“Power is the true gem of Draeth.”
Draeth is a lush, geothermal forest world famed for its wealth of precious stones and its intricate web of politics. Vast jungles, towering volcanoes, and gem-veined caves shape the landscape, while Draethan society thrives on ambition, artistry, and an obsession with influence. As a member of the League of Independent Systems, Draeth stands as both a cultural jewel and a bastion of self-interest, where wealth and power dictate nearly every decision.
The surface of Draeth is covered in dense, warm forests interlaced with geothermal vents, hot springs, and volcanic mountains. Shimmering deposits of gems and minerals glow faintly in the undergrowth and caverns, lending the planet an otherworldly brilliance. Rivers of warm water cut through the jungle canopy, powering mills and mineral refineries.
The Draethos, Draeth’s native people, are sharp-tongued, politically savvy, and fiercely ambitious. Every interaction — whether business, art, or romance — carries undertones of maneuvering for power. Wealth is worn openly in the form of ornate jewelry, enchanted clothing, and artistic displays of status. Draethan society prizes political cunning, wealth accumulation, and personal prestige above all else.
Population: ~2.4 billion, predominantly Draethos with smaller populations of Humans, Elani, and Ke’bon merchants.
Life on Draeth is a constant performance. Banquets, masquerades, and debates are as much about spectacle as substance. Citizens often study rhetoric, finance, and enchantment from a young age, learning to wield words, wealth, and magic with equal skill. The writings of Golm Fervse’dra and The Way still shape Draethan philosophy, urging the pursuit of self-advancement over collective good.
While Draethans can appear vain and self-serving, their mastery of art, enchantment, and craftsmanship is unmatched. Their jewelcrafting and enchanted gemstones are among the most sought-after luxury goods in the galaxy, blending beauty with practical magical power.
Do’urden is the glittering heart of Draeth, a sprawling metropolis where darksteel towers rise above sprawling districts of elegant villas and workshops. Its streets are alive with merchants hawking enchanted gems, political rallies, and vibrant performances in grand theaters. Neon and gemstone light dances through the city, giving it a perpetual shimmer of wealth and ambition.
Do’urden Capital Tower – A towering, obsidian-darksteel spire at the city’s center, serving as the administrative heart of Draeth. It houses political offices, archives, and the chambers of the elected Grand Tsar, Draeth’s representative in the League of Independent Systems.
The Grand Enchanter’s Hall – A prestigious academy and workshop where Draeth’s most powerful enchanters craft magical jewelry, train apprentices, and display their creations.
The Opal Promenade – A bustling market district lined with gem-cutting shops, enchanted jewelry vendors, and lavish theaters where politics and art intermingle.
Cinder Monte – A massive inactive volcano rising above the clouds, surrounded by thick forests. Its crater holds a steaming, glowing lake infused with geothermal energy and gemstone deposits. At its peak stands an ancient temple of dark volcanic stone, revered as a sacred site for meditation, ambition rituals, and political vows.
The Sapphire Expanse – A vast geothermal plain where shimmering blue crystal formations erupt from the ground, harvested for both enchanting and luxury trade.
The Obsidian Warrens – Subterranean tunnels once carved by volcanic activity, now mined for rare black gems said to hold psionic resonance. Some sections are rumored to connect to hidden enclaves used by assassins or exiled nobles.
Draeth is ruled by a Council of Nobles, whose members constantly scheme and maneuver for dominance. One among them is chosen to serve as Grand Tsar, the world’s official voice in the L.I.S., though this position shifts frequently due to political upheaval.
Draeth maintains a formidable planetary defense, with darksteel fortresses hidden within forests, geothermal-powered shield generators, and a small but elite fleet. While the Draethos prefer manipulation over brute force, their defenses ensure that no outside faction dares underestimate them.
Draeth’s wealth is not just in raw gems, but in the art of enchantment, where master jewelcrafters bind psionic and elemental energies into stones. These enchanted jewels are worn by nobles, sold across the galaxy, and sometimes smuggled for use in weapons, armor, or illicit rituals. Each type of gemstone carries unique magical resonance:
Fire Opals of Draeth – Fiery red-orange stones infused with geothermal energy. When enchanted, they enhance flame-based spells, power heat-projecting weapons, or provide resistance to extreme cold. Favored by battle-mages and mercenaries.
Sapphire Hearts – Luminous blue crystals mined from the Sapphire Expanse. They resonate with psionica, amplifying concentration and mental clarity. Often embedded in Psi-links or worn by scholars and casters to sharpen their attunement.
Emerald Veins – Green gems threaded with natural mineral lines. When cut properly, they enhance vitality, stamina, and healing magic, making them highly sought after by healers and adventurers.
Obsidian Shards – Jet-black stones mined from the Obsidian Warrens. They are naturally psionically reactive, allowing them to enhance stealth enchantments, cloak energy signatures, or dampen magical detection. They are a favorite of assassins and spies.
Starlit Amethysts – Purple gems that glitter faintly as though filled with starlight. Rare and incredibly valuable, they can enhance teleportation, dimensional spells, or starship warp shielding when properly enchanted. Their rarity makes them a symbol of high nobility and power.
Blood Rubies of Cinder Monte – Deep crimson gems formed by volcanic pressure around the sacred mountain. They are believed to carry the essence of Draethan ambition, enhancing willpower, leadership, and persuasion. Nobles wear them in rings and amulets during political debates and ceremonies.
The gem trade, while officially regulated by Draeth’s Council of Nobles, has a shadowy underbelly. Obsidian Shards and Fire Opals in particular are smuggled by pirates, mercenaries, and syndicates to enhance weapons or empower warp rituals. Rumors persist of Warp Lords and their demons using corrupted Draethan gems to bind souls or fuel abyssal magic.
Draeth embodies both beauty and ambition — a planet where wealth gleams in every stone, and every citizen plays the great game of politics. To outsiders, it is a world of decadence and intrigue. To its people, Draeth is proof that power, like a gem, must be cut and polished to shine.