Bastion of Joremy
Dawnfire
Dawnfire, Home to the Tieflings is a nation of zealots and fervid worshipers of the Goddess of Light and Flame. With a deep history and tradition, the people of Dawnfire believe that compromise and conflict exist as one, to concede is to disrespect, and heroes are to be held in highighest esteem. Notoriety in this land means everything. Some might find themselves getting acclaim for as little as a distant relation to a hero or honored Crusader.
Battlemaps set in this location
Seagate
The economic heart of Dawnfire and the headquarters of the Crusade, Seagate is a sprawling port city shaped like an omega, with a massive inner bay framed by towering cliffs and gleaming marble houses. It serves as the base for Dawnfire’s formidable religious military, renowned for its disciplined three-man squads. Each squad consists of a powerful paladin of Joramy, heavily armored and imbued with magical artifacts, flanked by two cleric squires whose sole purpose is to heal and empower their knight in battle.
Seagate’s resilience is legendary. It has endured numerous catastrophes, from the Great Fire during the assault of Lok’Razareem, when molten magma buried much of the city, to the more recent Devilshimmer Riots, where mischievous imps sowed chaos, growing stronger with each act of disorder. Despite a history riddled with calamities, Seagate remains unyielding, standing as a Symbol of the endurance of faith for the people of Dawnfire.
Gaja Tidepools
Southwest of Dawnfire, beyond the privateer cliffs, lies a steep, rugged bay known for its dramatic tides and striking natural beauty. The Gaja Tidepools are a labyrinth of jagged rocks and slick boulders, interspersed with countless vibrant tidepools that teem with life. As the tides rise and fall, they reveal a chromatic symphony of sea creatures of the ocean ecosystem along Dawnfire's coast.
The tidepools take their name from the massive Gaja crabs that brood in these waters. These elephant-sized crustaceans are both a vital food source and indispensable pack animals when properly raised. Each season, the daring citizens of Seagate embark on treacherous voyages around the bay, braving the perilous cliffs and unpredictable tides to raid the isolated pools for clutches of Gaja crab eggs. A fully domesticated Gaja crab is a rare and prized asset, valued for its immense strength and adaptability and able to fetch a very handsome price in the city.
Abermore
The capital of Dawnfire, Abermore, stands as the sacred heart of the goddess of fire, Joramy. The city is overshadowed by a looming red volcano, atop which a towering golden statue of Joramy spreads her arms wide, blessing the city below. Abermore is divided into districts, each embodying a tenet of her doctrine.
At the foot of the volcano lies the Palace Jordel, an architectural marvel with hundred-foot domes and walls of red marble. It serves as the seat of power for the five royal families and the endlessly feuding Malignatist Court, who together govern the entirety of Dawnfire.
To the west of the city resides K’Astur, a revered Fire Giant and master smith. K’Astur forges the sacred Aberfoils, holy awakened blades crafted from rare metals mined from the volcano’s depths. Each Aberfoil is imbued with the soul of a fallen Paladin of Joramy, who willingly sacrificed their life to create another of these divine weapons. These blades are the city’s namesake and a symbol of its unyielding devotion to Joramy's will.
Lok' Razareem, The Ignian Dragon
Lok’Razareem, the Brazen Primordial and Father of Fire, is the eldest of his kind, a being who has existed since before time began. He once served as the steward of a portal to the Realm of Fire, nestled deep within the smoldering depths of his ancient lair. In ages past, this portal was a conduit for elemental power, vital to the balance of all existence.
However, after the Day of Dawn, when the outer planes were destroyed, Lok’Razareem was left to mourn the loss of his sacred duty. He now remains within his magma-filled lair in the western mountains, emerging only in moments of fury, to defend his dominion, or for his annual flight north to Dakronas.
Despite his isolation, Lok’Razareem is far from idle. His fiery cult is devoted to his cause, tirelessly working to aid their master in his ultimate goal: to restore the shattered outer planes and rekindle the elemental balance he helped forge alongside the other primordial dragons at the dawn of the world. This ancient dragon, while a figure of devastation, also holds the hope of restoring the cosmos to its former order.
Agrakata the Grey City
The Grey City, Agrakata, is a renowned bastion of art and culture within Dawnfire. Its people are strikingly vibrant in contrast to the gloomy, soot-laden landscape of the Ashlands where the city resides.
