Drakar Skala

"No greater seat exists than that of Drakar Skala. Many a King and Queen may sit atop wealth, prestige, and power, but no royalty rules from a throne as majestic as the 'World Stone.'" - from the memoirs of Lewin Von Treet, Vault: the Land of Stuff and Things

Drakar Skala, or scale of the dragon in Common, contains the most sacred site in all of the Drakar Highlands: the World Stone. Acting as the literal seat of Rosegloom, the World Stone is a massive temple, large enough to house an Elder Dragon, in which Rosegloom enacts her will through unprecedented power. To gaze upon her is considered a life-altering honor among the Drakar despite such an act not being terribly uncommon. The World Stone is not a dragon hoard or a lair. Idyllics, those who have devoted their lives to the worship and veneration of the Elder Dragons, reside in the World Stone's varied halls. There the Idyllics conduct research on the Constellation War, the creation of the world, and the ascendancy of dragons.

It is also in the World Stone that the study of draconic magics is most prevalent. The Idyllics are not just caretakers and researchers. Their life is a rigorous preparation to house and use the magic given to them by Rosegloom. To be able to inherit this power, much less use it, is a test of body that many cannot help but fail. The ceremony in which Rosegloom imbues her Idyllics with draconic might is called the Longing. Hundreds undergo the Longing every year and only a handful survive. Those who do, however, are blessed with long lifespans and burdened with the responsibility of wielding the magic of the elder dragons. Idyllics do not often leave the World Stone, but those who do are incomparable leaders, highly-skilled mages, and devastatingly powerful warriors.

It is not the Idyllics who make up the fighting force of the Drakar Highlands, however. There are far too few. Rather, Rangers raised as Drakewardens, Monks practicing the Way of the Ascendant Dragon, and Sorcerers born into draconic bloodlines are the Devout the Drakar have chosen to enact their power. The three represent the triad of Life Without, Life Within, and Life Beyond.

It is in Drakar Skala these Devout must prove themselves capable of serving all Drakar people. Thus Drakar Skala is often busy with people of all walks of life: those who wish to petition for service, their families and friends, onlookers, those learning, and travelers interested in the ceremonies. Over the course of days, the Devout exemplify their skill, and in the traditions abandoned by much of Vad (except for the Carapace Badlands), this exemplification becomes a festival celebrating power.

It is not uncommon for Rosegloom herself to attend these ceremonies and celebrations, though in times long past, Hellfall would not only attend but preside over the tests to ensure the Devout were taking their responsibilities seriously. As it stands, Rosegloom is less concerned with running Drakar Skala like an institution and would rather ensure everyone is provided for, cared for, and remains happy.

This disposition is often considered to be a product of her frequent travels to the Feywild. One of the worst kept secrets in Vad is the traversal portals Rosegloom has in Drakar Skala to move between the material plane and the Feywild at will. Some of the Idyllics are growing increasingly concerned at the size of these portals and the influence the people of the Fey have over Rosegloom, but to question such a thing would be unheard of.

It is widely accepted that Rosegloom's obsession with the Fey is one well within her control, and that the influence in Vad pales in comparison to the presence the Fey had in Highcroft once upon a time.

To travel to Drakar Skala is to be welcomed into a host of hospitable, excited, and exuberant people. Once again, the Drakar lack cities, or even long-term buildings outside of the World Stone, but the entire region is alive in ways that must be seen to be believed. The Drakar live in harmony with the creatures that call the highland peaks home, and nowhere is this more apparent than at the very seat of their god.