See Also:

• The Legend of Ilysias and the Dragon War

Geography

The mountain kingdom of Cydon resides atop a high plateau deep in the Cloud Peak Range. The kingdom occupies a strategically important location astride the Tradeway caravan route, which runs out of the Westerlands and across the Red Wind Wastes to the exotic cities of the Far East. Cydon serves as a gateway allowing access to traders while preventing incursions by the savage tribes of the Wastes into the green lands of the West.

The Cydonic landscape is rugged and picturesque. The plateau is divided by several rivers, which have their origns in the glaciers of the surrounding mountains. Cracks and fissures in the rugged mountainsides allow some streams to feed underground springs and aquifers, which help the forests of the plateau to grow dense with enormous evergreens. As such, the western end of the kingdom is thickly forested and crisscrossed by a network of hunting trails and woodcutter’s tracks. By contrast, the eastern plateau, once similarly forested, has been largely cleared as the timber was used for building the cities of the realm and to construct great quarries and mines in the ore rich-mountains. The cleared lands of the eastern plateau have been converted to agricultural purposes as the population of the kingdom has grown.

Society

Cydon is a highly martial society, bound by a strict code of honor and fiercely dedicated to the Church of Heironeous and the Heironian ideals of duty, honor and glory. The kingdom takes pride in its role as protector of the Westerlands and has worked this most important task into much of its heraldry. The strict martial nature of Cydonic society is reflected in its architecture and culture.

All able-bodied Cydonic men are required by law to serve for 3 years in the King’s army. The time of service is seen as a rite of passage and many choose to continue on to longer military careers. This trend is most common among the upper classes, who do not need to worry as much about being available for planting or the harvest. The majority of those who return to a civilian life look fondly on their time of service. Many haylofts and wine cellars hold suits of armor and halberds waiting to once again be summoned to battle.

Architecture

Cydonic architecture exhibits a curious dichotomy, which makes more sense when viewed through the lense of Heironian values. On the one hand, many structures are designed to emphasize security and functionality. The surrounding mountains are peppered with stone fortresses tasked with protecting mining assets, and defending the borders from incursions by savage tribes to the east and the monstrous races of the mountains. These forts incorporate simple designs and many common elements which allow troops to quickly become familiar with their surroundings regardless of where they are stationed.

On the opposite end of the spectrum from the spartan buildings that protect the realm, are the ornately celebratory centers of political and religious power. The great castle at Dragonfall and the Cathedrals of Heironeous are designed to emphasize power and glory. They are marked by soaring spires, enormous vaulted chambers, and ornate carvings and other decorative elements commemorating past victories.

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