With constant ash showers blanketing the city, all color and vibrancy are buried under a thick layer of black. Ironically, this has stripped away the superficiality of color-based culture, freeing the people of Agrakata to pursue passions beyond conflict and debate. This has earned them a reputation for aloofness and a lack of responsibility—a way of life many secretly admire within Dawnfire's strict societal norms.
Nestled within the Ashen Mountain Valley, Agrakata is the smallest city in Dawnfire. Despite its size, it boasts a sizeable population due to its central location. Many come here to witness the spectacular foil-wielder duels and grandiose plays and performances that captivate the populace.
Slag Highlands
The Slag Highlands, located north of Agrakata, is a treacherous region filled with massive jagged rock formations, irregular caves, and steaming gas vents. These sharp, towering peaks resemble colossal pieces of iron slag, giving the region its name.
Due to the hazardous terrain—unstable footing, razor-sharp landscapes, and narrow ledges—travel through the highlands is nearly impossible on foot. Instead, suspended platforms crisscross the region, forming elevated pathways maintained by the three surrounding cities. These pathways are vital for trade and communication, though they are not without danger.
While the harsh environment deters most inhabitants, the Slag Highlands are a haven for flying creatures. The countless small caverns provide perfect nesting spots, while the abundance of hanging and wall-climbing plants, safely out of human reach, sustains a thriving ecosystem.
Kembalung Palace
Kembalung Palace is a secluded place, far in the southwestern reaches of Crudilex, deep within the perilous Boiling Coast. It serves as a factory of sorts, where secretive artificers construct the unique brazen automata known as "Reliquaries." These mech-like creatures are golems of ornately sculpted gold, powered and brought to life by fire elementals, which are considered sacred beings in the lands of Dawnfire.
Some believe the palace is not what it appears to be, questioning why only those of royal descent from the five royal families of Dawnfire are permitted to visit. Even more conspiracies suggest that its location—on an island so near the ancient enemies of Dawnfire, the Infernal Legion of Sulfrix, whose lair is the Cinderwall Lowlands—is no coincidence. But the truth remains shrouded, and answers are unlikely to emerge anytime soon.
Een pardesh
The southernmost point before reaching the Lowlands, Een Pardesh is home to the working-class people of Dawnfire—villages, farmers, and simple folk. However, Een Pardesh stands out due to the lack of guards sent to assist the small villages in the area. This has allowed cults devoted to the demons of the Infernal Legion to frequently raid these settlements. Some cults go so far as to capture tieflings, or worse, embrace the demonic tether of their progenitor—the demon whose blood flows in their veins. Such a heretical act would earn them execution by the Crusade, but the Crusade is a long way from Een Pardesh.
Letois Ruins
The Letois Ruins mark the remains of the once-great kingdom of the elves who ruled the lands of Dawnfire in ages past. Now, this ancient city stands as a grave to a nation and a reminder of the curse that all elves bear—a curse that brought their civilization to its knees.
The ruins are overrun by the feral remnants of the kingdom’s population, elves who succumbed to madness before they could acquire the masks necessary to preserve their sanity. These masks, imbued with powerful magic, are the only known means of staving off the curse. Tragically, so few managed to secure one that nearly the entire population of ancient Dawnfire elves has transformed into wild, savage monsters.
Time and the curse have taken their toll on Letois, but its grandeur is still evident in its crumbling architecture. Towering trees, once elegant and graceful, now twist unnaturally, warped by the unnatural essence that seeped from the elves in their final days. Broken bridges and shattered domes loom over an eerie landscape, while moss and twisted vines creep across the city’s alabaster stone, reclaiming what was lost.
The ruins remain dangerous and desolate, avoided by all but the most daring adventurers. Legends tell of powerful relics left behind by the fallen elves—artifacts of a bygone era said to hold great power, but at the risk of stirring the feral horde.
The Silent Chantry
Dawnfire is the ancestral home of all tieflings, yet among their infernal ranks, Abyssal tieflings—born of void demons rather than traditional infernal pacts—occasionally emerge. Unlike their infernal kin, Abyssal tieflings are marked by cool-toned skin, ranging from icy blues to muted greys, and feature unsettling black eyes devoid of sclera or iris.
