Commuinity World Building Project (World the Dragons Rule)

[DMGreg]

Society-wise, you've described one possible city ruled by 12 Dragons. What about enemies of this nation? Also, what about the other "good" races?

What if there's a nation of Elvenkind that's ruled by a powerful clan of Silver Dragons who feel their brethren have sold out on their ideals by working with Good dragons?

What if the Dwarves and Gnomes have retreated to deep subterranean fortresses because they resent the rule of the Dragons?

How about the Halflings making the best mounted Dragon Knights because of their small stature and nimbleness?

Do weaker/younger dragons swear allegiance to more powerful/older dragons? What happens when a liege dies, do you go all Ronin or do you assume his power? How much infighting is there between the rulers of your city? Do they primarily plot for power amongst themselves, or are they more egalitarian? Is all rule by Dragons strictly force of will over weaker/inferior species, or are there elements of democracy/republicanism?

[Silverscale]

Society-wise, you've described one possible city ruled by 12 Dragons. What about enemies of this nation? Also, what about the other "good" races?

Actually there are 12 families of dragons, the Elders merely serve on the council that presides over the whole city. As to enemies, other than the afore mentioned "Evil Capitol" which would be the counterpoint to the city currently being described, none have been drawn up yet but they are out there.

What if there's a nation of Elvenkind that's ruled by a powerful clan of Silver Dragons who feel their brethren have sold out on their ideals by working with Good dragons?

As I stated in the opening post of this thread the Dragons long ago decided to work with the other races rather than rule over them or be constantly weary of being hunted down by them. That's partly why there are so many dragons around these days....people stopped trying to kill them off simply for being a dragon.

What if the Dwarves and Gnomes have retreated to deep subterranean fortresses because they resent the rule of the Dragons?

Again the dragons to not rule over them they are simply the defacto people in positions of power. This is not to suggest that everyone is on board with the whole idea of working together with dragons concept. There are certainly individuals and groups who prefer to work outside of the current system.

How about the Halflings making the best mounted Dragon Knights because of their small stature and nimbleness?

Good idea. Make a write-up for some Elite Hafling Dragon Riders.

Do weaker/younger dragons swear allegiance to more powerful/older dragons? What happens when a liege dies, do you go all Ronin or do you assume his power? How much infighting is there between the rulers of your city? Do they primarily plot for power amongst themselves, or are they more egalitarian? Is all rule by Dragons strictly force of will over weaker/inferior species, or are there elements of democracy/republicanism?

The dragons of this setting are MUCH more family-centric then RAW dragons, even the Evil ones, though probably not so much with the CE ones since that would be counter-alignment. As such when an Elder dies or ascends, there may be some power struggle but usually it's handled "In house" and the next Eldest steps up to the title of Councilor.

[un_known]

Xil`kun; God of Shadows, Secrets, Manipulation & Trickery, Shadow Plane [Don't remember if it has another name...], Shadow Dragon (Devious Shadow Dragon Deity)

Now the list we have so far is:
Gloom Dragon
Howling Dragon
Radiant Dragon
Chaos Dragon
Shadow Dragon
Rust Dragon
Battle Dragon
Mechanus(?)

Unused ones from Draconomicon are [I don't have all the Dragon Magazines]:
Oceanus (Water God?)
Pyroclastic (Fire God?)
Tarterian (Torture, Prisons?)
Ethereal (Spirit Dragon God?)
Styx (Main Death Dragon God Perhaps)

[drack]

WOW I was thinking of a whole family centered dragon thing too. Though I will admit that my idea was meant more as one country in a massive world... I'll share.

First of all the mane driving force for dragons going extinct isn't other races killing them, it's them killing themselves. Normally dragons grow huge, accumulating huge hordes, killing other dragons for hunting grounds, their hordes, because of the whole ongoing dragon war thing, and because dragons are the biggest baddest thing and therefor won't stand to be second best to even another dragon.

