| Drake Empire is an article written by Black Dwarf Star. |
The Drake Empire is an archipelago and kingdom within the New World. Currently, the island is considered a protected territory of the Notch Pirates.
Layout and Climate[]
The Drake Empire is an archipelago comprised of eight islands, each one sharing the same magnetic field. While the islands are relatively close together, the distance between them is still great enough it would require a ship to travel from one to another.
The climate of the Drake Empire is always overcast, with the clouds being so dark and thick that the area appears to always be night. As such, the citizens of the Drake Empire are pale or otherwise light-skinned. This makes the temperature much cooler than on an average island, at least in comparison to other autumn islands.
Each island has its own defense force, referred to as militias or corps. They're generally accustomed to fighting in the specific terrain of each island and use specialized weapons, gear, and in some cases even mounts, to gain the advantage over any intruders.
Gasgan[]
Gasgan is the central island of the Drake Empire, which all the other islands surround. Due to its centrality, it acts as the central hub for trade and diplomacy. This island is where the emperor lives and where the kingdom's senate comes into session. It is also the largest island in the archipelago.[2]
Rather than having its own militia, the island instead has the Royal Guard, the most skilled and powerful soldiers from across the empire, put into service to protect the emperor. While their general beat is on Gasgan, they are often deployed to other islands when their assistance is necessary in time of invasion. The Royal Guard's commanding officer is Lagos.[3]
Balaur[]
The northern-most island in the archipelago, Balaur is home to the Drake Empire's pride and joy; its mines. Precious metals and rare gems are often found here. Gold and gems are primarily sold to the World Government and Celestial Dragons, while other materials are sold on the Black Market. This includes Black Steel and Blood Stone. Tempest ordinarily gives his allies first pick of new ore shipments.[2]
Zmeu[]
Unlike the other islands in the archipelago, Zmeu is notable for being rather hot. This isn't due to atmospheric differences as much as it is related to the active volcano the settlements were built near. Often, the ores mined in Balaur are sent to Zmeu to be smelted and forged into weapons, armor, and jewelry.
The Zmeu Militia is referred to as the Dragunity Corps. They're specialized for the hot climate and common volcanic activity. Their armor is highly heat resistant, allowing them to freely touch the flowing lava. They also use dragons as combat mounts. Their commanding officer is Harloon.[4]
Sarpe[]
Sarpe is a relatively normal island in the archipelago in terms of climate, with it being akin to a normal forest and city. Sarpe is also the home to most of the Drake Empire's scientific breakthroughs, such as their various arms created for the Royal Guard and Militias. They have also been known to work on bio-engineering, such as how they created artificial dragons and some other secret project being worked on by Eisenstein. This is where several scientists from Punk Hazard were transferred following an arrangement between the Notch Pirates and Drake Empire.[5]
Diavol[]
Not much is currently known about Diavol. It is known that this is where Ice Stone is mined, implying an immensely cold climate.[2] This was later proven correct when the climate of Diavol was described in relation to one of its citizens, Timber. It is also known to be the home of a group of snow leopard Minks who have been held in high regard by the emperors of the Drake Empire for decades.
The militia of the island is referred to as the Ice Archer Corps and its commanding officer is Lumber.
Bala[]
Jandarm[]
Zmeesc[]
Culture[]
The emblem of the Drake Empire.
Citizens of the Drake Empire have adapted to a daily lifestyle in the dark. Most appear to be pale-skinned as result and find darker-skinned individuals to be very intriguing. They revere their darkened skies to such a great extent that the emblem of their nation is that of a black sun.
The people of the Drake Empire are accustomed to constant minor attacks in order to steal the unique metals which form there. As such, they are barely fazed from assaults and have no issues with their militia's constant presence. The citizens generally have faith in their military and leadership, especially in their emperor, who constantly fights on the front lines to protect the people.[2]
Citizens[]
| Citizens | ||||
| Emperor | ||||
| ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minhea Tempest | ||||
| Royal Guard | ||||
|
|
| ||
| Lagos | Timber | Orlock | ||
| Royal Pets | ||||
| ||||
| Bararike | ||||
| Militia Commanders | ||||
|
| |||
| Harloon | Lumber | |||
| Other Citizens | ||||
| ||||
| Eisenstein | ||||
History[]
Past[]
The Drake Empire has been around for many years, maintaining its independence and strength. While many have attempted to invade the archipelago for its riches, they have often been beaten back, with the army lead in battle by the emperor. At some point, a group of snow leopard Minks immigrated to Diavol, gaining a favor amongst the emperors for many generations. At some point Minhea Tempest became the emperor, being one of the most successful and popular leaders of the island.[1]
Dragons and Giants[]
Al Khalifa Ain of the Notch Pirates arrived at the Drake Empire in order to form an alliance with the Drake Empire, hoping to make the island a protected territory while also gaining access to the island's rare materials. Initially, Tempest saw no benefit to him allying with a, supposedly, defunct crew, but their strength was proven during a sparring match between the Notch Pirates' Ifrit, Avi, and Tempest's pet dragon, Bararike. Tempest then decided to ally the Drake Empire with the Notch Pirates.[1][6]
Titans in Hell[]
Ain, with her crew mate Samuel Jodie, later returned to the Drake Empire upon being invaded by Tempest, with him wanting to give his allies first pick of the new shipment of rare ores being exported from the island.[2] During trade negotiations, they were suddenly attacked by the Titan Pirates at Zmeu. Cutting their dinner short, Tempest, the Royal Guard, and the Notch Pirates headed to repel the invaders.[3] Their combined forces managed to push the fallen Yonko crew back and solidified the two group's partnership. Following their recovery, Ain and Tempest finalized their arrangement, with Ain preparing to send several scientists from Punk Hazard to work at the Drake Empire in exchange for a supply of the Drake Empire's rare ores.[5]
Trivia[]
- The different islands that make up the Drake Empire are each named using a Romanian word that can, in some manner, translate to Dragon.
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Empire of Darkness and Fire: The Drake Empire makes its debut.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Twin Flames: Balaur is shown for the first time.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Enemies at the Gates: The Drake Empire Royal Guard is introduced.
- ↑ A King Protects his People: Harloon and the Dragunity Corps are shown for the first time.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Rising Dragons: Sarpe is shown for the first time.
- ↑ Volcanic Confrontation: The Drake Empire and Notch Pirates form an alliance.