Taverner's Guide - Vol V: The Eastern Dominion

Taverner's Guide - Vol V: The Eastern Dominion

"Discipline, duty, and disturbingly efficient bureaucracy"

By Harrick Taverner, Year 4,181 of the Cracked Crown

Overview & Geography

The Eastern Dominion is Aurelia's most organized region—a meritocratic society where advancement depends on examination results, and everything runs according to comprehensive regulations. Mountains to the east, productive river valleys in the center, and a culture that values order, education, and proper procedure.

The Dominion achieved unification through administrative excellence rather than conquest. Their bureaucracy is legendary—there's a form for everything, an office for every function, and a regulation covering every scenario. Surprisingly, it works.

Geography: The Dominion occupies the eastern quarter of Aurelia. The landscape is dominated by the Dragonspine Mountains forming the eastern border, with productive river valleys (fed by mountain snowmelt) running west. The terrain is varied but manageable—less dramatic than the Thornwall Marches, more structured than the Verdant Vale's gentle chaos.

The cities are meticulously planned. Roads run straight, districts are clearly defined, green spaces are calculated for optimal population benefit. It's beautiful in a geometric way—like someone designed nature itself according to principles of rational efficiency.

Political Foundation: The Dominion unified through administrative genius rather than military conquest. Various city-states voluntarily joined a confederation that offered superior services—efficient tax collection (yes, really), fair courts, public education, infrastructure maintenance. The system proved so effective that independence became unattractive.

The meritocratic examination system determines advancement. Birth and wealth matter less than demonstrated competence. A farmer's child who aces the exams can rise to high office. A noble's heir who fails remains a noble's heir—but achieves nothing more. This creates intense competition but also genuine social mobility.

The bureaucracy is legendary—and legitimately impressive. Yes, there's a form for everything. But the forms actually get processed. Regulations exist for good reasons. Offices function efficiently. It's the opposite of dysfunctional bureaucracy; this is administrative competence elevated to art form.

Major Cities

Imperial Heights

Population: ~95,000

The Dominion's capital, a marvel of urban planning. Grid streets, color-coded districts, efficient public transportation, and architecture that prioritizes function while maintaining elegance. Everything has its place, and everything is in its place.

What to See:

• The Grand Archive - Largest library in Aurelia. Six floors of organized knowledge, catalogued with obsessive precision. Scholars come from across the continent. Free admission, but register at entrance (required). The reading rooms are temples to concentrated thought. Bring research questions; librarians are phenomenally helpful.
• The Examination Halls - Where citizens take advancement exams. The architecture is inspiring—designed to promote focus and fair testing. During examination periods (Fifthmoon), watching thousands of focused citizens is moving. Outside examination periods, tours available (5 silver). The Hall of Honors displays names of top scorers through history.
• Imperial Gardens - Meticulously maintained public gardens demonstrating horticultural mastery. Every plant labeled with scientific and common names. Walking paths calculated for optimal viewing. Free admission. Peaceful and educational simultaneously.
• The Administrative Complex - Yes, I'm recommending visiting government offices. The tours (3 silver) demonstrate how effective bureaucracy actually works. You'll see the petition processing system, the records management, the dispute resolution procedures. It's oddly fascinating—like watching a perfect machine operate.
• The Museum of Achievement - Chronicles Dominion history through examination records, infrastructure projects, and administrative innovations. Sounds dry, is actually compelling. Shows how systems can improve lives.

Where to Stay:

• The Scholar's Residence - Popular with academics and serious travelers. Quiet, clean, well-organized. Rooms are simple but everything works perfectly. Library access, study rooms available. 2 gold/night. Excellent value.
• The Registry Inn - Upscale accommodations for officials and wealthy merchants. Elegant efficiency. Private baths, exceptional service, restaurant on premises. 3 gold/night.
• The Clerk's Quarters - Budget option popular with junior officials. Small rooms, shared facilities, but scrupulously maintained. 12 silver/night. Good for meeting locals.
• The Examination House - Hostel-style accommodation near the Archive. Popular with students. Communal, lively, cheap (8 silver/night). Best for younger travelers who enjoy intellectual conversation.

