Dragonspyre

"*I've told you, I've told you. You're just forgetting. Dragonspyre overcame the plague that brought you here. But, many years later, your people woke the Fire Titan... and it burned your world to the ground.*"
―Professor Hargrove to Prince Viggor
**Dragonspyre** is an ancient, haunted world that held great influence until its destruction. Once an advanced militant society, Dragonspyre had an esteemed Academy rivaling that of the Ravenwood School of Magical Arts in Wizard City. The inhabitants had a special interest in Fire Magic.

Dragonspyre was regarded as a force to be reckoned with when its empire spread to countless worlds. The society was famous for its Dragon riders who utilized the partnership between Human and Drake to provide security across Dragonspyre.

After thousands of years of civilization and a former empire spanning several Spiral worlds, an attack by the Dragon Titan and its army wiped out most of the world's population, leaving it a smoldering and empty husk.

Years later, Dragonspyre was occupied by the renegade necromancer Malistaire Drake, who used it as a base of operations for himself and his forces. Malistaire attempted to re-awaken the Dragon Titan, so that he may command it to help him destroy the Spiral as revenge for the death of his wife, Sylvia Drake. His plan was foiled, and a battle between the Wizard and Malistaire Drake resulted in the death of Drake, ending his threat.

Dragonspyre's world abbreviation, as seen on standards and above entryways, is "DSPRE".

## History

### Early History

It is not certain whether Dragonspyre's society was founded before or after the destruction of the Firstworld, however its original inhabitants were roving human clans, dragons, and the offspring of the dragons known as Drakes.

### The Union of Man and Drake

The humans were fearful of the flying, fire-breathing beasts in the sky. One-night, King Mene met in secret with the Queen of the Drakes, Gavarena. They allied Man and Drake. Together they would overcome the Dragons and drive them out. In the wake of their victory, a new kingdom would be born. This great kingdom would then be forever known as Dragonspyre.

### King Jungen and the Century War

The Kingdom continued to grow after Mene’s passing. Later, King Jungen expanded Dragonspyre’s borders. Man and Drake worked together to protect the realm. It was an age of peace, but it was not to last. King Jungen passed away suddenly before having any children. Without an heir to the throne, Dragonspyre fell into a civil war that lasted 100 years. This would be known as the Century War.

The war came to an end by the efforts of a Man, Kylgore the Magnificent and a Drake, named Leneth the Great. They worked together to defeat a mighty black dragon in Dragonspyre’s outer ring. Exactly how Kylgore achieved this victory remains a mystery. After his triumph, Kylgore claimed the throne and put an end to the war. An age of peace finally descended on Dragonspyre.

### The Golden Age

Kylgore’s rule brought many changes to Dragonspyre. Significant advancements in culture were made, and explorations of the sciences began. New magical advancements, including the creation of Knowledge Crystals, began in Kylgore's reign. Dragonspyre's borders and influences are said to be at their height during this time.

King Kylgore forged a friendship with Aurelius Ambrosius, leader of the Druidic Treeminders. As a gift, Aurelius gave Kylgore seven saplings from Ravenwood. The King planted the magical trees throughout Dragonspyre. They would later become the trees of Dragonspyre Academy. To commemorate their friendship, Kylgore ordered the construction of a statue of Aurelius.

### Rydall's Plague

Generations passed, and the Kingdoms’ knowledge remained locked away, seen only by royalty. King Kylgore descendants, King Betrin and Prince Viggor, clung to that tradition. They hoped to keep their secrets from falling into unworthy hands. Rydall the Conqueror accidentally infected his people with a magical plague. Mobs of the afflicted roamed the city streets. Something had to change if Dragonspyre was to survive.

### Prince Viggor's Expedition

While Rydall’s Plague ravaged his homeland, Prince Viggor set out in the hopes of building Dragonspyre’s Empire anew. With his Drake and General Greyflame at his side, they would lead an army of soldiers on a perilous journey. Their plan was to venture to the source of the magical trees and to conquer the land that would become Wizard City. When the Treeminders refused Prince Viggor's demands to establish a ruling colony, a war started between Prince Viggor's forces and the Treeminders.

The war caused massive casualties on both sides, and soon the peaceful Treeminders would become as corrupted as their invaders. Most of Ravenwood, its magical trees, and Viggor’s army would perish. A man named Gregor would be the final soldier to fall. The remains of the deceased forces never returned home to Dragonspyre, and all that remained were the few Knowledge Crystals that held the stories of the fallen.

What was left of the Treeminders left Ravenwood and migrated to Albion and Avalon.

### The Founding of Dragonspyre Academy

Duke Sebastian came forward and fought with the monarchy for the right to search the knowledge crystals for a cure. He sent a champion, Iona Pyrelance, to do battle against King Betrin. In the aftermath of the duel, Iona was declared the victor. Duke Sebastian’s bravery caused the laws and years of tradition to be overturned. Knowledge became accessible to the masses, and Dragonspyre Academy was born. All who qualified were welcome within its walls. The people, armed with new knowledge, overcame Rydall’s Plague, and the rebellion finally ceased.

Dragonspyre Academy became the center for knowledge in the Kingdom. Much of their curriculum was devoted to the study of war, combat, and pyromancy.

