Drakehall Keep

Demographics

Location: Northwestern M'Chek
Land Size: TBA
Population: TBA
Religions: Mixed; tending to good intentions
Exports: Beer and Leather
Colors: Black, Silver, and M'Chekian Blue
Sigil: The heads of a hawk and a silver dragon facing each other on a field of M'Chekian blue.

History of Drakehall

Early History

Drakehall Keep was built many generations ago in the untamed wilderness of the M’Chekian grasslands and served as the first ancestral fortress of the powerful House Drake. The Drake’s carved out a name for themselves in the harsh and unforgiving wilds, and this fortress provided a beacon of safety and protection to the men and women living in this region.

Situated in western M’Chek, the Keep is nestled in a shallow valley and is surrounded by low, sweeping hills and fertile farmlands. It borders Nelthropian lands and the Hills of the Order of the Way to the north, with Westshore and Bachwood edging its southern boundaries. The Keep is made of stone and is 2 stories in height, with a small watch tower built atop the southwest corner of the roof. Underground rooms provide storage and other necessities.

As time passed, Drake’s power and influence grew and with it, a new port rose out of necessity nearby along the western coastline. Westshore was established and the Drake’s shifted their seat of power to that newly settled coastal settlement.

Drakehall Keep was still used by the Drakes and those loyal to their banner over the next few generations, but over time it was neglected and fell into disrepair.

Change in Ownership

Lord Constantine Drake of Westshore served as the ruling noble in House Drake. It can be reasoned that this power was not enough for him, and he craved more influence over M’Chek. To this end, he spearheaded efforts at what became plans for an eventual coup attempt.

Constantine’s plans for a coup focused on many fronts. He conspired with numerous individuals to kidnap the young nephew and niece from Chasworth Keep, Edgar and Audra Harwood, the heirs of Lord Tobias Chasworth, as well as General Cassius of the M’Chekian Army. Additionally, aided by General Percival Tate and the disgraced Colonel Tanners, there were many attempted assassinations of multiple nobles in key positions of power and influence. The men also flooded the southwest and the northwest M’Chekian countryside with bandits to sow panic and confusion within the general population.

With the aid of a force hired by Prime Minister Deth and Lord Harvingdale, many nobles were protected from assassination attempts and they ultimately captured the elusive Lord of Westshore. The soldiers of the Skybolt Battalion subdued Lord Drake’s army and all the key players were in custody with the exception of General Tate, who evaded capture.

Lord Constantine Drake was executed by hanging in the Garrison Square of Mikona, after being tried by a jury of his peers in the Noble House. Numerous charges were leveled against him and his co-conspirators including treason, conspiracy to murder more than a dozen nobles, kidnapping, and a number of other undisclosed crimes. Lord Drake did not swing by the neck that morning by himself; both Colonel Tanners and a mercenary named Geoffrey were executed alongside the disgraced noble.

Aftermath of Drake's Revolt

In the wake of the death of Constantine Drake, the Noble House deemed it necessary to offer Lord Chasworth reparations for the injuries inflicted on his heirs while held captive by Lord Drake’s conspirators. Lord Chasworth was gifted several select pieces of ancestral Drake lands by the Noble House, specifically Drakehall and Drakeshore in western M’Chek.

Sir Thaylis Beign had just recently retired from serving as the Brigadier and commanding officer of the Blackhawk Brigade, and after some private discussions with Lord Chasworth, the former officer and Hero of M’Chek accepted a position as a vassal to the older man. Sir Thaylis Beign was granted stewardship of the Drake family's ancestral home and the lands surrounding it. With this new responsibility, he is entrusted to oversee the prosperity and welfare of Drakehall Keep and the loyal M’Chekian citizens who live in the surrounding holdings.