Without a defined cultural identity within Dawnfire’s hierarchy, many Abyssal tieflings struggle to find a place of belonging. Their differences in origin and appearance often set them apart, both socially and spiritually. For those seeking solace, many turn to a secluded refuge: The Silent Chantry, a shadowed temple dedicated to Monodono, the god of paranoia and evil.
Far removed from Dawnfire's bustling cities, the Silent Chantry provides a sanctuary for those who embrace or are consumed by the void's enigmatic whispers. The temple is led by the enigmatic Queen of Ravens, a figure shrouded in mystery and reverence. Her entourage, a cadre of anonymous cloaked advisors and guardians, enforce the temple’s doctrines and protect its secrets. The chantry itself is a hauntingly beautiful structure, built into the cliffs of a barren, windswept valley. Dark obsidian walls seem to drink in the light, and its spires reach skyward like jagged claws. Inside, the air is heavy with an oppressive silence, broken only by the soft murmurs of prayers and the fluttering of ravens that nest within the temple’s hallowed halls.
The Moongate
In the world of Crudilex, Moongates are a rarity, their power and purpose understood by only a select few. These ancient circular portals serve as gateways to the Elseworlds—the infinite tapestry of dimensions, realities, locations, and even times. Powered by Red Noctrite, a substance of immense mystical potency, Moongates once played a vital role in shaping Crudilex but are now largely forgotten, their purpose shrouded in myth.
This particular Moongate, located on the contested border between Dawnfire and the Thousand Tide, has become the center of a bitter and bloody conflict. A nearby clan of Coalfrock Minotaurs seeks to destroy the gate, believing its power to be an existential threat, while an abyssal tiefling cult of the Void works tirelessly to protect it.
The battle for control has been fierce. The conflict grew so violent in the past that both factions were nearly eradicated, their numbers reduced to mere dozens. For the last several years, both sides have retreated into uneasy silence, quietly working to rebuild their strength. Now, whispers of new skirmishes and shadowed plans hint at an impending clash for the Moongate’s fate.
The cinderwall
The battle between Sulfrix, the Archdemon, and Vraska the Risen is the continuation of a war that has raged since the dawn of creation. When the outer worlds were consumed, the celestial outsiders brought their eternal conflict to Crudilex. Sulfrix and his infernal legion are determined to collect all those whose lives they've influenced, particularly the Tieflings of Dawnfire.
Vraska, embodying the will of the Crusade, represents the desire of the half-infernal for freedom. As a living avatar of this cause, her personality warps to reflect the ever-shifting nature of the Crusade's effort.
CULTURE
Rulership
The Five Crowns rotate rulership between the patriarchs of the five royal families. Below the Crowns are two crucial roles: the Fire and the Light.
The Fire serves as the military leader, responsible for protecting Dawnfire and leading its holy crusades. Meanwhile, the Light is entrusted with the well-being of the people, tasked with ensuring a stable life, providing religious leadership, and guiding the future of the kingdom.
Food.
Firebeat.
Holidays
Dance of the Dawnfather:
The First of Hand honors Ooleg Gethslayer and his great sacrifice. This festival is celebrated through dance, the trade and creation of books, and the telling of heroic tales, keeping his legacy alive in the hearts of the people.
Festival of Ash:
Celebrated during the Cinisom Solstice, this festival involves the burning of old clothes, childhood belongings, and artifacts of one's "past life." The ashes feed the coming ashfalls, symbolizing renewal and cleansing, so that all may be reborn in the spring. It is believed that Joramy, the Goddess of Fire, carries these ashes on the wind, spreading their essence across the plane, allowing the significance of each offering to be shared with the world.
Taboos
harecy:
Turmoil
Sulfrix claiming of tiefling
The battle between Sulfrix the Archdemon and Vraska the Risen is the continuation of a war that has raged since the dawn of creation. When the outer worlds were consumed, the celestial outsiders brought this conflict to Crudilex. Sulfrix and his legion are determined to collect all those they have influenced, with their primary targets being the Tieflings of Dawnfire.
Vraska embodies the will of the Crusade and the desire of the half-infernal for freedom. As a living avatar of this movement, her personality warps to reflect the nature and intensity of the crusade, ever-changing to suit the cause she leads.
