Issue: Parem


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Parem is not as big as its neighboring kingdoms, but this is no reason to miss a long visit. Along the king’s road you will find numerous green areas and lush pastures, which stretch across a hilly landscape and offer a picturesque view.

But the first thing that comes to mind when the name Parem comes up is probably the world-famous dragon farm of Barnabas. The imposing building of the dwarf scholar includes several architectural masterpieces, which provide an authentic and lifelike habitat for all the known dragon species. The builder Barnabas is a respected doctor of dragon physiology and is considered to be a living encyclopedia in many ways. The services of this facility are used and appreciated by domesticated dragons from around the world. But griffins are also a welcome sight.

Parem not only offers a dragon farm, but was also the scene of some great moments in history. The big eye-opener of the empire, however, is the white capital Stronos with its blue tiled roofs. From the distance, the mighty fortress Drakensang looks as if it were surrounded by a sparkling lake. This fortress is also been considered the starting point of the hunter wars, where the still controversial trigger to this day, took place. (For more information, please refer to the issue: The Hunter Wars)

Stronos is the home to a large number of residents from all neighboring kingdoms: elves, humans, dwarves, halflings, dragons, griffins and grasxes. The city is divided into spacious quarters. The nobility live in the also called Noble-Quarter. The middle class, as well as a large part of the craftsmen, are housed in the Umbra-Quarter. Amazingly, no one can say clearly, why this part of the city is called Umbra. Many rumors surround an identically named necromancer who is said to be buried underground somewhere. But the truth is far less dramatic. The first king had lost a bet against the architect when the city walls were being built and had to name it accordingly. The market district is self-explanatory with a spacious square where the daily haggling and trading finds its place. Do not miss the opportunity to get an unforgettable impression of the hustle and bustle. The imposing statue of Hector the First and the dragon Harakhas in the middle of the square inspires respect over and over again. There is also a Sorati-abbey in the market district. The name of the sub-district alone reveals an indisputable picture of the often dodgy residents. (Note for travelers: Despite the attention of the city guard, this area should be avoided, especially at night. Dangerous individuals keep enriching themselves from careless visitors and know how to hide from the authorities.)

South of the splendid city you will come across a ringed fortress, which bears the unofficial name Korban's Deep. Basically, it's just a bigger prison. (Note for travelers: Korban's Deep is a penal institution for dangerous individuals and is considered a restricted zone. Soldiers from Stronos use military force to keep unauthorized persons away and inmates inside.)

The closest cities are Ascom and Sorpigal, both of which are important hubs for Parem's trade routes to the east. Ascom originally emerged from a small workers' village of stonecutters from the northern quarry. However, when a rich gold vein was discovered in the mountain range, a veritable flood of growth arose. The mining flourished and attracted numerous trading companies who wanted to share in the profit. The thriving city still enjoys a respected reputation for its finely crafted gold jewelry. (Note for travelers: Officially, the city shows itself to be cosmopolitan and tolerant. Unofficially, however, the majority of the residents are still convinced of an older form of society. Especially when it comes to cross-species partnerships. So, should you be in one, we advise against showing it openly in the city. The law does not prohibit it, but the reactions of the residents are far from pleasant.)

Sorpigal is a smaller settlement than Ascom and has, for its size, a considerable number of hostels and inns. For many travelers, this is a well-used stop before venturing into the desert or coming back from there. A branch of the sand divers' caravan can also be found, which offers a quick and reliable way to travel through the desert to Lut Goleyn.

The picturesque country not only offers imposing buildings and cities, but is also home to numerous ruins from bygone days. Started with the legendary dwarf-gates in the north, west and south of the empire. These structures are the silent witnesses of the age when the old Kaladros-Caste ruled a large part of Parem and the mountain ranges in Ordenary. But this is far in the past. Remnants of Kyleth's circle can also be found, which were at home in Parem during their active days. The last intact structure from these days is the Dragon’s Tower south of Stronos. (Note for travelers: The Dragon’s Tower and its immediate surroundings are considered as a restricted area and should be avoided under any circumstances. Failure can result in serious injuries or death!) The building defends itself with a magical protective area, that effectively keeps all living beings at a distance. Even the wild animals avoid the building. The rumors tells, that there is an old artifact of Kyleth hidden inside, which can give you the power of a guardiandragon. But this legend still remains in the rumor drawer, because the tower kill, without exception, every treasure hunter who dared to come too close.

If you don't like the ruins and buildings from the old days, you still can have long walks through the extensive forests. In the Whisper Wood, if you listen closely, you can hear the eponymous whisper in the thicket. (Note for travelers: There are confirmed sightings of wisps that mercilessly lure careless travelers into the territories of wolves and ankhegs.)

The picturesque Dark Winter always shows itself in its dark green charm and exudes his cool aura. Low fog fields regularly pull through the gloomy undergrowth. According to the legend, it houses the hidden refuge of the notorious necromancer Darkwinter, who was destroyed by Kyleth's circle. But supposedly its cold aura is still supposed to roam through the wood. (Note for travelers: The Dark Winter is a dangerous area, especially at night, and should be avoided at this time. Confirmed sightings of barghest packs and treeshepherds explain the disappearance of travelers through the forests. Furthermore, there is still the warning of the deathalp, which lives in the northern part of the forest) If you are lucky, you might come across one of the rare gargoyles. Do not miss the opportunity to get to know the unforgettable charm of these little creatures.

The widow forest is one of the smaller forests in Parem, but also one of the most dangerous. During the day there is nothing to fear in this forest. At night, however, this thicket should be avoided at all costs. Under cover of the nights darkness, the eponymous widow spiders hunt their prey and are not afraid to attack creatures outside the usual prey pattern. (Note for travelers: widow spiders are dangerous creatures that kidnap their victims alive. The widow forest should be avoided at night under all circumstances)

To the west of Parem you will discover the picturesque estate of the family Daventry. The Iron Wing estate. The residents are said to have had a long past within Kyleth's circle, but this was a long time ago, since there has been no magician in this family since Kyleth's death. The last veil of memories from these times can still be seen clearly in their coat of arms, which is identical to Kyleth's symbolic cross. The Daventry family still enjoys great political influence in Parem, Ordenary and Athellion.

The northern border to Kaladros runs through a high mountain range, while the Gray Pass delimits the west. The southern border to Moredhel is defined by the Lonely River and in the east the sand cliff of the Farram Desert also forms a natural border.

In the east a huge mountain stretches up into the air. The flattened tip still bears witness to the ages in which this was an active volcano. According to the scholars, this was the case before the guardiandragons. An old structure is still in the center of the cold crater, which was used for incantations in earlier days. According to the legends, the obsidian pentagram is said to be able to create a portal to other worlds. Others also claim that the structure is an ancient prison in which a powerful creature is said to be locked. The most likely function, however, is for summoning rituals of the guardians, which is due to the numerous symbols and signs of the guardian dragons. What do you think?

Should we have aroused your suggestions for an extravagant visit to the picturesque Parem, please contact the Daracoss Tourism Agency (a company of the Five Dragons Corporation) for an unforgettable experience.

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