Scorchhold

**Scorchhold** (known as *draconic*, 'fortress of [/]', in Draconic) is a dragonborn fortress nestled in the intersection where Brothers' Ridge meets with the Redreach Mountains in Khader Sar. It is the hold of the brass dragonborn, and is devoted to Maalshaedor the Speaker.

## Description

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**Djerad Kethyzar,** commonly referred to as **Scorchhold** settled in the Vilnhost mountains by farland settlers 400 years ago. It was made in the image and honour of **Maalshaedor the Speaker** - A brass dragon of Khader Sar of which the clan descends. In the heart of the Holde sits a sizable gold brass statue of the Wyrm, surrounded by a fire attended night and day.

The Holde was fast and firm to enforce a dominance in the province. Many found it bold, others found it threatening - The Maal Clan were happy to enforce the image.

And with strong arm and brash voice, they did anchor themselves to the mountain’s peak.

They carved out a great road, Dragon's Ascent that stretched and wound it’s way down the mountain range. A defensible route for easy access that would grant them a powerful boost to trade and commerce. A single way in (and out) monitored by the DragonWatch - the Clan’s military police of fighters and warmages.

The Clan see’s little use of non-combat magic. With a powerful zeal to accomplish all feats with strength and skill, magic is seen more as a tool than an achievement.  There is no shame in using magic, but there is pride in achieving what magic can do without it.

It is said that no gold ever leaves Scorchold. Much trade is done in deeds and promises, in arrangements and plans. Those welcome to the city as an outsider are encouraged to spend in the luxuries on offer so that they may leave with a full heart and empty coinpurse. Trade for the locals is absolute - the money they earn from gainful employment goes straight to the wages of the farmers and workers, who again spend inside the great Holde.

That is not to say that wealth is kind in Scorchold. Borne are expected to make their own mends meet. Those that cannot contribute to the market or home must find a new one outside the Holde, or rely on a rare compassion of their Houses. Sickly and maimed Borne are exempt in most, but it would not be an uncommon sight for a lowly DragonWatch Veteran to be given a sum dowry and sent away.

The wealthy prosper, but even they must fight tooth and claw to keep their position secure. Taxation is an honour, exclusive to the greatest families. Those that may pay the city may influence it’s decisions - However strict rulings and honour-bound traditions prevent wealthier families from changing the governance in a manner that would benefit them own. The phrase “Kirta”, or “Selfish One”, is often thrown around in meetings of the High Houses whenever a business falls into suspect. It has been used so often that now it is a simple swear.

Scorchold is considered new among the Borne Holdes, but it is in no way new. It has sat proud and spent it’s many years with due diligence to ensure a solid trade with the Dwarven, Elven, and in more recent years - Human Societies. After the Clan’s part War of the Smile, in which the human’s destroyed Zyrlacreche, however, the Valraxon Clan has turned their back on the humans. Schorchold was among the worst to feel the effects, and argue they lost the most. Now, their human trade is infrequent and happenstance.