Ardmor

The capital of the Nokmar Province in Drekaya. Once a backwater town, it grew to new heights under the harsh reign of Baron Cainen LaCronus. His son inherited the position and works in stark contrast to his father's legacy, with dreams of a more diverse and accepting Ardmor.

Ardmor, a city perched atop a prominent hill in the Kingdom of Drekaya, symbolizes transformation and the clash of ideologies. Under Drekaya's Barony style of government, Ardmor is recognized as the capital city of the province of Nokmar, Drekaya's southwestern territory. Once a modest and unassuming town, Ardmor underwent dramatic growth under the leadership of Baron Cainen LaCronus, but now finds itself at a crossroads as his successor, Arven LaCronus, seeks to chart a new path. Cainen LaCronus, a staunch nationalist, saw the potential in Ardmor’s strategic location and untapped populace. Under his rule, the city evolved from a backwater settlement into a thriving urban center thanks to his aggressive policies. Cainen championed dragonkin heritage and culture, prioritizing dragonkin influence in governance, trade, and military appointments. He implemented laws that favored dragonkin residents, relegating other races to lower societal roles. By investing heavily in trade and infrastructure, Cainen turned Ardmor into a regional hub for commerce. Roads, aqueducts, and fortified defenses were constructed to solidify its importance. Viewing strength as essential to maintaining Ardmor’s newfound prominence, Cainen expanded the city’s militia with dragonkin warriors and enforced strict policies to protect its interests. These measures brought wealth and prestige to Ardmor, but at the cost of deep societal divides. Non-dragonkin residents were marginalized, and dissenting voices were silenced. Despite its success, Ardmor’s growth eventually plateaued as Cainen’s heavy-handed leadership stifled innovation and alienated potential allies.

Cainen’s reign came to an abrupt halt when he developed a debilitating disease in his later years. Unable to lead effectively, he was forced to step down, passing authority to his young adult son, Arven LaCronus, before his death. While many citizens mourned Cainen’s passing, his policies left a mixed legacy. To dragonkin loyalists, he was a hero who revived Ardmor’s prominence. He represented oppression and stagnation to others, his nationalist vision holding the city back from its true potential. Arven, in stark contrast to his father, is a progressive and idealistic leader. Having grown up witnessing the divisions and unrest caused by Cainen’s policies, he dreams of an Ardmor that embraces diversity and fosters harmony among its dragonkin and non-dragonkin residents alike. Arven has begun dismantling his father’s restrictive laws, opening opportunities for non-dragonkin to rise in the city’s social and economic ranks. Arven seeks to reignite Ardmor’s growth by inviting outside investment and forging alliances with other regions, including those marginalized under his father’s rule. Despite his good intentions, Arven faces significant opposition, many dragonkin nobles and citizens view Arven’s reforms as a betrayal of Cainen’s legacy and a threat to their privileged status. The other barons and leaders in Drekaya’s capital regard Arven as an inexperienced idealist, unfit to lead in the kingdom’s competitive political climate. While some residents support Arven’s vision, others are skeptical of change, fearing instability or loss of Ardmor’s identity.

Ardmor’s hilltop sprawl now reflects its divided nature. The Upper Districts, home to dragonkin elites, cling to the old ways, their opulent estates symbolizing the city’s nationalist past. The Lower Quarters, where non-dragonkin and mixed communities reside, bustle with hope and activity inspired by Arven’s vision for inclusivity. The city’s future hangs in the balance. Ardmor stands as a microcosm of Drekaya’s broader struggles, its fate tied to the kingdom’s ability to reconcile tradition with progress in an ever-changing world.