Xethressan

Xethressan is the largest island of an archipelago deep in the western reaches of the Illorian Ocean. The waters surrounding the archipelago are known as the Calidath Sea. Local folklore claims that the island chain is the body of an enormous dragon named Xethressan that fell into the sea, for which the largest island is named. The archipelago as a whole is often referred to as the Isles of Xethressan, as well. A curious oddity about the archipelago is that, on occasion, creatures born there are spontaneously born as half-dragons, seemingly in the absence of any draconic lineage. This effect has become known as the Gift of Xethressan. The gift is not limited to humanoids, either; half-dragon dinosaurs and other animals have been seen on occasion, and frequently become the apex predators in their territories.

Xethressan is home to a nation of the same name, comprised of a number of clans led by half-dragon nobles. The upper classes of Xethressan society are made up entirely of half-dragons and dragonborn; virtually all members of other races are slaves owned by the clans. The sole exception is the capital, the Seat of Scales, where outsiders are allowed to live and work within designated areas. Xethressan is ruled by the Scaled Council, consisting of the heads of the most powerful clans. All major decisions are made by a simple majority vote of the Council.

Though trade from beyond the Calidath Sea is limited due to its extreme distance, it has also allowed the small number of merchants willing to brave the long and dangerous voyage to grow wealthy themselves. Xethressan has no formal alliances with any other nation, and even trade agreements are more commonly made with individuals than kingdoms.

History

In ancient times, Xethressan was home to a powerful empire of minotaur. This empire eventually fell, though its ruins can sometimes still be found across the isles. The reasons for the empires' fall are unknown; even the few minotaurs that still live in isolated villages tell many conflicting stories of its end and cannot say which, if any, are true.

What is known is that somewhere in the eighth century of the Sixth Age, people began arriving in Xethressan from the lands to the east. The Gift of Xethressan soon manifested, and within only a few generations the half-dragons born to these settlers joined together and declared themselves the rulers of Xethressan, forcing all others into slavery. Largely isolated, and free from conflict or interference with other kingdoms, the fledgling nation quickly grew in prosperity. However, they soon came into conflict with one of the two other significant presences on the isles: dragons. The dragons that made the isles their home not only coveted the young nation's wealth, but took offense at what they perceived as a violation of their own territory. The war, however, was brief. With their superior numbers, Xethressan's forces slew several dragons and forced the rest to submit and acknowledge their authority. In the coming years, a number of dragonborn would make pilgrimmages to the island, drawn by stories of the Gift. Though seen as lesser than the half-dragons, their draconic nature was still acknowledged, and they were given positions of status within Xethressan.

As Xethressan expanded, they came into contact with the other significant power, the deep sea elves of A'rvanshy. Unlike the dragons, however, the deep sea elves welcomed their land-dwelling neighbors with open arms and established trade with their undersea city. The benefits of their alliance would become even more evident when a powerful kraken necromancer named Morgawr appeared in the year 1528. Morgawr devastated the half-dragons' fleets, and only the combined forces of A'rvanshy and Xethressan were able to drive him back. In the year 1532 Morgawr attacked the city of A'rvanshy itself, and though casualties were steep the deep sea elves finally managed to defeat the kraken.

Xethressan has largely continued to prosper in relative peace since then, its clans glowing in wealth and power even as they vie against each other for status. Recently, however, two threats have emerged. The first is the return of Morgawr himself. Long thought dead, the kraken reappeared in the year 1981, whereupon he promptly destroyed the city of A'rvanshy and seemingly claimed the entire Abysmal Rift as his domain, destroying any vessels that crossed it. Though the kraken's motives are unknown, he rarely ventures beyond the rift, and Xethressan has largely responded by avoiding him while covertly searching for information on his activities and whether, and by what means, he can truly be slain.

The second issue is that of the sahuagin tribes that dwell in the waters around Xethressan. In the past year, they have grown bolder in their attacks on coastal towns, making more frequent raids and taking captives for some unknown purpose. Lord Rinavarim Shatterwind has attempted to convince the Scaled Council to unify the clans for a war against the sahuagin, though with little success, as the other lords feel that the impacted clans should be responsible for defending their own.

The Clans

Clans within Xethressan are divided into three categories: the Ancient Clans are the wealthiest and most powerful, with the right to seat representatives on the Scaled Council. Below them are the Adult Clans, which have strong holdings but lack the prestige of the Ancient Clans. The remainder of the clans, known as the Young Clans, have enough nobility to stand on their own but little wealth or influence; many of them were formed when a small number of nobles split from one of the Adult Clans.

Ancient Clans

Thre are six Ancient Clans: Astrillax, Fralkyn, Shatterwind, Wyltress, Yestryll, and Zlatozar.

