Draywood
The woodland city that’s rich in both tradition and resources with a well liked monarchy. The society here takes pride in it’s values, seeing themselves as more cultured than their practical neighbors.
| Draywood | |
|---|---|
 "Urbs Vitae" | |
| Location | The Land |
| Exports | Art, Fine Cuisine, Artisan crafts, Lumber |
| Values | History and preservation, Self-expression, Beauty, Patience, High society |
| System of government | Monarchy with elected national assembly (congress) |
| Leader | King Thomas Cain II |
| Demonym | Dray |
History
Draywood was once a small logging village that gradually came to connect with its southern affiliates, using the new amount of land acquired to increase its lumber wealth. As the two villages merged physically and socially, conflicts in the use of their shared lands became more prominent. Such an unstable swaying of leadership began a recurring pattern throughout Draywood’s political structure that continues to this day.
The split that emerged left Draywood with a rejuvenated ecological paradigm that put nature and people in a strong balance, though it advanced slower than its fellow cities as a result. What came of this slow curation was a development of literature, music, and artistry that became a staple of the city’s resources.
When the Flare occurred, many Marked were put into labor camps in an alleged attempt to maintain the balance between the earth and humanity that this group threw off. It lasted for only a short while before said Marked revolted and took over the leadership— both with force and diplomatic flair involved. The result was a new monarchy composed of Marks that welcome any and all Marked individuals to embrace their abilities within their streets. The amount of Marks that hold positions of power leave the city with a mostly peaceful atmosphere, aside from the occasional villain takeover.
Geography
Draywood is divided into five quarters. These quarters are largely historic and based on culture.
Historic Quarter
Draywood's Historic Quarter is the origins of the city. Every building here is a landmark, pretty much.
Art Deco Quarter
Because of a particular architectural fad during Draywood's expansion, the Art Deco Quarter is known as it is due to the overwhelming amount of Art Deco buildings in the area. The Art Deco Quarter is the newest area in Draywood's city.
Parks Quarter
Although Parks are throughout the entirety of the city, the Parks Quarter is known for its overabundance of parks. You can't go two blocks without one of them.
Downtown Quarter
The Downtown Quarter of Draywood is the most bustling and busy part of the city-- it's closest to what people picture of Draywood when they think of it.
Royal Quarter
The Royal Quarter is known as it is because it is where the Draywood royalty lives. There's more than just the castle, but it is definietly the weathiest quarter of the city.
Criminal Activity
Due to the vocal and popular presence of superheroes, petty crime is next to nothing. At least, if you tried to mug someone, 85% of the time you’ll get your ass whooped. However, with the rise of ambitious heroes, there’s equally ambitious villains. Evil-doers with enough resources and guile to evade even the best of heroes are found most often here, making a statement or enacting their plans with a sense of artistry, knowing what they do here will be seen everywhere. Poaching and missing children have also been happening more and more often on the outskirts of town.
The prison system has been called "flimsy". Considering the large density of supervillains in Draywood, it's hard to make a very effective prison system. There are multiple huge prison breaks a year. Draywood constantly tries to seek out compassion through their reform programs, but living in a place where performing arts is practically a staple of everyone’s school days leads a lot of people who deceive their way into freedom.
Marked Sentiment
Those in power are Marked, and being Marked is a positive trait within Draywood. It’s considered an impressive talent, and there are many after school programs, summer camps, etc, to help Marks hone their skills. Unlike Cytopia, there is no need for registrations or extensive regulations. It’s part of what makes you unique, and individuality is to be embraced!
Stance on Superheroes
Superheroes began here, and are a source of cultural pride for the city, quickly turning those who claimed the title into celebrities (a trend quickly copied by Apopkans). There’s even things like expos for wannabe heroes to talk to working professionals, making it the hotspot for all things Super and Hero. Many heroes are able to work professionally, securing funding from the government or private organizations or freelancing their services. Draywood believes heroes are friendly and kind, first and foremost.
Culture
Draywood is known for its cuisine. Learning to cook from your parents is a very important cultural value, and those who wish to learn the culinary arts usually study here.
Dray people are very superstitious. In Draywood, if you spot a laurel tree, you can say “laurel” and then kiss something (usually your own hand, if you’re with someone maybe their cheek) and you can make a wish. If you’re in a group, though, only the first person who spots it and calls out “laurel” can make the wish for it to come true. This comes from the laurel trees being used to line places of royalty or high class, and they thought they brought good fortune and romance.
Since Draywood’s founding, the city has celebrated its history, culture, and artistry with a celebration titled the Gathering of Minds. Located in various parts of the city, TEDTalk-like lectures and exhibitions are hosted and funded by the king himself. It’s considered a great achievement to be chosen for the event. At the end of the day, the entire city votes on the Most Profound Scholar of the Year, who receives high praise and their portrait painted and added to the Hall of Scholars within the city castle. Other cities see this entire ordeal as snobby.
Intercity Relations
Apopka Lights
See image.
Cytopia
The worst, absolutely no taste for art or culture whatsoever. Their laws are viewed as intensely controlling and impossible to live under.
New Chiti
Viewed with a semi-patronizing air. Draywood offers support, but quietly feels pretty good that they don’t need any sort of h e l p like the New Chitizens do.
Republic of Randwell
Silent and mild tension exists between these two. Randwell seems to be encroaching awfully close onto their city borders.
Important Places and People
You can check Drays for a more comprehensive list of people from Draywood and In Draywood for a more comprehensive list of places, organizations, and events in Draywood.