Cordyn is a seaside city in the Krovla province of Poromiel. It is where Viscount Tecarus and his opulent palace reside.
Geography[]
Cordyn is the largest city between Zolya and Draithus, and still outside venin-controlled territory. Located on the southern coast of the Krovlan province, it is about a two-day flight from Basgiath and a twelve-hour flight from Aretia on dragon-back.[1][2] The seawater along its beaches is described as a color between turquoise and aqua, and the city's climate is considered hot.[3]
History[]
Cordyn’s history is closely tied to its ruler, Viscount Tecarus. During the Tyrrish Rebellion, Fen Riorson sought Tecarus as his first ally, even promising his son, Xaden Riorson, in a betrothal to Tecarus’ niece, Catriona Cordella, as part of their alliance negotiations. However, the betrothal was denied, and the negotiations fell through.[4] Tecarus later sought to renegotiate terms after witnessing Violet Sorrengail wield lightning in his gaming arena. This event, through a series of twists, revealed that Tecarus had been harboring a venin within the priceless Rybestad chest—a previous negotiation gift that underscored Xaden’s rejection of the betrothal. Eventually, an alliance was reached, and Tecarus agreed to provide his luminary in exchange for weapons, as well as shelter and training for the one-third of flier cadets who fled to Cordyn after the destruction of Zolya and its Cliffsbane Flight Academy by the venin.[5][6]
Cordyn’s gaming arena, located near Tecarus’ palace, was constructed using quarried stones from Braevick, east of the Dunness River. These stones, drained of magic, were transported to the city, and seating was carved directly into the hillside.[5]
Though Navarre ceased trade with the Isles centuries ago, Cordyn continued trading with them until recent years, when merchants deemed the journey too dangerous. Tecarus is known for making offers so enticing that they are difficult to refuse, resulting in singers, weavers, storytellers, and other talents remaining in Cordyn.[5]
Interestingly, the venin bypassed Cordyn entirely during their conquest of Poromish territory, instead targeting and occupying the city of Pavis.[7]
Notable Locations[]
Palace[]
The palace, referred to as a "sorry excuse for a fortress" by Tairneanach, is located on the eastern side of the farthest peak. The sprawling palace appears to glow at first glance due to a combination of white marble and beautiful blue pools that reflect sunlight. The pools cascade in five distinct terraces down a gentle slope of the hills above the beach that lines the bottom of the riverside city beneath the palace. Its luxury leaves it indefensible as it's purely designed for aesthetic without any high walls or portcullises—unlike Navarrian architecture. It features both a vast, colorful garden and a butterfly garden. The guards wear crimson red uniforms while brown is the dominant clothing color for guests and residents.[3]
Terraces and Entrance[]
The third terrace features a guarded, manicured lawn in front of the palace that lead to a row of gorgeous open doors made entirely of glass. Once inside every surface seems to shimmer off of the white marble interior, not only reflecting the natural light but also the soft glow of mage lights that hang far overhead. The ceilings are roughly the height of Sgaeyl, the space divided by columns as thick as Tairneanach's legs that feature murals intricately carved into the stone. There is a set of graduated pillars in various shades of black that multiple groups of people are milling about. There's also a wide staircase that leads to the next floor featuring a winding turquoise pool that curves around the base and disappears out onto the terrace. The path through the palace leads over a flat marble bridge without railings just wide enough for two people. There are several seating groups of low-backed furniture throughout the palace.[5]
Residential Wing[]
Two stories up from the entrance a hallway leads to a wing containing rooms with golden-handled doors. One bedchamber is described as having two large beds, a matching golden brocade sofa between them, a dressing screen, and a mirror.[5]
Dining Room[]
The dining room is accessible from the middle terrace by turning left, away from the winding pool of water, past a line of guards and through guarded double doors. The large room features glass doors lining the back wall, which can be propped open to reveal a terrace with a marble patio overlooking an arena. A long, ornately decorated table with candles run the length of the room and seats over 50 guests.[5]
Gaming Arena[]
A mage light-illuminated open arena accessible through the dining room's terrace and marble patio. The arena occupies the entire north side of a sloping hill that has been carved into rows of seats outlining an oval-shaped outdoor area. The arena itself is as deep as Tairneanach is tall and twice his length, with a grassy field at its base. According to Tecarus, the arena took years to construct, as its sand-colored stones were quarried from Braevick, east of the Dunness River. These stones are notable for having been completely drained of its magic.[5][6]
Library of Cordyn[]
The literature, Major Edvard Tiller's Unaccredited Study of the Venin, is officially marked as property of the Library of Cordyn.[8]
Notable Residents[]
Viscount Tecarus[]
A distant cousin and heir to Queen Maraya of Poromiel, Tecarus is the Viscount of the Krovla province and resides in a luxurious palace in the seaside city of Cordyn. He plays a significant role in the rebellion, particularly due to his possession of a luminary, a vital device for weapon forging. Catriona Cordella and Syrena Cordella are his nieces.[5] For more information, see his dedicated page.
Gallery[]
TBA
Trivia[]
TBA