### Aldared The Usurper

As a result of knowledge now being deemed freely available to the masses, one man took advantage and opportunity. A graduate of Dragonspyre Academy by the name of Aldared proved that knowledge in the wrong hands could be destructive. He used his advanced knowledge to unseat the King of Dragonspyre and became known as Aldared the Usurper. His rule was as cruel as it was brutal, and the people despised him.

### The Era of The Great Council

#### The Founding of The Great Council

The people of Dragonspyre suffered under Aldared’s tyranny until a small group of Wizards and Warriors laid siege to the Usurper’s palace. Those in the group included: the warrior Katia Firewinter, the legendary Drake Eliena, and Drannik the Shrouded Wizard.

After the siege, Aldared was cast down and his soul safely trapped within a Knowledge Crystal. Plagued by temptation, Drannik attempted to seize control of the throne but was cut down by Katia. With the threat of Aldared and Drannik gone, she began working with her fellow mages and warriors to create a new government. The Great Council, also known as the Council of Wizards, Warriors, and King, would come from her efforts.

#### Aldared's Legacy

While Aldared may have died, his influence remained. Kildare, a Wizard of the Great Council, became corrupted by Aldared’s crystal. Valerik Brightsword discovered this treachery and defeated Kildare swiftly. While Kildare’s defeat came before he could do much harm, the damage was done. Fear and paranoia began to settle in among the members of the Great Council.

#### Power Plays in The Council

As time passed, the power of the King diminished and members of the Council began to bicker for control. People were fearful of the Wizards, their magic, and their crystals. They spurred a great Warrior named Lyon to action. He led a group of fellow Warriors to demand control of all the spells in Dragonspyre.

Whether the reasons for Lyon’s actions were justifiable or out of a desire for power, no one knows. Regardless, the matter came to the attention of the Council. When the Council denied Lyon, he betrayed them in broad daylight.

Lyon challenged the leader of the Wizards, Rurik Flamesoul, to a fight. After a vicious battle, Rurik proved victorious. He became the only Wizard to best a Warrior in open combat. His victory secured the Wizard’s control over the magic of Dragonspyre.

### The Fall of Dragonspyre

Time went on, and the Wizards began to fear those who challenged their power. Vladimir Darkflame, Dean of Admissions at Dragonspyre Academy, decided to take matters into his own hands. He gathered a group of conspirators, Andor Bristleback, Devora Shadowcrown, and Zora Steelwielder. Together they orchestrated the coup of the century. They kidnapped the Academy’s Professors, and summoned the Dragon Titan. The traitors were apprehended and detained within the Labyrinth, but the summoning of the ancient Fire Titan could not be undone.

The Titan rose from its slumber, and the razing of Dragonspyre began. The Dragon Titan summoned its army within the city walls, taking the defenders by surprise. Boris Blackrock, the Obsidian Golem, battled against the Dragon Titan. Using the knowledge his mage creators left him, Boris faced the Titan in single combat. But, the Obsidian Golem fell, as would many others in the wake of the Titan’s chaos. To commemorate his sacrifice, Boris became the last great hero to be buried within the Necropolis.

Dragonspyre’s defenders retreated to the Academy as the Titan’s army advanced. When the Fire Titan led its final assault upon the Academy, everything was laid to waste. All that survived was the Fire Tree, Ashley, and the Fire School. It is unknown whether this was out of mercy or respect.

When and how the Titan’s onslaught came to an end is a mystery. What is certain is that the Dragon Titan is now a colossal stone statue coiled around the volcano. Its armies remain, waiting in vain for someone, or something, worthy of leading them. Dragonspyre is forever changed, and it remains to be seen whether it will ever recover.

### A Mission Through Avernus

Many years later, a person known only as The Pirate needed to reach the world of Valencia. They were desperate to find Marco Pollo's map piece to El Dorado before The Armada. With most of the stormgates blockaded, options were limited. Eventually a suicide mission was decided to be the best course of action - The Pirate would sneak into Valencia by going through Avernus Skyway.

### Malistaire's Occupation

It would be many years before Malistaire Drake returned to Dragonspyre. When he did he held in his hands the stolen Krokonomicon, and in his heart the vain hope of waking the Dragon Titan and restoring his beloved wife, Sylvia to life. Pulled toward the Crown of Fire at the volcano’s summit, Malistaire began his ritual.

His twin brother Cyrus traveled alongside the Wizard to Dragonspyre. Cyrus attempted to reason with his brother, summoning the spirit of Sylvia to assist him. Unfortunately, this only angered Malistaire further and the necromancer banished his brother. The Wizard was forced to duel Malistaire for the fate of the Spiral.

After a perilous battle, the Wizard triumphed and the Dragon Titan retreated back into its deep slumber. Malistaire ultimately perished and was finally reunited with his lost love. Hand in hand, Malistaire and Sylvia departed together for the Other Side.

## Trivia

* This was the first world developed after Wizard101's initial release.
* Dragonspyre is thought to be derived from several real-world influences including the Roman Empire and Russian Empire as well as and fictional influences such as the Valyrian Freehold in George R. R. Martin's *A Song of Ice and Fire* series.
* Dragonspyre was released in 2009.