Clan Astrillax has a reputation for dark magic, and it is rumored they consort with extraplanar powers. They maintain a force known as the Monks of the Ebon Serpent, who are feared for their prowess in battle and are frequently hired out for assassinations. Their primary income comes from managing most of the trade from beyond Xethressan. Additionally, their home on the Wingshield Islands just east of the Seat of Scales means their fleet is considered Xethressan's first line of defense against invasion. Their nobles are half-black dragon halflings. The clan is led by Lady Sentrix "The Coil" Astrillax, who has a reputation for both ruthlessness and avenging even the most minor of slights against her clan. Her three sons, Colfix, Morgrix, and Brolix, were recently slain by the Motley Crew, who were thoroughly warned to expect their mother's vengenace for their deaths. Their symbol is a pair of dragon wings spread behind a ship, with a coffer above them.

Clan Fralkyn is the largest of the Ancient Clans. Most of their wealth comes from the exploitation of resources within their holdings in the Ixxtar Wilds: mining, logging, hunting for meat and pelts, and more. Their soldiers also train beasts captured from the jungles to fight alongside them. Their nobles are half-red dragon humans. The clan is led by Lord Zhoulan Fralkyn, an elderly cleric of Moradin known for his wisdom, with a reputation for thoughtfully considering all options before taking action. Their symbol is a winged serpent breathing fire, above a triceratops skull.

Clan Shatterwind is known for its soldiers, which are purported to be the best trained in all of Xethressan. Their estate sits upon the dormant volcano southeast of the Seat of Scales, giving them access to the vast resources within its caverns. Minerals of all kinds from Clan Shatterwind - from gemstones to salt to metal ores - are renowned for their quality, as are the weapons and armor forged by their craftsmen. Their nobles are half-bronze dragon dwarves. The clan was previously led by Lord Rinavarim Shatterwind, a renowned warmage, but his recent mysterious demise has led to him being succeeded by his son, a skilled fighter named Lord Droonart Shatterwind. Though Droonart is less regimented than his father, he shares Rinavarim's desire to unite the clans in war against the sahuagin. Thanks to Droonart's efforts, the Motley Crew, who were invited to Xethressan by Rinavarim to help in the war efforts, has been officially named as official advisors in the matter to the Scaled Council. The clan's symbol is a pair of crossed warhammers, with a gemstone above and a mountain below.

Clan Wyltress is the oldest of the Ancient Clans, able to trace its lineage back to the discovery of the islands. Their reputation is one of blood and terror, known for creating fiendish machines and torture devices powered by the souls of their victims. Their significant wealth, however, comes primarily from fishing in the warm northern seas around their estate, as well as plantations producing fruits, timber, and even poisons from plants and animals alike. Their armed forces are feared for the poisoned arrows used by their archers, as well as wyvern-riders and infernal warmachines. Their nobles are half-blue dragon elves. The clan is led by Lady Yrell Wyltress, also known as the Blue Witch, known for her cruelty, her arrogance, and her skill at manipulations. She is rarely seen outside of their estate without her half-blue dragon sabertooth tiger, Wildbolt. Their symbol is a wyvern clutching a scepter in its hindlegs.

Clan Yestryll is most known for the treatment of their slaves, who are given more freedoms than typically given by the other clans. Their wealth comes from fishing in the waters of the Gullet, as well as the cultivation of pearls. They are also known as master shipbuilders, and the clan maintains a large navy crewed by the best sailors in Xethressan. Their nobles are half-silver dragon tieflings. The clan is led by Lord Slyssandor Yestryll, a former adventurer with a passion for sailing and history. Though he mostly keeps to himself, he has been known to speak out in favor of slaves' rights at the Scaled Council. Secretly, he is the foremost patron of the abolitionist group known as the Children of the Coffle, and spends significant portions of his clan's wealth to support them and their attempts to end chattel slavery within Xethressan. The clan's symbol is a fishing boat above a dolphin.

Clan Zlatozar is among the oldest and most distinguished of the Ancient Clans, having held a seat on the Scaled Council since its inception. The clan is primarily known for their devotion to Ioun, and Boccob before with and at least one family member always serving as a cleric or paladin of magic. Their estate amid the jungles north of Wyrmheart Volcano hosts the second-largest temple of Ioun in Xethressan, whose large staff of clerics not only conducts daily services but also sells their services as divine spellcasters, making up a significant portion of the clan's income. Additionally several clays can only be found within Clan Zlatozar's territory, allowing them to sell a variety of bricks and pottery. Their soldiers are well-trained, and always accompanied by a paladin or martially-outfitted cleric of magic. Their nobles are half-gold dragon humans. They are led by Lord Rhogar Zlatozar the Dauntless, a paladin of Ioun renowned for both his devotion and his combat prowess; though many clans have sought to marry their daughters to him, he has so far refused all offers. He is known for speaking plainly, but standing firmly for his convictions and the causes to which he pledges himself. He is the most ardent supporter of Clan Shatterwind's endeavors to unite against the sahuagin, and has volunteered himself to command their joint armies should war be declared. The clan's symbol is a gold dragon perched atop a citadel, in front of a swirl of energy.

Adult Clans

There are eight Adult Clans within Xethressan.