Once Sir Thaylis took control of Drakehall, many structural repairs needed to be carried out on the neglected fortress. The repairs were quickly made and Thaylis put a public notice out to the nation, asking for former Blackhawks to fill the ranks of a company of guardsmen needed to serve at Drakehall Keep. Nearly 2 dozen men and women answered the call to his banner. Additionally, Rickus va’Alor, priest to Toran, serves as the garrison commander of the Keep. In addition to these duties, Rickus had requested a small chaplet be built on the lands of Drakehall and to this end, roughly a dozen followers of Toran have joined him. They serve as part of the guard company as well.

Recent Events

In the aftermath of Lady Finmaegen's judgment over a group of Snorko's Dubunant half-orc army veterans, Drakehall Keep took into service 5 of their group to bolster the garrison, swelling the number to roughly 40 men and women. A newly built guard tower was constructed adjacent to the Keep, and all members of the company were given a silver insignia that identified them as Drakehall soldiers.

In the aftermath of Dunster's Private war against the Thrope and its Cult of the Five Messengers, Drakahall Keep claimed some 30 loyal M'Chekian troops that fled to the fortress. With Lord Chasworth's loss of his ancestral home. Some 200 refugees made the long journey to the lands of Drakehall seeking refuge.

Following years of defending M'Chek, improving life around Drakehall and its lands, and quietly becoming a power in the Northwest of M'Chek. The Beigns were awarded noble titles and the lands and keep of Drakehall.

Current Status and Garrison

Drakehall is at peace and maintains 4 full companies of guards; Dragon, Wyvern, and Hyrda. The Dragon Rhapsody stands ready with at full crew at readiness. Specialty units , such as artillery and scouting, are also ready to serve when needed.

Squires and Pages

There are several schools of thought in utilizing this kind of tutelage as we move forward in the political minefield we call the M’Chekian political system. Accepting to oversee the guardianship, education, and protection of a young noble is a huge responsibility for the House involved but the rewards this action can reap are beyond measure, for both Houses involved. This idea can forge new alliances and strengthen existing ones, and there is a certain prestige associated with becoming a Knight of M’Chek.

The young noble benefits in many ways; to learn firsthand the inner workings of running a House, keep, or hold. As a Page, their education continues (or begins) in reading and writing, mathematics, and sciences. They see firsthand how to manage people efficiently, gain a basic understanding of finances and politics, and are exposed to a myriad of other tasks involved in operating a House of the M’Chekian nation. As Squires, young nobles begin their education in becoming a soldier; training in weapons, horsemanship, combat, tactics, and a host of other disciplines prepares the teen to one day become a leader amongst his peers. Specialties, including but not limited to archery, scouting, and woodlore can be explored if the young person shows a particular interest in that type of training.

The young Orien Finmaegen, age 10, has been recently fostered by the Beign's at Drakehall Keep. It has been rumored he will spend the next two years under the care and guidance of the Keep's Master Steward, Roberts Brindle. Once the young man reaches 12 summers, Orien will then transition into becoming the Squire of Thaylis for the next three years, where he will learn a multitude of disciplines to prepare him to become the Lord of House Finmaegen.

Works of Art, Artifacts, Gifts, and Trophies

Paintings

The Elysian Dragon Wing by Elwin
Official Wedding Portrait of the Beigns by Selona Xilrel
Dragon Rhapsody - First Kill at the Battle of Isle of the Dreadnought by Adriel Belsley of Westshore
Lord Chasworth by Friedhelm of Mikona
The Wedding by Anhaern Herkian
Dragon Rhapsody - Maiden Voyage by Adriel Belsley of Westshore
Dragon Garden by Aneirin
That Painting by Unknown
Allikar and Ammika wait for Abbikar by Nawen Beign
Flower Arrangement by Arena of Dre'Ana
Sunflowers in the Gardens by Nawen Beign

Artifacts

Throne of the Drakes
Written History of Drakehall
Dragon Scale Armour, Sandstone
Dragon Scale Armour, Granite
Dragon Scale Armour, Coal
Dragon Scale Armour, Amber

Statues and Stoneworks

Ursula's Bench - A bench located in the graveyard that has an enduring poem engraved into the stone.

