Skyshield

City Description

Population: ~ 4000

Founded: 1810 (580 years ago)

The region of Skyless was a beautiful landscape of verdant valleys and rolling hills before Esperwake raised Frusning and tore the landscape apart in its creation. As the power of Esperwake perpetually made an icy citadel above them, the people of Skyless found their homeland below flooded with the water that melted and ran to the sea. Their entire world changed. The first of those changes was the area once known as Skyless became known as the Castoff, a moniker that reminded its people of what the lost and what they were to the Elder Dragons.

The second change was the destruction of their homes. For a people who already despised draconic might, this was further fuel for the fire of hatred. That fire burned a resilience into the people of the Castoff, and they remained on their land. They created Skyshield beneath the native platta trees, which grew mighty and strong by drinking the melted waters of Frusning. Over centuries, other massive coral-like flora emerged from the magical waters as well. The flooded lands became teeming with creatures, both docile and dangerous, and the people of Skyshield found the means to remain in their homeland. 

Now Skyshield is a place where the very waters that provide life for the community are despised due to their source. The people of Skyshield see it as using the weapon of the enemy against them. Their defiance is not just in their continued survival, however. The platta trees protect them from draconic attacks, and beneath this barrier, they cultivate the mega-flora of the region to use against their oppressors. Skyshield is a dangerous place for anyone of draconic blood due to the poisons, diseases, and chemicals developed there. Over the years, the people of Skyshield have become experts in herbalism and toxicology in plantlife and animals. 

In addition to the chemical weapons they develop, the people of Skyshield have not forgotten their ancient roots as fierce Vadian warriors. Nets, tridents, and spears are now their weapons of choice. Any winged creature in Skyshield that comes into the crowded air beneath the platta trees will soon discover the expertise of Skyshield's net-wielding warriors.

While the people of the Castoff don't have a positive relationship with the rest of Vad, there is a respect that exists. The Hollow Hills that separate the people of Skyshield and the Castoff from the Carapace Badlands is acknowledged as a border between cultures. Skyshield will not infringe on the draconic traditions of western Vadians, and they will not bring dragons to the doorstep of those who have suffered so much at draconic hands.

However, it is all but assured that at some point the people of Skyshield will tire of the Emergence (the event in which Esperwake hunts their people for feeding) and strike back at the Elder Dragon in her citadel. And when that time comes, it may be a reckoning for more than just Frusning.

City Landmarks

(Skyshield is a vast and varied city, stretching over several communities. This not only better keeps the people safe from attack but emphasizes the sprawling environment the people of Skyshield use for their livelihood. Walking from one end of Skyshield to the other would take days.)

Coral Forest - one of the deepest parts of Skyshield is the Coral forest found beneath the teeming waters. This gorgeous underwater kaleidoscope of color contains rare flora that cannot be found anywhere else in the Castoff. Some of the rarest ingredients can be found here, as well as some of the most dangerous animals. It takes a skilled diver to emerge unscathed.

The Toxin Teachers- there is no formal institution for learning the secrets of the Castoffs various plants and animals, but there are those among the population who are recognized as experts. They pass on their knowledge to those they deem worthwhile, and do so through apprenticeship-like relationships. 

Weavering - where the greatest nets in the Castoff are made, the Weavering is a place where one can purchase  a weapon powerful enough to ensnare the wings of an adult dragon. The price is high but the quality is unmatched. The secrets of developing such weapons are kept here as well in secluded workshops away from public eyes.

Plattarian Eyes - these watchtowers on top of the Platta trees are temporary buildings used to spot the approach of dragons or other aerial enemies, allowing the people of Skyshield to prepare far before they are engaged. These watchtowers are often destroyed easily due to their indefensibly location, but the people of Skyshield have become so efficient at erecting them, another can be built within a day. They are also made in such a way to be easily accessible and allow for quick retreat down back below the barrier.

Many Drinks - a famous shop often visisted by outsiders, Many Drinks is the place where all manner of elixers, potions, and tinctures can be procured. Much like the novelty of those potions found in the history of the Elixer Lowlands in Highcroft, the people of Skyshield pride themselves on creating potions for any occasion; anything from healing acne to causing heart failure.

One Treetop - one the last remaining places the floodwaters of the Castoff could not touch, this peak was once a mighty hill that rose above all others in the Skyless lands. Now, it is easily accessible by a mere stroll. On it is a tree unlike the platta trees that surround and dwarf it -- a beautiful lilac tree that still smells of a time long past. Some say if you fall asleep beneath it, you'll dream of what you desire most. 

People of Note

Talima Okwara: Female Human, city elder and former champion diver, she has mastered many apprentices over her life, but still believe her greatest apprentice is yet to come
Faal Fooly: Female Tortle, practically lives in the Coral Forest, claims to have seen things within that she'd rather others not have to experience
Tremenda Bowli: Female Owlin, researcher and arcane strategist responsible for learning how the waters of the Castoff are affected by the magics of Esperwake
Piggle Guts: Male Goblin, the best soldier in the Plattarian Eyes, he can erect a watchtower in hours, and has the nimbleness to sound the warning bells for the city quicker than any others