Also evil is defined more as self serving than as "I am going to go out and blow my power killing millions on a whim" that is chaotic not evil. My idea was to have dragons share one MASSIVE cave with about a hundred or so dragons per cave. this is the equivalent of one of your families. this directs that self benefit and many of their reasons for killing each other into more reason to stick together. (my vote is for the classic dragon color)

Also my Idea was more focused on the whole purity of blood determining rank concept, but this was partially because my Idea encompassed the ultimate origin of dragon kind (way beyond even the stronger of the gods) though don't ask me for sates, because I don't currently have access to them. Anyways because you mentioned that there are varying degrees of draconic blood within a great many residents I thought this may or may not be a good idea for a hierarchy. Though I like that you incorporated age as a determining factor for "rank" within families.

Also note that more dragon blood floating around means more sorcerers.

Also family leaders or elders may be well into the range covered in the epic level handbook under "advanced dragons" (can't expect to rule the world without some decent force behind you eh.

[Zaydos]

It's just called the Plane of Shadow. Also trivia time: Shadow Dragons aren't actually Planar Dragons, they actually dwell on the Prime in underground locations, at least according to the Draconomicon and Monsters of Faerun. Although both mention that they have ties to the Plane of Shadows, and in 2e they were mentioned as living on the Plane of Shadow (also show up in Baldur's Gate 2 and are an annoying fight) making them paradoxically the original planar dragons and not Planar Dragons.

Dragon Magazine adds ones for Elysium (can't remember the name, and don't have it with me now), the Abyss (Chuul dragons), Bytopia (Adamantine dragons), Beastlands (I forget they have big horns), Arborea (Fairy-like dragons), and Astral Dragons.

To my knowledge there are no official dragons for Arcadia or Baator. See above for what they did with the Plane of Shadow.

[un_known]

Well since they are so muddled lets just shuve Shadow Dragons with the Planar dragons now. But for shadow dragons that appear on the material plane they are 'tainted' or such.

I'll search around for the other types of dragons. Hmm this has re-ignited a campaign idea in me. Time to go flesh it out; and complete more Dragon Classes for Oslescamo's Mosters, as I was going to use them...

[The_Admiral]

To be more exact large moving cities powered by steam trading goods all around the world

[Dragon Star]

Okay, on the good-evil coflict, what if all the core dragon races were represented but there was a TN overall ruler (maybe an epic dragon or god or advaced dragon, but would have to somehow never die of old age) that keeps the country together. Then the types or famliys of dragons have land they own and their alignment is exspresed by how they treat their subjects. So the evil dragons have undead slavestates or whatever and the good have happy gardens but no one is allowed to interfear with anothers state. Then the area surounding the Capitol is ruled exsulively by the TN dragon king. And the non dragons are like roalty and the other races are servants and thralls with draconic beings given higher positions.

P.S. I made my sig before I saw silverscales. I saw mine years ago on a bumper sticker, and it's just coincidence that they're alike. Really.

[Silverscale]

To be more exact large moving cities powered by steam trading goods all around the world

That's far more advance then what I'm trying to make this world......maybe one giant airship that travels around trading with various nations but not a bunch of walking cities.

Okay, on the good-evil conflict, what if all the core dragon races were represented but there was a TN overall ruler (maybe an epic dragon or god or advanced dragon, but would have to somehow never die of old age) that keeps the country together. Then the types or families of dragons have land they own and their alignment is expressed by how they treat their subjects. So the evil dragons have undead slave-states or whatever and the good have happy gardens but no one is allowed to interfere with anothers state. Then the area surrounding the Capitol is ruled exclusively by the TN dragon king. And the non dragons are like royalty and the other races are servants and thralls with draconic beings given higher positions.

The core races are all represented just not in the "Good Capitol" we're currently focusing on. The other races, at least in this city, are not subjagated as servants and thralls to the dragons, they live and work together with them. Actually I'm not sure what you mean by the last statement because it seems to contradict itself.....but anyway this city is supposed to be more egalitarian than feudalistic.