Gifts

Fergus's Angurvadal (which he was gifted from Dame Moira)
Kurathene Harp given by Rickus to Nawen

Battle Field Trophies

Dawn of Terror's Bell with the song It don't float no more by Aneirin Menelaos
Snorko's Maul
River Stones
Banner from the ship Magenta
Banner from the ship Ebony Rose
Banner from the ship Nauticus
Unknown ship's wheel from the Battle of Isle of the Dreadnought

Amenities of Drakehall

Drakehall Keep, while a military keep and has barracks for its troops. It is seeing new life and new facilities. From its own smithy to a chapel dedicated to Toran. More recently a brewery and planned land purchases along the coast for a proper pier for ships to dock at and possibly more farmlands and barns. Even rumors abound of dryads at work as they been seen now and then studying the lands.

Drakehall Businesses

Drakehall Brewery

With word of Drakehall's brewing spreading and Brewmaster's Flint own reputation with it. Drakehall afforded him his own establishment to create his artisan beers from homegrown barley and imported ingredients from aboard. Along with Charlie and other trusted staff helping to maintain kegs. They have created a wide range of brews and even supply their brews to other venues. Are known to brew for special events.

Drakehall Stout
Drakehall's Black of Night
Drakehall's Blackhawks Black Ale
Drakehall's Blissful BarleyWine
Drakehall's Bridal Ale
Drakehall's Brownie Bock ³
Drakehall's Cherry Stout
Drakehall's Cherry Cinnamon Crush
Drakehall's Elysian Cherry Wheat ³
Drakehall's Elysian Fruit Lager #3 ³
Drakehall's Elysian Pixie Duster ³
Drakehall's ESM ³
Drakehall's Empire Whiskey Barrel Stout
Drakehall's Full Body Ale ¹
Drakehall's Gingerbread Stout
Drakehall's Grooms Gose
Drakehall's Joy of the Hunt Wild Ale
Drakehall's The Long Winter
Drakehall's Musical Saison ²
Drakehall's Original Stout
Drakehall's Pale Dryad Ale³
Drakehall's Poetic Pilsner
Drakehall's Scholarly Triple Stout Porter ¹
Drakehall's Serendipity Lager
Drakehall's Solictise and Santus
Drakehall's Summer Sour ³
Drakehall's Timely Ticky Tock Bock
Drakehall's Winter Wheat Snowberry
Drakehall's Winter Warmer

Elysian Honey Brown Drakehall Ale ³
Drakehall's Mulled Fairy Garden Wine

¹ Only available at Vorin's Treasure Trove and Rest, M'Chek
² Only available at Menelaos Performance Hall & Art Gallery, Nor'seere
³ Only available at PUBlishing House, Elysia

Squid's In

Some years ago Thaylis partnered with Captain Ony and her Squid's Inn to sell his leather goods. The venture was so profitable that he hired Bo Jr to oversee his interest in the business. As terms of the partnership fulfilled the contract and ran its course. They parted ways on to new ventures.

Drakehall Exchange

After failing to obtain a prime location in the Mikona Marketplace. The couple has changed their thinking from a centralized location to branch out into the public marketplaces in various nations. Which, Nawen has brought her own businesses into the Drakehall Exchange venture.

Sabrina at Celeb ar' Malda Shops in Nor'Seere
Noemie at Mikona's Farmers Market in Mikona, M'Chek
Celine & Mista at Loash Leheven, Fairy Gardens
Mira Gunei at Paradise Boutique and Emporium, Elysia
Saffron at Sherrill's Imports & Exports in Port Eridanus, Ferrell

Drakehall (PUB)lishing House

PUBlishing House is located in Elysia along the path through the Southeastern Farmlands and offers drinks to quench your thirst and books to quench your mind's thirst. Is the first Drakehall Outpost outside of M'Chek and the first Drakehall Exchange business not located within a public marketplace.