• Clan Aztrov is a clan of half-blue dragon humans. They are known as merchants specializing in luxury goods. They are affiliated with Clan Wyltress.
• Clan Baudricc is a clan of half-copper dragon halflings. Though numerous, a high level of inbreeding has led to frequent congenital maladies and deformities. They are not affiliated with any of the Ancient Clans.
• Clan Doomwing is a clan of half-green dragon duergar. Among the most powerful of the Adult Clans, they operate the slave trade across the Isles of Xethressan. They are affiliated with Clan Fralkyn.
• Clan Fyrr is a clan of half-red dragon elves. They are openly known to be necromancers, largely secluding themselves in isolation. Their estate is self-contained, and even their slaves have been turned into zombies. They are not affiliated with any of the Ancient Clans.
• Clan Gleamfang is a clan of half-gold dragon dwarves. They are known as dragon fanatics who espouse the dominancy of dragons and half-dragons over other races. They are affiliated with Clan Shatterwind.
• Clan Grilox is a clan of half-brass dragon humans. They oversee many of the theaters and other entertainment venues within the Seat of Scales, but are also rumored to be behind many of the criminal enterprises within the city as well. They are affiliated with Clan Astrillax.
• Clan Rylandyth is a clan of half-white dragon elves. They are known as wizards and artificers specializing in the creation of mechanical devices and sentient magic items. They are affiliated with Clan Zlatozar.
• Clan Sharaxas is a clan of half-silver dragon dragonborn. They are dedicated to the arts, especially music and poetry, but consider themselves superior to all other clans due to their "more pure" draconic bloodline. They are affiliated with Clan Yestryll.

Young Clans

There are about a dozen Young Clans in Xethressan. Most have only a few nobles, and are less than two centuries.

Known Young Clans include:

• Clan Fizzmos is a clan of half-red dragon halflings. One of their nobles, Lord Beremo Fizzmos, was in league with the aboleths of the Syndicate of the Mindmasters, giving them information about Xethressan and the Orb of Enchantment he discovered in exchange for power for himself and his slaves. The Motley Crew killed Beremo and took control of his dragon ship, the Flamedrake, which they subsequently renamed the Sea Shanty.
• Clan Carneelis is a clan of half-copper dragon deep sea elves, known for being isolationist and keeping out of Xethressan politics. They are also known for having ties to the former deep sea elf city of A'rvanshy, destroyed a century ago by the kraken necromancer Morgawr. They are led by Lord Atryn Carneelis, who is rumored to have knowledge of survivors from A'rvanshy.

Slavery

Chattel slavery has been practiced throughout Xethressan since its founding. Enslaved individuals remain so in perpetuity, owned by the clan they were purchased by or born into. They serve virtually all roles in society, be they farmers, cooks, soldiers, spellcasters, or advisors. All slaves wear a manacle around one wrist stamped with the emblem of the clan they belong to. Relative to slavery in other parts of the world, Xethressan slaves live in relative comfort: they are provided good food, homes, and equipment, are often given gifts by their clans, and are frequently even paid fair wages. Indeed, as a result, many skilled outsiders have come to Xethressan and voluntarily enslaved themselves, willingly trading their freedom for a guarantee of food, shelter, and peace.

This state of affairs is not due to any benevolence on the part of their half-dragon masters, however; the nobles of Xethressan are fully aware of how dependent they are on their slaves, and go to great lengths to keep them satisfied largely to avoid a slave revolt. While slaves may have some limited freedoms, they are forbidden from owning land, real estate, or other slaves. They cannot marry outside of their clan, and any children born to them also become slaves. Punishments for disobedience are often both harsh and public, and sentences of mutilation or death are common.

Though rare, slaves are sometimes able to obtain their freedom. Those who have found particular favor with their masters are sometimes allowed to pay to emancipate themselves, though the cost is often very steep. Such individuals are usually given a grace period in which they are allowed to leave the clan estate to earn their emancipation price, but second chances are rarely offered should they fail. Additionally, slaves born as half-dragons are automatically freed and raised as nobles of the clan, though their parents are not typically afforded the same consideration.

There has been only a single slave revolt in Xethressan's history. Approximately two hundred years ago, an elven slave of Clan Fyrr named Yshara secretly disseminated a collection of poetry known as the Calls of Unbinding. Eventually she convinced the enslaved guards of her clan to join her cause. This slave army steadily grew as it marched across Xethressan over the next year, liberating slaves from the other clans and slaying whatever half-dragons they encountered. The Scaled Council responded by uniting the armies of the clans, encircling the revolutionaries, and slaughtering them at what would come to be known as the Battle of Songs. Though some survived, Yshara was killed, and with her died the heart of the revolt. Since then the Scaled Council has sought to destroy all extant copies of the Calls of Unbinding, though underground networks still circulate it in secret.

Dragons

All dragons inhabiting the archipelago are given a choice once their existence becomes known: submit to the authority of the Scaled Council, leave the isles, or die. Nearly all dragons choose to cooperate, and those who do not learn that it is not an empty threat. Young dragons are given the option of joining the Fangs of Order, responsible for maintaining order within the Seat of Scales. The Fangs serve as guards and enforcers, and are often tasked with apprehending - and not infrequently killing - those who break the law. In return for their services, these dragons are given a bounty of gemstones with which to start their own hoards. The Fangs of Order are obedient to the Scaled Council as a body, and are considered independent from individual clans.