P.S. I made my sig before I saw silverscales. I saw mine years ago on a bumper sticker, and it's just coincidence that they're alike. Really.

That's actually where I got the idea for my quote but i decided to change it a bit to be a little original.

[drack]

there was a TN overall ruler (maybe an epic dragon or god or advaced dragon, but would have to somehow never die of old age) that keeps the country together.

Dragons die of old age? I thought they just grow bigger, smarter, and more powerful as they age. Also I kind of think that the theme is that it is more of a democracy, therefor I suggest ancient dragons of each kind that have decided that it is more beneficial to all of them (and their hordes, and their since of being the biggest thing out there) if hey keep their youngsters on friendly terms with each other. Also politics here reminds me of when my DM mentioned a great game that dragons play, because only they are intellectually advanced enough to understand the rules, objectives and such

[BRC]

@BRC: while I love your Kobold Clan ideas. Just remember that there are not just 12 Dragons in "Good Capitol" there are 12 Families of dragons each with at least 5 true dragons in them. It would probably be better if we went under the assumption that rather than serving one Dragon, clans are hired to serve the family as a whole, granted most of their orders would probably come from the Elder in each family, but they serve the interest of the family as a whole. Otherwise there would be something like 60+ Kobold Clans running around "Good Capitol" alone.

I imagine it varies. Some small clans will hire themselves out to lone dragons elsewhere (There's alot more to the world than the capital). The best clans can charge a high enough price that the 12 families are the only ones who can afford to bid on their services.

Which isn't counting Special Arrangements, Yazlok's clan, for example, could probably name their price from any of the 12 families, but they continue to serve a single dragon, and have served that dragon for generations. Considering their skills, Vorsharen barely pays Yazlok's clan anything. They get to live in and run the Mount, and clan elders work with Vorsharen as an equal partners where the university is concerned.

However, this is a unique relationship. Some clans wander around the wilderness, making offers to dragons as they approach their domains. Usually a big part of the price is the accommodations the dragon will provide the clan during their service.

By contrast, the elite "Capitol Clans", have their own permanent settlements in the capitol. They simply commute from these settlements to the urban holdings of whichever family hired them. The Capitol Clans fetch a high enough price that the families are really the only ones capable of hiring them.

[The_Admiral]

ooo that's an even better idea how about this human society is divided into caste depending on where you live on that giant airship.
The class system is how close to the centre you live

[un_known]

I am totally lost; when did we bring Airship cities into this world?

[Silverscale]

I am totally lost; when did we bring Airship cities into this world?

Just one city and it's an interesting contrast to the high magic of the dragon cities. Actually they might have taken their awe/respect of the dragons and used that image when they created the airship. Imagine a massive techno/magical flying dragon shaped airship both majestic and fearsome looking.

[The_Admiral]

So it will be a Large City with a higher than normal GP limit.Shaped like a circular cake with agriculture on top the Gasbags pun not intended will be on the side of the cake

[Silverscale]

Captain_ObviousI don't like the image of a cake. See my previous post to get a better idea of where I think this airship idea should go.

@BRC: Awesome idea...as always.

Anyone have any ideas for a name for the capitol city?

@drack: I know th egame you're talking about it's in MM5 unfortunately all my books are in storage right now so i can't look it up but yes there is a giant game of (whatever it's called) going on throughout the world.

[The_Admiral]

Actually i was imagining a bare necessities style of design plus a massive flying tecnodragon city would look ridiculous though an air-force made of those thing would be awesome

[Silverscale]

Ok, This is getting sorta off topic now, but how about a massive floating city still not liking the birthday cake image but we can work on that. As to the Air-force of techno-dragons, cool but not too many of them seeing as how there are a lot of dragons already in this world. Perhaps there are say 6 of them, piloted by elite fliers, that protect the floating city as it travels around. And yes it would definatly have a higher then normal GP limit.

[The_Admiral]

What was the words i was looking for oh yeah Hell Yes!!!
Now names Berlin?

[Silverscale]

Now names Berlin?