Drakehall Fleet

Dragon Rhapsody

The Dragon Rhapsody is a seagoing war sloop with a twin mask and she carries a battery for 10 cannons. Her company complete with her gun crews can number around 45-50 sailors depending upon her mission. She maintains anchorage in Drake Cove, within the shadow of Drakehall Keep. Operates in the Western Seas and the bay between M'Chek and Toran Shaarda. She can also make her way up the Eridanian River to Elysia and Ferrell.

She was acquired through known salvage laws of the sea by Rickus va'Alor and appears in the ship registries in Mikona under the name of Dragon Rhapsody. Her original name was Flaming Chicken. Her first kill was at the Battle of Isle of the Dreadnought of an unknown Orcish vessel. Later she teamed up with the Ebony Rose and took on the Nauticus and defeated the Nauticus; the Ebony Rose was lost in action. She spends her time patrolling the bay and waters between Westshore and Toran Shaarda.

High Captain Honeybreeze - This Avariel rose to the top of several promising candidates and she was selected to command the Dragon Rhapsody.

Bronson - (human) First Mate - His quick wit is only surpassed by his love of the high sea. Bronson has spent the better part of 2 decades aboard ships and is a highly capable master of ships.

Jim - (half-orge) Jim served in the Mikona navy during the War against Drotid, and saw heavy fighting in the Eastern Seas aboard Captain Roland Barker's HMS Shannon as a cannoneer. He serves in the same capacity on the Rhapsody, and his brute strength is welcomed, making quick work of the heavy work, such as winching up the anchor.

Agnes Tournebulle - Master at Arms (Second Mate) and commands the ship's gun crews.

Catharina Harlan-Höger - Boatswain (Third Mate)

Norbert Lerche - Bosun’s Mate

Cleeve Reynes - Bosun’s Mate

Magenta

After making its anchorage on the Eastern Cost of T'Nanshi at an undisclosed location while repairs and refitting take place. She was acquired from Captain Black after the Dauntless was burned. The crew of the Dauntless stormed and took the Magenta for their own and used it to tow the Dauntless back to the mainland. Where it was sold to Drakehall. Her battery of some 10 cannons was removed and transported to Drakehall for security reasons. Given her familiar rigging and lines. It was almost impossible to sail her out of T'Nanshi cove into M'Chekian waters without the M'Chekian Navy spotting her and intercepting her. Even with papers filed in Mikona stating she was Drakehall property did little to stop this. In the end, the Magenta was renamed "Rose of Dre'Ana" and sailed to Myleah, Jechran to be sold to the Starbloods and become the flagship of the Jerchanian Navy.

Key Figures of Drakehall Keep

PC's associated with Drakehall Keep

Thaylis Beign - Knight of Drakehall. Serves as a vassal to Lord Chasworth and was granted stewardship of Drakehall Keep and the corresponding holdings. Is entrusted to ensure the prosperity and well-being of the Drakehall lands and citizens. Member of House Silverstrike 4th house of Nor'seere.

Nawen Begin - Sage of Drakehall. Serves as another key adviser to Thaylis and his wife. Member of House Silverstrike 4th house of Nor'seere. Known throughout the gardens as Ammika'newan; a member of the Winter Court.

Shaenyn va'Serah - Knight Commander of Drakehall - Shae serves as the garrison commander of Drakehall. She is in charge of the overall security and is Thaylis' chief adviser in most matters. Also serves as Nawen's personal bodyguard.

Rickus va'Alor - High Priest of Drakehall Keep. Rickus provides religious services as a Priest of Toran, providing guidance and services to the many Toranites and other interested citizens of Drakehall.

Kara Kalinor - Captain of the Guard. Kara's main responsibility is providing leadership and oversight to the nearly 40 men and women who form Drakehall's guard force. Coordinates patrols and training, and reports directly to Rickus.

