Drachenheim

Drachenheim is a land of snow-capped mountains and deep, dark forests home to a dour, stoic folk with a strong military tradition.

Like its western neighbor, Avalon, Drachenheim is a feudal monarchy ruled over by King Cyril IV. Nearly all of the Drachen nobility have directly served in the country's military, the few exceptions being those physically incapable of doing so, as those afraid or unwilling to serve their nation in frontline combat are viewed as irredeemable cowards.

Drachenheim's capital is the walled city of Eisentor, named for the citadel of dark stone that serves as King Cyril's palace. The city is bifurcated by the Dunstig River, whose mineral-rich waters flow down from the Ironroot Mountains to the north. Eisentor is also host to the Vechenmarke War College, the preeminent military school in all of Avas.

Drachenheim's proud military tradition is all but universal among its citizenry, with most Drachen adults having served at least a few years in her military. While the Drachen navy is instrumental in protecting the country's southern coastline, the vast majority of Drachenheim's forces are a part of her army, with its cavalry and shock trooper regiments considered the most prestigious posts.

The famous Drachen dedication to military service is ceaseless, even in death. This dedication is made manifest in the feared Drachen Bone Legions - entire armies composed almost entirely of intelligent undead soldiers raised from the dead by Drachen war priests. Using rituals jealously guarded as state secrets, the war priests are able to consistently raise dead soldiers as skeletons and zombies that retain much of their memories and personalities, though the process is said to dampen the spirit somewhat and dull the extremes of their personalities, resulting in soldiers even more stern and humorless than their living counterparts.