Politics
Before the coming of Night, the Dragon's Claw Canyon was a typical
medieval feodality not a unified empire per se, but a collection
of noblemen swearing allegiance to each other and, ultimately, to the
High King who ruled in Avamere. More than the bonds of politics and
feudal vows, the Knights of the Chalice were instrumental in maintaining
the unity of these various baronies and principalities. They, like the
High King, stood as symbols of a unity which transcended petty human
differences, a unity of faith and ideals which resulted in a unity of
purpose.
The political structure of the canyon has changed little since the
arrival of Night. In many ways, Night has replaced the High King, while
the various demons and other fiendish beings that serve as Night's minions
have replaced the barons, princes, dukes, and earls that swore fealty
to the High King. What is missing from the new arrangement, however,
are the interconnected bonds of loyalty and service that formed the
feudal system, and the unity of ideals symbolized by the Knights of
the Chalice. Without these two elements, the politics of the canyon
begin to look much more like an anarchy where the strong seize power
and exert it over the weak, beholden to no one and serving no one but
their own interests and the overarching evil of Night.
Night itself is a deeply mysterious figure, ruling in majestic silence
from its black marble palace in Avamere. The fiends that rule towns
and villages throughout the canyon are referred to as its minions, and
they enforce some common rules, but it is unclear to what extent Night
issues any commands, as well as how readily those commands are obeyed.
Law
The Dragon's Claw canyon used to be governed by a benevolent set of
laws promulgated by the High King and enforced by his vassals as a part
of their oaths of fealty. These laws were designed to promote the common
welfare of all people, from the richest noblemen to the humblest peasants.
They emphasized mutual service and respect, loyalty and truthfulness,
honor and piety.
All that is but a distant memory in the minds of most of the inhabitants
of the Dragon's Claw canyon. These are people who have seen service
become slavery, respect turn into antipathy, loyalty transformed into
backstabbing treachery; they have heard lies pour from the tongues of
the most respected priests and seen honor trampled in the dust. Piety
is now a capital crime. The vast majority of the canyon's residents
view the virtues of the Knights of the Chalice as deadly naïveté.
The most important law of the canyon under Night is "might makes right."
The powerful get that way by seizing power, proving themselves stronger
than those around them, often by means of assassination or intrigue.
Few can challenge the minions of Night for sheer power, so these fiends
rule uncontested in most of the settlements of the canyon.
The minions of Night do enforce a small but important set of laws designed
to maintain Night's hold on the land and its people. Primary among these
is the banning of worship. Any practice associated with the religion
of Javen is strictly prohibited, and offenders are summarily executed.
Further, any mention or discussion of the High King or the Knights of
the Chalice is a capital offense. Assembling in groups of nine or more
is prohibited, and large demons are often on hand to break up such gatherings.
This tends to make taverns and other places usually associated with
public gathering into unusually quiet places full of suspicious and
fearful people. Finally, burying the dead is prohibited, as is any other
means of disposing of a corpse. Corpses must be brought to one of Night's
agents, who generally either eats them or animates them as servants.
This has a profound demoralizing effect on the population.
These rules, and any others issued by local rulers, are enforced primarily
through the work of well-paid informers. All citizens are strongly encouraged
to betray their neighbors, rewarded monetarily and with tiny morsels
of power.
The Military
Social Class
Education
Organizations