Kate Benessett - Serves as a guards-woman and provides advice concerning the arcane.

Ursula Seleivara - Minstrel of Drakehall - Retained by Thaylis for musical and poetic entertainment and education to all the citizens within the lands of Drakehall. Deceased.

Ariana - Arian The Aran, Member of Winter Court, Keeper of Flowers and Seeds. ForestWitch.

'Deo' Deostori Silverpaw - Close friends to the Beigns. Caretaker of the Tree.

Finn Kiff - A trusted friend and adviser to the Beigns. Also enjoys discussing all things related to brewing beers with Flint.

Fabello - A trusted friend to the Beigns. Serves the dual role of adviser to the couple, as well as bearing the responsibility as acting as the Interpreter of Kassha.

Alaria C. Fryar - Courtier of Drakehall Keep, Correspondent to the Joint Houses. Services are no longer required.

Cadence Everhart - Master of the Range; she provides oversight in maintaining the archery core of Drakehall's three companies.

Glorandrea - Master of the Forge; creative and unique creations for an ever-expanding Drakehall.

Emick Azorian - Master Psion. Advisor in the matters of the empathic.

Kurn - Overall shady person and adviser on matters in the Undark.

Nora - Knows stuff and things about shadows but no one knows if she is around.

Frannie Mouze - Organic Librarian

NPC's associated with Drakehall Keep

Flint Wrightson - Brewmaster of Drakehall and oversees Drakehall Brewery. Is the person responsible for brewing Drakehall's unique and flavorful beers, ales, and stouts. A giant of a man, he stands over 6'3", and wields both a greatsword and a majestic mustache.

Duncan Fields - Drakehall Keep’s master blacksmith. A competent master blacksmith, he has 2 teen-aged apprentices helping him with the forge and bellows.

Brok – Apprenticed to Duncan. A Romini boy just stepping out of his early teens, he is never far from Duncan. He has the same dark hair as Duncan.

Autumn – Apprenticed to Duncan. A Romini girl in her early teens.

Roberts Brindle – Drakehall Keep’s Steward. A dependable and capable Romini, he ensures Drakehall Keeps running like a well-oiled Gnomish machine. ¹

Freya Brook– The Head Chef of Drakehall. This Romini has no problems with speaking her mind. The kitchen is her world and she runs it smoothly and efficiently.¹

Porter Wells - Drakehall Keep’s manservant and cook. Helps Freya in the kitchen when not performing his other duties or tasks from Roberts.¹

Skyla and Seraph Silverstrike - Avariel of noble blood and members of House Silverstrike. Twins. Adopted into Drakehall Keep.

Strephonius - This Dragon Wing member has been welcomed into Drakehall. Is in command of the Scouting operating out of Drakehall.

Tegris - This man can be seen at the Keep from time to time, training Thaylis with the use of bladed weapons. Highly focus, his skills with a variety of weapons are nearly unmatched.

Bellamy Blake - Stable Master of Drakehall.

Bernie - Former 2nd in command in Snorko's gang. Captured, he chooses to assist Rickus in weeding out Snorko's men and vouching for their sincerity in reintegration into M'Chekian society. Now serves as the Quartermaster for the Drakehall guards and assists in training.

Charlie - Apprentice Stable Master. Having not only paid off his debt for taking their wedding finery. He has earned his spot with Drakehall and puts his love and knowledge of animals to good use in the stable.

Amedee - The Dryad daughter of Nawen and Thaylis; she was planted as a seed and now resides in the Great Hall where her tree has become one with the keep itself.

Mikey - Ward of the Keep, A young teen with a bit of fire and can already scrap some. ³

Heather - Ward of the Keep, A young almost teen with an interest in archery, and magic; she adores birds. Is also the older sister of Emily ³

Emily - Ward of the Keep, A young girl whose precocious and has a love of cherry pie often gets the better of her. She loves to draw and is learning life is more than an orphanage. The younger sister of Heather ³

Sabrina - A lovely and strange young lady that is her own self and does as she wants to. Often seen in the company of Mister Emick.