Lok'razareem's mourning
Lok'Razareem, primordial servant of fire, is the first red dragon and once the protector of the Elemental Portal—though that title has long since lost its meaning. Unlike its sisters, the eldest of the primordial dragons, Lok has made no secret of its existence and has developed a personal vendetta against Chase Urner for his involvement in the loss of the plane beyond its portal. Since Chase Urner and the Wrecking Crew chose to spare this world instead of the outer planes, Lok'Razareem has waged a personal war against the Exalt, leaving entire towns decimated in its wake. Many believe Lok's true goal is to release the Tarrasque and doom Crudilex as a whole.
Inconsolable over the loss of its plane, the massive drake has become a scourge on the western provinces of Dawnfire, its wrath attracting a number of followers and no small amount of enemies.
Trivia
Dueling and Renown:
A duelist gains renown when they defeat another duelist of greater standing. The ten most famous duelists are constantly vying for the top spot as the Sword of Dawnfire. While a swordsman may decline a duel, doing so harms their reputation, and the best among them is forbidden from refusing any challenge.
Aberfoils of Joremy:
A blade forged in the heart of the Abermore Volcano, blessed by Joremy, may only harm those deserving of punishment. These artifacts are worth a fortune beyond measure. Each carries a name and is highly prized by the duelists of Dawnfire. None of the most famous duelists are ever seen without their Aberfoils. A duelist may challenge another for their blade, and if they win, the defeated duelist's career is effectively over without their Aberfoil.
Clothing:
In Dawnfire, clothing plays a significant role. Citizens typically wear hijabs, scarves, and shawls—draping fabrics and loose-fitting garments that keep the intense suns at bay while remaining breathable in the heat.
Color:
In Dawnfire, color carries specific connotations, with each representing different ideals. Travelers to the region must be mindful when choosing their attire, as the meanings behind the colors are culturally significant.
Gold: Wearing gold openly invites anyone to challenge those ideals.
Red: Wearing red means the person would die defending their ideals.
Gold and Red: A combination of gold and red means one accepts a challenge to a duel to defend their ideals. These are also the colors of the Dawnfire flag and are required by the Crusade.
Yellow: intellectual pursuit. Those who wear yellow are seen as advocates for knowledge, learning, and strategic thinking, making it common among scholars, advisors, and historians.
Blue: loyalty and service. Wearing blue reflects devotion to one's cause, particularly in the religious and military sectors. A color worn by those in Dawnfire who put honor and duty above personal ambition.
White: Justice and order. It signifies a commitment to fairness, impartiality, and a moral code that transcends personal gain. This color might be worn by judges, arbiters, and those who hold sacred the laws of Dawnfire or the will of the gods.
Green: Growth and harmony. Those who wear green are aligned with ideals of nurturing the land, spiritual connection to the natural world.
Brown: Practicality, and hard work. It is the color of the common folk, farmers, laborers, and those who believe in modesty and the strength of community. Those who wear brown are often seen as the backbone of Dawnfire’s society.
Purple: Free Market, creativity and innovation, representing a spirit of entrepreneurship and the belief that diverse ideas drive economic progress in Dawnfire.
Weather
CLIMATE
The Brazen Lands are a rainy subtropical environment, where the average daily temperature ranges from 90 to 120 degrees (75 to 100 degrees along the coast).
Unique Weather
Lok’falls:
These are huge fiery clouds of burning smoke that carry immense upward winds. They originate from the volcanic mountains in the west and slowly expand outward, growing weaker as they travel. Near the volcanoes, Lok’falls can propel massive boulders miles into the air, depositing them across the land. These extreme events often lead to grounded air travel, villagers cowering in basements, and city dwellers seeking refuge in fortified structures.
Devil Shimmers:
In the southern portions of Dawnfire, rippling hot air waves sometimes crest the Cinderwall and spill into the civilized areas to the south. Such events can prove fatal to the weak and have the potential to ignite very dry materials. More commonly, these heat waves foreshadow waves of rioting devils that attack the fortifications of the Cinderwall, pillaging tiefling villages as the inhabitants struggle to endure the extreme weather.
Blessed Rain:
This phenomenon involves a single large cloud that spills light rain, revitalizing the land and transforming burned, scorched, or barren earth into fertile soil. The Concentrationists of Abermore summon these events and direct the clouds to the areas in Dawnfire that require them most. The methods they use to do so are closely guarded church secrets.