The Dread Dominion

Overview:

Where the Sovereign Concord prides itself on refinement and progress, the Dread Dominion revels in raw power, survival, and the strength that only adversity can forge. Centered in the eastern expanse of Eryndor, the Dominion is a coalition of monstrous races bound together not by delicate diplomacy, but by a shared creed: might makes right. In a land where the weak are culled, the Dominion thrives on the principle that true power emerges only when the strong survive the crucible of war and strife.

The Dread Dominion was not built upon the ruins of a golden age but rather upon the ashes of oppression, with its people rising against the old order that sought to subjugate them. Unified by necessity rather than choice, they have grown into an unyielding force, capable of weathering whatever storms the Concord might unleash.

Geography:

The Dread Dominion spans the rugged eastern territories of Eryndor, a land defined by its volcanic ranges, barren plateaus, and desolate badlands. Amid these harsh landscapes lie vast subterranean networks where dominion denizens carve out homes and fortresses alike. The southern reaches, dominated by dormant volcanoes, provide an abundant source of obsidian, iron, and other vital minerals, fueling their war machine.

Unlike the Concord's Nyranite-rich regions, the Dominion's lands lack abundant arcane energy. However, this scarcity has driven its inhabitants to innovate, developing runic magic as a potent alternative to traditional arcane practices. This mastery of runes, etched into weapons, armor, and the very walls of their fortresses, has become a hallmark of Dominion ingenuity.

History:

The Dread Dominion was born in defiance. Once regarded as outcasts, slaves, and cannon fodder by the old Sovereignty, the monstrous races united under a single banner during a time of great strife. This unification, known as the Reckoning, was led by the enigmatic Rakzha the Unchained, a tiefling warlord whose charisma and cunning forged an alliance that few believed possible.

The Exodus of the Dwarvenkin five centuries ago marked a turning point in Dominion history. Disillusioned by their treatment in the Sovereignty, the dwarves defected to the Dominion, bringing their unparalleled craftsmanship and knowledge. While Nyranite proved ineffective in Dominion lands, the dwarves spearheaded the development of runic magic, forever altering the Dominion's technological and military landscape.

Mythos:

The Dominion reveres no singular figure like the First Sovereign of the Concord, but rather honors the collective strength of its people. Legends tell of Rakzha the Unchained rallying the downtrodden, leading them to break free from the shackles of Sovereignty rule. Rakzha’s final fate is shrouded in mystery, but her legacy endures as the embodiment of rebellion and resilience. The honorary title of Warcaller serves as a relic of this legacy, passed down not through family lines, but as a title won in blood and battle.

Dominion mythos often paints the gods as indifferent or even hostile to their plight, leading many to adopt a pragmatic view of divinity. Some worship dark or neutral deities, while others place their faith in no gods at all, trusting only in the strength of their comrades and their own mettle.

Government:

The Dread Dominion operates as a meritocratic war council, where leadership is earned through deeds, not lineage. At its core is the Iron Assembly, a governing body composed of Overlords, Runemasters, and Chieftains who represent the Dominion's various clans and factions. Each leader must constantly prove their worth to retain their position, ensuring that only the strongest and most capable rise to power.

While the Iron Assembly rules collectively, internal rivalries and power struggles are common, fostering a culture where cunning and ambition are as valued as brute strength. This system, though chaotic, ensures that the Dominion remains adaptive and resilient. Any disputes among the ranks of the Overlords are settled in blood, in a ceremony directly overseen by the Warcaller.

Education:

Education in the Dominion is practical and focused on survival. Training in combat, runecraft, and engineering begins early, with knowledge passed down through apprenticeships and clan traditions. While formal institutions are rare, the Dominion boasts renowned Runeforges—sacred sites where dwarves and other craftsmen teach the secrets of runic magic.

Unlike the Concord's stratified system, education in the Dominion is accessible to all who demonstrate potential, regardless of their birth. However, those who cannot contribute to the Dominion’s strength often find themselves marginalized or worse.

Aesthetic:

Dominion fashion is functional and rugged, reflecting their harsh environment and martial culture. Leather, fur, and heavy metal armor dominate their attire, often adorned with intricate runic carvings that serve both decorative and practical purposes. Colors are earthy and muted, with shades of black, crimson, and burnt orange symbolizing their volcanic homeland.

Weapons and armor are as much a statement of identity as they are tools of war. Each piece is crafted to reflect the wearer’s achievements, with runes marking significant victories or the names of fallen comrades.

Core Philosophy:

The Dread Dominion’s philosophy is one of pragmatism and resilience. They value strength in all its forms—physical, mental, and emotional—and believe that adversity is the crucible in which greatness is forged. Where the Concord dreams of a utopian future, the Dominion embraces the harsh realities of the present, shaping the world to their will rather than waiting for divine favor or serendipity.

Their creed teaches that survival is a virtue, and power is the only true currency. Yet, this ethos is tempered by a fierce loyalty to one's clan and comrades, for even the strongest cannot stand alone.

Military:

The Dominion’s military is a relentless force, defined by adaptability and ingenuity. Without access to Nyranite, they rely on runic weapons, siege engines, and raw martial prowess to overpower their foes. Their armies are organized into warbands, each led by a Warlord who commands unwavering loyalty from their warriors.

While less technologically advanced than the Concord, the Dominion’s runic magic allows for devastatingly creative tactics. From fire-runes etched into siege weapons to enchantments that bolster their warriors' strength, the Dominion’s forces are a terrifying blend of brutality and innovation.

Religion:

Religion in the Dominion is deeply personal and varied. Many worship deities of strength and war, while others venerate primal spirits tied to their homeland. Some Dominion members reject divine worship altogether, placing their faith solely in the strength of their kin and the power of the runes.