Zmejprijatel, or Dragon Friend, domagrad stands as a solitary sentinel at the mouth of the almost-permanently frozen Mrtvachast strait, its imposing structures stark against the icy landscape. Backdropped by the dense, ancient trees of the Topolglen forest, the domagrad exudes an air of both isolation and resilience. Across the mouth of the strait lies a smaller satellite settlement, its purpose clear in the constant movement of figures ferrying people across the frozen waters to Zmejprijatel-proper.
The satellite settlement bustles with activity, its inhabitants navigating the icy expanse with ease born of familiarity. The journey across the frozen waters is a perilous one, but the people of Zmejprijatel have mastered the art, using sleds and skates to traverse the treacherous terrain. As they approach the domagrad proper, the imposing walls and spires of Zmejprijatel loom larger, a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of its people. The domagrad is a beacon of civilization in an otherwise desolate landscape, its existence a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of the Psoglavi people.
The domagrad of Zmejprijatel covers an area of approximately 198 acres, with a total population of 12,000 people. The city has 86 Șolomonari houses. The peace is kept by 73 Unknown, but they can call forth close to 219 if pressed.
All of the various peoples of Etomesto can be found coming and going through Zmejprijatel, from the under-foot domovoy, to the knavish devils and surreal elementals, its truly a place of unity and diversity.
The Unknown of Zmejprijatel are renowned masters of charm and illusion magic, skills they deftly employ during trade deals with other domagrad's Șolomonar, particularly if their counterparts are not astute enough to see through their illusions. While this practice may seem nefarious, it is almost exclusively used for the betterment of the inhabitants' prosperity. The illusions woven by Zmejprijatel's Șolomonar are not meant to deceive or manipulate in a harmful way, but rather to enhance the perceived value of their goods and services, ensuring more favorable trade agreements that benefit the entire community. This cunning use of magic has helped Zmejprijatel thrive in its remote location, turning what could have been a disadvantage into a strategic advantage in the harsh environment of the frozen strait.
All trade from the forge-city of Požamajstori flows through Zmejprijatel to greater Etomesto, and from Etomesto does all trade flow through Zmejprijatel to Požamajstori.
The tightly packed buildings of the domagrad are hewn with arcane sigils of protective power. Most buildings are either capped with extremely beautiful domes, with lesser buildings having angled roofing of tar and shingles.
Across the Mrtvachast is a satellite-domagrad known as Trajektgrad. From here, people are ferried across the strait either via ship, when the icy flows allow it, or by sled and hoof if the strait is frozen. Spread between the two are various shipyards and no less than thirteen markets and two grand markets.
Zmejprijatel has been a trade town for as long as recorded memory, its strategic location at the mouth of the Mrtvachast strait making it a natural hub for commerce. However, legends speak of a time before the Darkening when dragons descended from the Zmejkrilo mountains and intermingled with some of the psoglavi in the area. It is said that these dragons were intent on creating a strong breed known as the Sinovi na Zmejot, or Sons of the Dragon. Many believe that these Sons of the Dragon became the first Șolomonar, gifted with extraordinary powers passed down from their draconic ancestors. This presumed connection to prestige, combined with Zmejprijatel's central position in the country, allowed it to grow into a massive hub of trade and influence in the modern age.
As the reputation of the Sons of the Dragon spread, Zmejprijatel became a sought-after destination for traders and travelers from far and wide. Its position at the mouth of the Mrtvachast strait ensured a steady flow of goods and ideas, further enhancing its status as a center of trade and provenance. The Șolomonar of Zmejprijatel used their powers of charm and illusion to great effect, securing favorable trade deals and solidifying the domagrad's reputation as a place of prosperity and opportunity. Today, Zmejprijatel stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Sons of the Dragon, a vibrant and bustling city that continues to thrive as a beacon of commerce and culture in the Psoglavi lands.
Red represents the blood of dragons in their ancestry. Two axes represent clearing the trail of trade east to west. A verdant dragon, their patrons and forefathers, imposed over sable representing their ascendancy over the Darkening.
