Duchy of Grand Dravia

**The Duchy of Grand Dravia,** also known simply as **Dravia** or **Grand Dravia** was a nation in the Blotolo region of west Sori.

This Page relates to The Duchy of Grand Dravia (Circa 2,891 of the Second Age of Mortals. 7873 BE)

## Geography

At this point in time, (Circa 2,891 of the Second Age of Mortals. 7873 BE), Dravia bordered two nations. The Royal Union of Dewdroll to its South-West, and The Emirate of Al-Asnaah to its South-East. Shubechito Bay lies off the coast of its capital city of Molenk.

#### Geographical Features

Dravia's wetlands range in terms of habitability, the colder salt marshes to the north, in the lands of The Strakov, are largely uninhabitable. Bands of Snow elves, Frost Giants, and very brave mortals are the few that are able to build a life in the frozen swamps.

The border with the Union of Dewdroll is lined with the Miropozvo Mountain chain. These mountains, although not very tall at their peaks, cover a significant distance, emphasizing a physical border between the two nations. The River Streshin divides the chains into the Greater Miropozvo's to the west, and the Lesser Miropozvo's to the east. The city of Probovets, which sits within the Miropozvo Valley, acts as a major trade city and cultural exchanging between the Duchy of Grand Dravia, and Union of Dewdroll.

A number of Forests stretch across the Duchy, nearly as common as the swamp. The Zukhan Forest, covers the vast landscape of the frontier lands around The Zukhaya. Known across the country as a dangerous stretch of woods, due to a variety of factors.

Although many of the lands around major rivers are swampy, there are areas with more solid and arable land. Areas around Lake Ovomelnori and Lake Sebovl are prime real-estate for future land-barons, or freemen who wish to make it on their own. However, the land begins to dry out the further east you go. The Steppe Lands of Ovoronich feature vast tracks of dry grasslands, some Old Dravian peoples still hunt the travelers across the plains, mounted upon fearsome local Beda.

## Government

The Duchy of Grand Dravia we see today, is actually a conglomerated feudal placement of numerous Dravian Cultured states and regions. However, the rule of the Duchy is hereditary and inherently Monarchical. In the Age of Strife, Eudoki was chosen as Headman of the Koryaz clan around The Strakov, eventually forming House Koryaz, who would end up conquering the remaining lands and forming a united front for which to fight back the giants.

In 2891 of the Second Age of Mortals (7873 BE), the former Duke of Grand Dravia had been killed and the land was ruled by Duchess Vanya Koryaz, who was arranged to be married to Vidmarus Vorthin, the future Baron Lord of the Union of Dewdroll. She came of age around the time of her father's death. While on the way to Veyarogi for her marriage, the Duke was killed in battle within the Emirate of Al-Asnaah.

While Duchess Vanya Pevsov is traveling, the realm sits in the hands of Otlichsoba Dionizas Kipeli .

## Life and Society

The Dravians exist as a quiet people, only in recent times has wealth become known to them. A majority of Dravians work simply towards their next meal, content with their lot in life. A powerful sense of Dravian unity is prevalent with their submission and willingness to join the Hound-Heads, in order to hold order and prevent corruption among the various lords of Dravia.

The common folk are ruled ultimately by the Crown Duke/Duchess, however responsibility to collect taxes was relegated to various separate counts. Other areas from subjugated locations kept forms of their previous governments as a form of Autonomous Control. Areas like the Captaincy of Melil, Vitin Republic, and Yaseva Council elect their counts independently from aristocratic inheritance laws. The Duke/Duchess has advisors, however they hold no legislative or judicial standing, and are simply positions of status, thus making the Duke/Duchess an absolute monarch. The Hound-Heads are the official knightly order to the Dravian People, and as such served as the only check to the Duke/Duchess' power. However the Hound-Heads typical help to enforce the will of the Duke/Duchess.

## Notable Locations

### Major Cities

Molenk serves as the capital of Dravia. Although one of the largest cities in Grand Dravia, its size is quite small in comparison to other larger metropolitan areas nearby. The major draw to the city is its remarkable citadel, Castle Koryaz, which sits forebodingly amidst the swampy city of Molenk.

The Library of Magzamok is a center for learning, not only in the sense of magic, but also in the ways of artistry. However, its location in Jetu makes it a distant journey for most Dravians.

Probovets is a city who's size is greater even than Molenk, due to its proximity to Dewdroll the city has developed into almost a metropolis. It's status as a major trading city, prevented it from hostile takeover and as such is governed independently from both The Union of Dewdroll, and the Duchy of Grand Dravia.