Moonpedal Duchy

The Aerie of the East, The Griffon-Throne

This region is distinct from the rest of Tayon. While the south wrestles with the legacy of the Brown Dragonborn, Moonpedal looks eastward across the ocean to K'thari. It is a wealthy, vertical society defined by high-altitude living, ancient trade, and the mastery of aerial cavalry.

Located on the misty, temperate northeastern coast of Tayon, the Duchy of Moonpedal is a marvel of arboreal engineering and ancient tradition. Unlike the jungle-like southern expanse, Moonpedal is a land of Titan-Sequoias—massive trees that pierce the clouds—where civilization is carved directly into the living wood. It is a vertical society, separated by altitude and defined by its isolation from the "Dragonborn Integration" of the south and its proximity to the draconic continent of K'thari.

The Duchy is a Semi-Autonomous State within the Republic of Tayon. While it respects the Republic's laws, it is culturally distinct: an Aristocratic stronghold of the "Old Blood" Elves who remember the "Thousand-Year" history. It is a land of high-magic commerce, aerial cavalry, and a delicate political dance between the native Elves and the militant Metallic Dragon Wardens who have sought refuge in their canopy.

1. Geography & Environment

Location: The North-Eastern coast of Tayon. The Sequoia-Citadels: Moonpedal is located in a unique biome of Titan-Sequoias that rivals the skyscrapers of the south. However, unlike the jungle-like south, the floor here is temperate and often misty.

• Verticality: The civilization is carved into and between the trees. Massive suspension bridges and carved spiral ramps connect the "districts" at different altitudes.

• Travel: Vertical travel is managed through a system of "Wind-Hoists" (counterweight elevators) and, for the wealthy or military, Griffon mounts.

2. Society & Demographics

• Primary Race: Elves (High & Wood).

• Secondary Races: Humans, Dwarves.

• Dragonborn Presence:

  • Locals: Almost no permanent Dragonborn residents live here.

  • Visitors: K'thari Dragonborn are a common sight, but they are viewed strictly as merchants. They are respected for their wealth and exotic goods (dragon scales, K'thari crystal) but are treated as foreign dignitaries rather than neighbors.

• Literacy: Very High. The "Thousand-Year" memory culture here has evolved into a society that values written history, contract law, and wizardry.

3. Government & Politics

Ruler: Duchess Xanaphia Xilonodel & Duke Consort Rolen Nia'lo.

• The Merchant-Duchess: Xanaphia is a shrewd hereditary ruler. She has utilized Moonpedal's proximity to K'thari to generate immense wealth for the Duchy. She views the K'thari merchants as vital economic partners.

• Relations with the Republic: Moonpedal is a Semi-Autonomous state. While they respect the "Heroic Resolve" of the Republic, they operate with a degree of independence due to their economic leverage and distinct military power.

The "Metallic Warden" Crisis The Duchy's current political headache is the influx of Metallic Dragon Wardens from K'thari.

• The Conflict: Following the war on K'thari that drove out the Chromatic Dragons, many Metallic dragons and their humanoid "Wardens" (Paladins of Bahamut or Vistoul) relocated to Moonpedal.

• The Friction: These Wardens are militant, Lawful Good zealots who find the Duchy's focus on commerce and "semi-autonomous" comfort to be lax. They operate as an unauthorized police force within the sequoias, answering only to their Dragon codes, causing tension with the Duchess's guards.

4. Religion

Religion in Moonpedal is diverse but focuses on gods that align with their vertical, magical, and martial life.

• Corellon Larethian: Worshipped by the Elven majority as the patron of art and magic.

• Celo (Nature): Worshipped as the sustainer of the Titan-Sequoias.

• Vistoul (Honor/Dragons): His worship has surged recently due to the presence of the Metallic Dragon Wardens.

• Underground Worship: Because "Concept" matters more than "Law" here, small cults exist. A merchant might secretly pray to Feta (Fortune) for a risky shipment, or a War Wizard might offer a prayer to Sucar (Magic/Power) before a battle, despite the social stigma.

5. Military: The Moonpedal Air Corps

Moonpedal does not rely on traditional infantry or bladesingers. They are the masters of the sky.

• The Griffon Riders: The Duchy's fame lies in its Griffon Cavalry. These riders patrol the canopy and the coastline, ensuring trade routes remain open and "brigandage" remains low.

• War Wizards: The military is heavily supported by War Magic schools. A typical patrol consists of three Griffon Riders and one "Sky-Mage" mounted on a specially bred, heavier Griffon.

• Exports: Moonpedal is the primary breeder and exporter of Griffons to the rest of Tayon and beyond.

6. Key Location: Moonrise (The Capital)

Moonrise is a citadel-city carved directly into a cluster of the largest Titan-Sequoias in the forest.

• The Pilgrim's Path: The path winds up the trunk of the central "Elder Tree." Pilgrims must climb the "Stair of the Spirits"—a winding, unprotected external ramp—to reach the Temple of Corellon at the canopy level. Those who wish to extend their path must secure a Griffon flight to a distant peak or forest edge.

• The High-Docks: Massive wooden platforms jutting out from the canopy where airships (if any) and Griffon wings land. This is the center of trade with the K'thari merchants.

• The Warden's Roost: A section of the upper canopy that has been commandeered by the Metallic Dragon Wardens. It is a fortress-within-a-fortress, where they watch the eastern horizon for the return of Chromatic dragons.