The Obsidian Satrapy
Race: Dragonborn, Humans
Government: Imperial Satrap System
Theme: Volcanic magic, tyranny, draconic legacy
Description:
The Obsidian Satrapy is a vast empire built atop volcanic plains and obsidian ridges, ruled by a Dragonborn Emperor believed to descend from an ancient fire dragon. The empire is divided into satrapies governed by iron-fisted nobles who collect tribute in blood, gold, and magic. Rivers of lava are harnessed to power forges and arcane engines of war.
Allied with:
Ashen Dominion – Shared militarism and scorched-earth tactics
Reason: Mutual conquest goals and shared borders ripe for expansion.
At War with:
The Crystal Caliphate – Competing control over elemental crystal trade routes.
🏰 City-Encompassing Fortresses (3)
1. Pyrothrax Imperium
The capital fortress-city of the Satrapy, built directly into a volcanic caldera. Pyrothrax Imperium’s obsidian walls encircle entire districts of forges, temples, and slave quarters. Rivers of lava are channeled through armored conduits beneath the streets to power war engines and smithies.
2. Ashencoil Citadel
A massive ring-fortress wrapped around a volcanic spine, its towers shaped like coiled dragon horns. Ashencoil Citadel governs the western satrapies and serves as a forward mustering point for conquest. Its inner city is constantly veiled in smoke and ashfall.
3. Blackspire Dominion
A towering vertical fortress-city carved into a sheer obsidian mountain. Blackspire Dominion rises in stacked terraces connected by chains, lifts, and magma-powered elevators. It controls aerial routes and oversees tribute from conquered highlands.
🌾 Farms (2)
1. Emberfurrow Expanse
A vast agricultural zone of heat-tolerant crops grown in ash-rich soil. Emberfurrow Expanse uses magma-warmed irrigation channels and bound fire elementals to maintain year-round harvests.
2. Cinderplain Holdings
A regimented farming estate worked by indentured laborers, producing grain and fuel crops for the fortress-cities. Watchtowers and overseer keeps loom over every field.