an Explination of
The Duchies

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The duchies are like smaller playing groups, designed for facilitated gaming for when the Empire grows very big (which it will soon, at the rate we're expanding). There will be a game for each separate duchy, as well as a website branching off from Dragonspire.

     Each Duchy is ruled by a Duke. The duke has the highest authority in the land, unless over-ruled by one of the Three (the Emperor, the Praetor, or the Chancellor). There is usually no need to exercise this authority, but he may be called upon in matters of dispute. He mostly functions as the figurehead of the duchy, representing this particular group in sessions of the High Council. He is appointed by the Emperor, but the Emperor always listens to the people first, and picks the member of the duchy that they would like to rule them. Likewise, if the people of the duchy think that their duke is misrepresenting them, they may call for a review of the reigning duke by the Chancellor. If the Chancellor finds that the duke is not performing to standards, the duke will be replaced in the manner specified above.

     Contrary to popular belief, the Baron of a city is not designed to be the right-hand man of the Duke (the right-hand man was supposed to be the Bloodknight, but that rank has been abolished for several months now, due to lack of interest). The Baron is supposed to be primarily concerned with his city, and he is the chief recruiting officer of the duchy. The Baron is to know the culture of the duchy very, very well, and is to know how his duchy is different from all the others. And also contrary to popular belief, there can be more than one baron in a duchy... as long as there is a city of the proper size in the Empire, there can be a baron of that city. For example, the Lakes have three cities; Drak Tauros, Drak Lelwyn, and Drak Mesalus. That leaves room for three dukes... but know that all of these cities are radically different from each other. Tauros is a war city, supplying the border castles. Lelwyn is a center of culture, and the druids have a small presence in this city. Mesalus is a shipping city, a trading centre for the southern Empire. The Baron rank has alot of roleplaying details associated to it, but it also acts as a sort of division commander in Diablo. Knights can be assigned to a city, but only a few (three besides the baron is a good number). They also hold their loyalty to the duke. There shouldn't be more than one baron for every ten people in a duchy.

     The Armourer is in charge of the duchie's armoury, naturally. There can be only one, and this person is trusted with the magical equipment of the duchy, for use of the duchy's members only, unless ordered otherwise by an aristocrat (including a baron). I don't know alot about this position, as it is very new... I believe Duke Turin of the Coast would be able to provide more information.

     The Guardian is not assigned to a particular duchy... Guardians are responsible directly to the Emperor, and answer only to him. They are serving the Empire at large, and not a single duchy.

     The Druid Master is the druid who is assigned to a certain duchy. The title will have other meanings in other lands, but this druids' task is to create the culture of the duchy, to help define it as I did with Nova Q'lynnesti. They are assigned by the Archdruid of Draconia, and have no interference from the secular aristocracy. However, members of the duchies' are always welcome to give their opinions on what they want their home to look and feel like.

     Knight-Captains and Knights can just go on like they always do. They are more than welcome to play with any member they like, whether they are in the duchy or not.

     The duchy's simply serve to let others know what mind-set exactly you consider your membership in this guild to be like.

     Here is an explanation of the duchies:
 

     Dragonspire: 

For the aspiring polititian, this is where the capital of Draconia is, and it is ruled by Pyros. He is both the Duke of Dragonspire, as well as the Emperor of Draconia. If you would like to become involved in affairs that involve the entire guild, such as message board help, newbie training, or just general helping the Three do their job, join this duchy.
 

     Lakelands: 

This duchy is all geared for war but also has a great cultural center in Drak Lellwyn by the Lake of Visions.  Located in the south, Drak Tauros is sheer on the border with Westmarch and houses the Academey of Knights and supports the Outpost of Draconia. If you mostly play diablo for the love of battling the dark foes, go here. (by the way, in the stories, you aren't fighting demons, but Westmarch soldiers). The Duke is Midnight, and he has helped make this duchy a power once again.
 

     Enchantica: 

This duchy is in a great forest to the east, but it has been almost entirely conquered by the demons. Only warriors that have no fear of dying should go here, for there is no army, the cities have been destroyed, and many knights have to go out on their own to take back what is rightfully theirs. The Duke is Klenthi, but he has no capital as it is behind enemy lines. Good luck to the brave knights of Enchantica.
 

     The Northern Reaches: 

This is a barren wasteland, once the most lonely of the duchies. Now that Duke Pug and Baron Wulfgar have arrived, however, the North is alive once again, centred at the new city of Tol Brandir. Barbarian warriors from the far north have been arriving constantly, offering their strong sword arms to the duchy. This is a land of strong, brave people, hardier than most, though many find these people somewhat primitive... but there is anunspoken bond of trust between them, that baffles many from the more "civilized" portions of the Empire.
 

     Nova Q'lynnesti: 

Ruled by the Duke Sir Calland, this is the cultural center of the Empire, focused at the Holy City of Soliath. This is where the world-wide organization of the Druids has its headquarters, and where the Great Library stands. Once among the most powerful of the duchies, many warriors have left for more fertile climes... the chaos of the east, or the brooding tension of the south attract many warriors eager to test out their sword arm. However, to the philosophers and druids of the realm, seeking peace after long years of war, Nova Q'lynnesti is a sanctuary. Its knights are all sanctified paladins of Kala, though there are now too few knights to make much difference in the event of an attack from the north, or from the sea.
 

     The Coastlands: 

This is the breadbasket of the Empire, as well as the trading center. Ruled by Duke Turin from the city of Drak Kalthorne, this is a land that attracts new people, as the people there are friendly and helpful, simple farmers and fisherfolk for the most part. Some of the greatest cities in the Empire are here, and the Imperial Navy has its headquarters in Drak Kalthorne. There is a strong commercial presence, and the Duke is constantly at odds with the merchant guild leaders. This is a good place for people to go to, that are interested in involvement with the Alliance, as many people arrive daily on the ships, not a few of them valiant members of the Alliance.

     Until next time,

     Onaeus Patriarch of the Druids Elder of Nova Q'lynnesti
 
 
 
 

 
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