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  1. Andorea WIP
  2. Lore

The Obsidian Satrapy Lore

Race: Dragonborn, Humans
Government: Imperial Satrap System
Theme: Volcanic magic, tyranny, draconic legacy, conquest through fear and industry


Origins & Ideology

The Obsidian Satrapy traces its origins to the aftermath of a cataclysmic volcanic age, when vast regions of Andorea were reshaped by fire and ash. From these lands rose a Dragonborn warlord who claimed descent from an ancient fire dragon said to have ruled the region before mortal history. Through conquest and terror, this lineage forged an empire rooted in draconic supremacy and absolute authority.

The Satrapy believes that rule is proven through dominance, not consent. Fire is sacred—not as a symbol of renewal, but as a tool of purification and control. Cities are built atop obsidian ridges and lava channels, harnessing volcanic power to fuel forges, war engines, and arcane constructs.

The Obsidian Satrapy represents tyranny perfected through legacy: an empire that sees mercy as weakness and obedience as the natural state of the world.


Governmental Structure

The Satrapy is governed through rigid hierarchy and delegated tyranny.

Key elements of governance:

  • The Obsidian Emperor

    • Absolute ruler claiming draconic blood and divine right through fire

    • Commands total authority over law, war, and tribute

    • Succession is hereditary, but challengers are common and brutally eliminated

  • The Satrap Lords

    • Regional governors appointed by the Emperor

    • Rule territories with near-total autonomy so long as tribute and loyalty are maintained

    • Frequently compete with one another, fostering controlled internal rivalry

  • The Ash Tribunal

    • Imperial judicial body enforcing loyalty and suppressing dissent

    • Oversees accusations of treason, rebellion, or weakness

    • Punishments are public and exemplary

The system ensures that fear flows downward while blame flows upward, insulating the Emperor from regional failure.


Military & Internal Security

The Obsidian Satrapy maintains a fearsome military designed for intimidation and overwhelming force.

The Pyre Legions

  • Heavy infantry trained in shock warfare

  • Equipped with obsidian-forged weapons and fire-resistant armor

  • Specialize in urban destruction and forced compliance

Drakebound Cohorts

  • Elite Dragonborn units claiming closer draconic ancestry

  • Often accompanied by fire-breathing war beasts

  • Used to crush rebellion and spearhead invasions

Volcanic Artillery Corps

  • Siege engines powered by magma and alchemical fire

  • Deployed against fortresses and forests alike

  • A major factor in wars against Sylvanreach Enclaves

The Ember Inquisition

  • Internal security and intelligence arm

  • Hunts sedition, insurrection, and failure among satraps

  • Answers directly to the Emperor


Foreign Relations Context

  • Allied with:
    Ashen Dominion – Shared militarism, expansionism, and scorched-earth doctrine

  • At War with:

    • Crystal Caliphate – Competing control over desert and crystal trade routes

    • Sylvanreach Enclaves – Volcanic expansion threatens sacred forests

The Obsidian Satrapy does not negotiate peace—it imposes silence. Where its banners fall, the land remembers fire long after the armies march on.