No, no real-world names here.

Any more ideas for Kobold Clans?

How about the rest of the Planer Dragon/Gods? They need some back stories, domains, etc.

We also need to come up with names for the 12 families.

[Silverscale]

I cant remember the name of the book it's been so long since I've even seen it but in it there were miniature dragons of various different colors. As I recall they never got much bigger then a house cat and would ride around on the shoulders of the first human they bonded with after they hatched. Much like a dragon hatchling being a Wizards Familiar but these little guys never got any bigger.

[BRC]

No, no real-world names here.

Any more ideas for Kobold Clans?

Hrmm

How about

The Kar-Lok Clan
One of the most powerful Capital Clans, the Kar-Lok's area of specialty is in Business. The Great Families long since realized that ten hired merchants can expand their hordes far better than a hundred terrorized farmers.The Kar-Lok have spent generations cultivating trade contacts around the globe, and any family that hires them can tap into that wealth of commerce, favors, and camaraderie. Unlike most clans, which expect a single, up-front payment, the Kar-Lok usually negotiate a percentage of the profits from whichever businesses they are running on behalf of the family (The Kar-Lok's never even bother to hear bids from individual dragons) that hires them. One of the wealthiest clans, they live in the Gilded Hive, a luxurious keep inside the capital city.

Unlike most clans, the Kar-Lok's have business besides their contract work with the twelve families. The Kar-Lok bank is a trusted establishment within the capital, and while Dragons won't trust anybody else with their money, lots of other people do.

[Zaydos]

Uskgix: Is thought to have originally been a mortal dragon that ascended to godhood, the veracity of this story is uncertain. What is known about the End of Empires is that he appears to take delight in beginning an empire onto the road of decadence and corruption that leads inevitably to its demise. Mad kings, corrupt bureaucracies, unjust judicial systems, all of these are loved by the God of Decay. He is a patient god, given to long term planning who loves to watch the slow decay of an empire and a world. To him destruction is an intricate dance, a long drawn out game of chess where he knows that in the end he will have checkmate, a careful surgery performed without haste; never the smash of a titan's maul. His priests work within the system, perverting the laws and twisting them into a mockery of justice. While many of their actions seem short-sighted if the intent was good government, they are actually part of long term plans to bring that government down.
Domains: Law, Evil, Destruction, Planning (Spell Compendium), Corruption (Fiendish Codex I).
Favored Weapon: Claw (Scythe).

[The_Admiral]

The City Of Clouds?

[Silverscale]

@Zaydos: Which Planer dragon is that?....Very good write-up by the way.

@Captain_Obvious: is that because the city is constantly surrounded by clouds as a form of concealment? How about Thraeverthicha?

[Zaydos]

Rust, my favorite planar dragon. Also it's name is Draconic for Iron Claw (the Draconomicon told me so).

[The_Admiral]

Thraeverthicha?What is that?

[Silverscale]

Thraeverthicha?What is that?

Air Mountain

[The_Admiral]

Good name too long though it could be an official name and as the answer to your question yes the city is surrounded by a lot of clouds and the only thing going down are the trade barges which are smaller more conventional airships

[Zaydos]

Asforthix: The Brave One, the Battle-Forged, the Valiant. Known by many names Asforthix is a great warrior amongst the good-aligned dragons. Said to have sprung fully-grown from the flames of Muspelheim, Asforthix soon became a powerful player of the planar game. Asforthix has an ancient enmity to evil giants, still bearing a wound he gained in combat with one that had deific powers of its own in which Asforthix lost his tail. Asforthix as a god preaches to do battle against evil on your own terms, on the front lines, wherever you find it. Even when not in battle with evil, he believes that competition and struggles of might keep one sharp and away from the temptation of evil. His priests act as wandering warriors, calling no place home, but instead always seeking new battles and new victories.
Domains: Good, Chaos, Competition (Spell Compendium), Strength, War.
Favored Weapon: Bite (Great-Axe)
Holy Symbol: A severed tail.