to the ancient city. They protect the Esoteric Archives and some of what remains in the original Citadel. They occasionally serve as personal guard to members of the Order of Secretkeepers,.
Vigilants mostly wear bright blue militaristic uniforms with a helmet and a long coat. The badge of the Vigilants depicts a dragon claw with an eye in the middle. The Wardens of Old Haven wear red instead, and many have hoods.
=== Dragonriders ===
The Dragon Devout of New Haven are able to tame wild dragonkind, and occasionally gain the services of an intelligent dragon. They usually gift these to the New Haven Dragonrider division.
Most of the Dragonriders ride drakes or wyverns. Only the highest ranking are allowed to ride proper dragons, mostly because the dragons themselves are prideful.
Riding a dragon, even a drake, is a prestigious honour. Therefore, most of the Dragonriders come from Magocratic families, and are well-trained fighters. Most of them can use magic, but the best magic users are usually drafted into the Battlemages instead.
The Dragonriders wear armoured uniforms with helmets styled with draconic horns. Some wear dragonscale armour.
=== Battlemages ===
The elite magic users of New Haven stride into battle, launching powerful magic at their foes. These Battlemages usually have a precursory training in combat, but mostly focus on their magical power.
=== Generals ===
The Military generals of the New Haven military lead all the various regiments to the defense of the Dominion. They are usually chosen from the magocracy, but some are fully Archmages. The Immortal Emperor is the supreme general of the Dominion, and occasionally flies into battle in draconic form.