The Dry Duchy

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The Duchys : Arc * Dry * Eye and Shore * High Island * Masked * Moon * Oak * Snake * South * Stones

The Dry Duchy is ruled by Duchess Louise.

The main settlements are as follows :

• Chir Shrine is the capital and was the ancient captial of the old Kingdom and of the Empire before that. It is also the home of the Chir Blades. It is currently the only settlement still under the control of the Duchess.
• Loritath is the Northernmost settlement of the Duchy.
• Orbassa Spires is the Easternmost settlement of the Duchy.

There was originally a fourth settlement. Gythfort used to be the Southernmost settlement of the Duchy. Sited near the boarder of two other Duchies, many fights had historically occurred there. However it was recently destroyed by Duchess Sarabella as part of the invasion of the Dry Duchy carried out by Oak, Masked and South.

Please see Map of Athory.

Detailed Settlement Descriptions

Chir Shrine

The capital has three city walls, dating back to the times of the Empire. These days the city is smaller and its citizens are housed within the second wall. The outer layer now holds ruins and is patrolled by guards. The main castle, the former seat of the Emperors and Kings, is within the inner-most wall. The huge building is still maintained, and wings are given to the priesthood, the guards and the Blades.

The main features of the city are :

Palace

• The Courtyard of Blades - Apart from their palace wing, the Blades also occupy some of the surrounding buildings with a central garden which is carefully maintained. The Blades were sworn to the royal line, but these days serve the Duke or Duchess of the Dry Duchy. They have lost much of their status but are seen as loyal servants of the current Duchess.
• The Offices - This wing has its own entrance. It is here that the priests of the Duchy are based.
• Barracks Wing - The Guards have several entrances into this wing. Also most of the underground section of the palace belongs to them and they use it as a prison - supposedly the largest in Athory.

Elsewhere in the city

• The Picture Wall - This is a long stretch of the inside of the third wall (compare with The Engraved Histories of Highest Fort). It is reportedly covered with engravings dating back to the old Empire (and possibly earlier) It falls within the part of the city which belongs to the Empathy mages. Special permission is required to see it.
• Irika's Tower - Not so much an actual building in the city, but a place rumoured to exist. Irika was one of the early Empresses and she was reputed to be a powerful mage. Usually referred to as a tower, there are also stories suggesting it is a cave network, a garden, a large hall and just about every other sort of settlement you could care to name.

The Court of the Duchess

The Duchess Louise is fifteen years old and is consequently unmarried. Louise replaced her uncle Jeavon on his death two years ago. There is no obvious heir should she be removed. The Duchess occupies the central part of the palace but does not use the throne room. The flag of the Duchy is a gold crown on a green background.

The Nobility of Chir Shrine

• Lord Curtis - Often regarded as the Duchess' mentor, Lord Curtis has escaped assassination on two separate occasions. An attractive man, now in his late thirties, Lord Curtis has never married. However there are currently rumours that he has proposed to young Louise.
• Lord Merrigan - One of the oldest men in Athory, Lord Merrigan has a large family of which three or four generations tend to be staying with him at any one time. Merrigan is not much of a politician and was brought up as a soldier until his elder brother died.
• Lord Ordacorey - Recently appointed by Louise, Ordacory was formerly one of the Chir Blades and in charge of the army of Chir Shrine. Now in his late forties, he is still heavily involved in planning for the defense of the Dry Duchy.
• Lady Immesta - Currently pregnant with her first child, Lady Immesta was appointed to her estate shortly before the death of Duke Jeavon. She married a local artist, much to the horror of her family.

There are two unoccupied estates in Chir Shrine.

Gythfort

Gythfort was attacked by Duchess Sarabella of the South as part of the alliance of Oak, Masked and South. However, instead of trying to conquer the city the Duchess' empathy mages destroyed it. Whilst the borders have regularly suffered the ill-effects of empathy magic, the Dukes and Duchesses have avoided using large scale effects on cities for fear of retribution. Sarabella's act may spell a new, more destructive age for Athory.

Loritath

Loritath was attacked by Duke Valentin of Oak as part of the alliance of Oak, Masked and South. Using creatures changed by his empathy mages, Valentin took the city overnight. Like Sarabella's act, this warping of domestic animals to create a deadly attack force is new to Athory and its internal wars.

Orbassa Spires

Orbassa Spires was attacked by Catrina of the Masked Duchy as part of the alliance of Oak, Masked and South. However, Carnival was placed under an enchantment as the army began its work and consequently the Masked Duchy soon withdrew its forces. Instead Orbassa Spires fell to the Rogue Stones who seemed to know of the plan of the three invaders which they successfully disrupted. The city is still under the control of the Rogue Stones (who are lead by Lawrence of the Gate) and they have demanded the surrender of Duchess Louise to "the true heir of the throne of Athory".