Where to Eat:

• The Harmonious Table - Fine dining showcasing "structured cuisine"—dishes where every element serves a purpose, arranged with geometric precision. Sounds pretentious, tastes extraordinary. The tasting menu is a lesson in culinary logic. Expensive but worth experiencing.
• The Scholar's Noodle House - Popular with students and officials. Excellent noodle soups, rice bowls, dumplings. Fast service, fair prices, consistently good. Always crowded at lunch.
• The Registry Dining Hall - Set menus served at specific times. Efficient, nutritious, surprisingly tasty. Communal seating encourages conversation. Very cheap.
• Street Food Vendors - Licensed stalls serve grilled skewers, steamed buns, sweet pastries. All inspected and rated (signs posted). Even the street food is organized. Cheap and excellent.

Taverner's Notes: Imperial Heights requires adjustment for most travelers. Register at the Visitor's Bureau within 24 hours of arrival—this isn't optional. Get the visitor's guide (free) which explains regulations clearly. Follow posted rules meticulously; enforcement is consistent. The public transportation system is remarkable—cheap, punctual, clean. Everything closes precisely on schedule; plan accordingly. The food scene is excellent—Dominion cuisine emphasizes balance and precision. Bring patience for paperwork but appreciate that the paperwork actually accomplishes things. Best time to visit: Avoid examination periods (Fifthmoon) unless you want to witness that intensity. Spring and autumn are pleasant. The city rewards those who respect its systems.

Bridgeport

Population: ~42,000

Major trade hub connecting the Dominion to Central Kingdoms. Famous for its engineering marvel—the Triple Span Bridge system crossing the Clearwater River. More relaxed than Imperial Heights while maintaining Dominion efficiency.

What to See:

• The Triple Span Bridges - Engineering marvel crossing the Clearwater River at three points. Each span demonstrates different construction techniques and historical periods. Engineering tours (5 silver) explain the mathematics and mechanics. The sunset view from Central Span is spectacular.
• The Trade District - Where Dominion efficiency meets Central Kingdoms entrepreneurship. Bustling market showcasing goods from across Aurelia. More chaotic than typical Dominion spaces but still organized compared to elsewhere.
• River Observatory - Scientific station monitoring water quality, flow rates, and ecosystem health. Tours available (3 silver). Demonstrates Dominion commitment to environmental management.
• The Customs House Museum - Chronicles trade history and border management evolution. More interesting than it sounds—shows how bureaucracy enables rather than hinders commerce.

Where to Stay:

• The Trader's Exchange - Comfortable inn catering to merchants. Good central location, restaurant serves fusion cuisine. 18 silver/night.
• The Bridge House - Views of Central Span. Clean, efficient, friendly staff. 15 silver/night.
• River's Edge Boarding - Budget accommodation near the docks. Basic but honest. 8 silver/night.

Where to Eat: Bridgeport's food scene blends Dominion precision with Central Kingdoms creativity. Try The Three Bridges Restaurant (moderate, excellent river fish) or Market Street Eatery (cheap, diverse, lively).

Taverner's Notes: Bridgeport is an excellent introduction to the Dominion without full intensity of Imperial Heights. Merchants here deal with outsiders constantly—they're more forgiving of procedural confusion and cultural misunderstandings. The bridge engineering tours are genuinely fascinating even for non-engineers. The city has energy that capital sometimes lacks. Good place to appreciate how Dominion efficiency enables rather than stifles commerce.

Irongate

Population: ~38,000

Industrial center in the mountain foothills. Irongate produces exceptional metalwork, machinery, and precision instruments through combination of natural resources and trained expertise. The city exemplifies how Dominion organization enhances rather than restricts craftsmanship.

What to See: Master's Workshops (demonstrations available), The Foundry District, Technical Academy, Gear Museum (celebrating mechanical precision)

Where to Stay: The Engineer's Lodge (16 silver, functional comfort), The Precision Inn (12 silver, clean and efficient)

Taverner's Notes: If you're interested in how things are made, Irongate is invaluable. The craftsfolk are proud of their work and happy to explain techniques. You can purchase exceptional tools, instruments, or metalwork—the quality justifies the prices. The city has a working-class pride that's refreshing.