Pages and Squires in Training

Collins - One of Roberts' young pages that bring and deliver messages in and around the lands of Drakehall.²
Orien Finmaegen.

¹ - Roberts, Freya, and Porter were part of a handful of reliable men and women hand-picked by Lord Chasworth to help Thaylis get the run-down keep back in order when Drakehall was first handed over to Thaylis’ care.

² - Collins appears with the approval of Deider (I think)

³ - Mikey, Heather, and Emily appear with the approval of Amby

Animals sighted in and around the Keep

Harmony – A female Husky puppy that was rescued along with several children from slavers along M’Chek’s eastern coastline. Gifted to Nawen. Full of unbridled energy.

Sul - Her name means "Wind" in Sylvan. An adolescent Roc raised by Thaylis from a hatchling. Her plumage is a pale golden color across her entire length. The feathers of her wings are also pale gold in color, but the larger primary and secondary feathers are flecked with shades of deep pine and mahogany. Her beak and talons are a darker shade of gold, and both are dangerously sharp. The eyes are a vibrant golden hue surrounding a black iris. While not a constant feature at the Keep, when she is present she claims the watchtower as her own.

Miss Chef – A white cat frequently seen in the kitchen.

Murder – A blind crow. A constant companion of Freya’s.

Hunter – A black cat who stalks the cellar and tunnels beyond.

Thief - A black cat with white markings who is typically seen curled up in front of the dining room fireplace.

Osha - A grizzly cub that took to Nawen. Thaylis rescued her during his Great Hunt against Strephanious.

Night Blossom - Nawens' warhorse, gifted to her as a wedding gift from House Dane.

Wildbolt - Thaylis' warhorse, gifted to him as a wedding gift from House Dane.

Ursula - A strange little kitten from the Dreamscape Realm that Nawen picked up and brought back to Drakehall. Given its attitude and mannerisms, they started calling her Ursula; after their departed friend.

Drakehall Keep Guard Command Structure

The Guard forces at Drakehall consist mainly of former Blackhawk veterans and Toranite faithful. Over the years, additional men and women from across the nation have joined to serve Lord Beign and Drakehall Keep. The overall command rests on the Knight Commander's shoulders, and day-to-day oversight falls to the company commanders. Duties include patrolling the boundaries of Keeps lands and protecting the keep and those within it.

The guards are divided into 4 companies; Dragon, Wyvern, and Hyrda and Drake Companies. Each is outlined as follows:

Dragon Company

Guardman duties.

Captain Kara Kalinor Former Blackhawk officer. (PC)
Lt. Linda Reed - Former Blackhawk NCO.
Lt. Zack White - Toranite
Sgt Regina Folon - Toranite
Sgt Alonso Williams - Mikon
Sgt Juliet Fastolfe - Toranite
Sgt David Cryppys - Toranite
Corporal Noela Long – Toranite
Corporal Edmund Thornton – Toranite
Corporal Audrey Sentjohn – Toranite
Corporal Adrian Horman – Toranite

Wyvern Company

Guardsman duties.

Hydra Company

Marine detachment.

Some 30 guards defected from Lord Nelthrope as the final battle started in the Dunster Private War against Nelthrope. They escorted and protect civilians that fled Lord Nelthrope's lands and helped the refugees from Lord Chasworth's former lands to Drakehall lands. They form the backbone of the Marines at Drakehall Keep and are typically serving on Dragon Rhapsody and can serve as standardguardsmen if the need arises.

Captain Lewis Hill – Mikon
Lt Martael Gilrieth – Toranite
Lt Katheryne Brook – Mikon
Sgt Matthias Criswel – Toranite
Sgt Ebrithe Falee – Toranite
Sgt Thomas Blodwell - Ingoren
Sgt Julian Deacons – Mikon

Drake Company

Training Company.