The Barony of Cielgaard

Cielgaard is one of the safest cities in the Grand Duchy- *for an avian*. In fact, the city is so heavily avian that they forgot to install practical ways for the earthbound among us to ascend into the Skyward City. And that's why they call us landwalkers "cargo"- the first time a group of dwarves sauntered up to trade and were confounded by the city's elevation and lack of stairs, the only way for them to get into the city was to get raised up the cargo lift, which up until that point was only used to haul up the heaviest burdens. Insensitive? Absolutely. But those who dwell in Cielgaard are none but the most valiant, so perhaps we can allow them an abrasive joke or two.

From the cargo lift, you'll step off into **Skyward City**. Then you'll likely be challenged to a brawl by one of the young waiting around for just such an opportunity. Accustomed to aerial combatants, these young warriors are eager to cut their beaks on a stocky land-dweller, notoriously difficult targets for the aerial folk: hard to lift, difficult to sneak up on, and full of wily tactics. Win or lose, keep moving into the city to see the great pillars that support the platform continue upward, and are host to a legion of beings. Owlin have homes built into the supports themselves, cozy and sheltered. The Aaracokra have their tremendous, comfortable covered nests built on support struts that split off of the pillars like branches. More often than not, the Kenku have their nests built directly under the Aarakocra, which appear to be woven hanging pods of ingenious design. These flightless fellows rely on their ingenuity or their friendship with their Aarakocra neighbors to get down from their homes to the bustling markets below. And everywhere are the Hadozee, the glue of the city, unhindered by height. These make their homes anywhere, but have a particular affinity for nesting in little baskets beneath the great platforms.

Moving from Skyward City to the northeast (and a good deal up), you'll find the **Eyrie of Defense**, a structure woven from the bones of enemies, and cemented together with resins concocted by Owlin alchemists. In the domed structures, you will find Hunters, Horizon Walkers, Battlemasters, Totem Warriors, and even a few overzealous Battle Ragers, all clamoring for their shot at a contract from the mission board. Contracts are limited, and rewards are almost always lightweight weapons of a deadly nature, or light armor of clever make. The occasional potion is offered as well, but only if an Owlin is especially desperate with a contract.

At the same elevation, but to the north of Skyward City, lies **Simmerwing Nest**, where a large deal of alchemy and design takes place. Between the Owlin and Kenku populations, some of the most dangerous and impressive artifice occurs here. Potions with multiple effects, firearms of pinpoint precision or massive destruction, conjurations of such eldritch nature that they terrify an enemy before battle properly starts... the Cielgaard R&D Division is a sight to behold.

And to the east of Skyward City, you will find the **Knole Archipelago**, a small series of enhanced islands that stay aloft in a neat little crescent, each rise up in a spiral until you reach the highest island. It is a hive of sports and practice combat, both aerial and grounded feats accepted. Life domain clerics are frequently in attendance, both to save lives and practice their own skills. Though rough-and-tumble, the sportsmen are generally sportsman*like*, and any actual deaths on the field are accidents. So come and train here, alongside the famed Valor Bards (this largest chapter known as The Crescendo).

Beneath the city itself is a network of hanging baskets, nailed-on timber and hanging ropes that make up **The Undercity**. For those tired of the bluster and bravado of the warriors and mages up top, join the Hadozee down below. Much more family-oriented and fun-loving, the simian folk in the Undercity delight in culinary experimentation, harmless pranking, and somewhat irresponsible use of magic. A good-hearted traveler will always be able to find friends and lodging in the Undercity, assuming they don't mind being slipped the occasional stinkbug, or get hit with the odd uninvited Longstrider or Jump spell.