Cultural Notes

The Grand Examinations

When: Three weeks during Fifthmoon (early Summer)

The defining event of Dominion culture. Citizens take standardized examinations across multiple subjects—mathematics, history, administration, ethics, specialized professional knowledge. Performance determines eligibility for advancement in government, education, and certified professions.

Society essentially pauses. Businesses reduce hours. Families support examinees with meals and encouragement. Study groups meet in parks and libraries. The atmosphere is intense but supportive—everyone remembers their examination periods.

The examinations are genuinely fair. Anonymous grading, standardized conditions, strict anti-cheating measures. A farmer's child and a noble's heir sit identical exams in identical conditions. The system isn't perfect, but it's remarkably meritocratic.

Results are posted publicly two weeks after completion. High scorers receive ceremonies and opportunities. Those who don't pass can retake next year—there's no shame in repeated attempts, only in not trying.

The Festival of Achievement

When: Sixthmoon 1st (following examination results)

Celebrates successful examinees and honors all who attempted. The top scorers in each category receive public recognition, ceremonial certificates, and advancement opportunities. But the festival emphasizes that participation itself is honorable.

Events include scholarly demonstrations, public lectures, skill exhibitions, and communal meals. The atmosphere shifts from examination intensity to collective celebration of learning. It's moving to watch a society genuinely value intellectual achievement.

The Founding Day

When: Firstmoon 1st (New Year)

Commemorates the Dominion's founding and the confederation's first administrative charter. Ceremonies are formal but not stuffy—readings of founding principles, recommitment to meritocratic ideals, recognition of public servants who exemplified excellence.

The evening features coordinated citywide celebrations—organized chaos, which is the Dominion specialty. Fireworks launch at precisely calculated times. It's both impressive and slightly amusing.

Values & Etiquette

Core Values: Merit over birth, education as path to advancement, procedure as protection against corruption, precision as respect for others' time, collective success through individual competence.

Practical Etiquette:

• Address people by title and rank (ask if unsure—people will explain)
• Punctuality is mandatory. "On time" means 5 minutes early.
• Read posted regulations and follow them precisely
• Gifts should be wrapped according to occasion-specific protocols (your hotel can advise)
• Compliment competence and achievement, not appearance or status
• Don't mock bureaucracy or suggest procedures are unnecessary—procedures exist for good reasons
• Ask questions if confused—officials prefer clarification to mistakes

Practical Information

Currency: Standard Aurelian coinage. Prices are moderate and consistent—price gouging is illegal and enforced. Budget 2-4 gold per day comfortably.

Transportation: The public transportation system is legendary. Scheduled services run between cities (5-12 silver depending on distance). Always on time, clean, safe, efficient. Within cities, local transport is cheap (1-2 silver per trip) and extensive.

Safety: Excellent. Crime rates are very low. Enforcement is consistent and proportional. Follow the rules and you'll have zero problems.

Best Time to Visit: Avoid examination period (Fifthmoon) unless you want to experience that intensity. Spring (Thirdmoon-Fourthmoon) and Autumn (Ninthmoon-Tenthmoon) have pleasant weather. Festival of Achievement (Sixthmoon) is fascinating.

Visitor Registration: REQUIRED within 24 hours of arrival at any Visitor's Bureau. Bring identification. The process takes 15 minutes and provides official visitor status, guidebooks, and answers to questions. Not optional.

Final Thoughts: The Eastern Dominion is not for everyone. If you hate bureaucracy, value spontaneity over structure, or resist following rules, you'll be miserable. But if you can appreciate systems that actually work, you'll find much to admire. This is a society where things function—public services deliver, officials are competent, procedures accomplish their purposes. Crime is minimal because enforcement is consistent. Education is accessible because the system prioritizes it. Social mobility is real because merit matters more than birth. Yes, there are forms for everything. But the forms get processed, and the processing produces results. The Dominion proves that order doesn't have to mean oppression, that bureaucracy can enable rather than hinder, that societies can run on competence rather than connections. Come with patience for procedure and respect for structure. You'll leave impressed, even if you're relieved to return to somewhere more chaotic.