Kuroi the Black Dragonrealm, Map and Lore - Colored Version (Patreon)

Hey all,

In the latest worldbuilding poll you voted for “A game-ready map of one of the dragonrealms from Theomachy, with accompanying lore and tons of places of interest to explore!” so here’s the sketch version of it, plus detailed lore!

Kuroi is inspired by Japanese mythology and folklore. Feel free to use this map in your games!

About Kuroi the Black Dragonrealm

Shaped by the actions of heroic mortals and daring dragons alike, Kuroi is a land where progressive ideals exist alongside cherished traditions. Where will your travels take you? Will you lose yourself in the winding alleys under the shadow of the Shogun’s palace in the capital of Kuroito; soak in the hot springs of Tamagonsen next to dragon eggs of all colors; train alongside legendary masters in one of the secret ninja villages; or perhaps party all night long in the outrageous technognomish theme parks of Sugoi?

When Mironde, the dragonmother, created the dragonborn to aid the dragons in their war against the vengeful gods of Naam, she divided them into ten nations according to their draconic heritage. The first of the black dragonborn became the founders of Kuroi, the Black Dragonrealm.

Led by the Shogun and his daimyos, the feudal lords under his command, Kuroi is a prosperous and mystical dragonrealm. In the heart of Kuroi, the enormous Lake Suvo gives life to countless fishing villages and irrigates the realm’s rich rice fields. Kuroi’s mountains create a natural barrier around the realm and hide numerous dragon lairs and secret ninja villages.

The progeny of the black dragonfather, Yorusama, aid the armies of the Shogun in guarding the passages that bring in wealth from distant lands and allow Kuroi’s goods to reach other realms. Today, Akemi-sama, the eldest granddaughter of the black dragonfather is Kuroi’s official dragon guardian, but her uncle and the dragonfather’s second son, the withdrawn and often bitter Okura-sama is arguably Kuroi’s strongest black dragon.

The city of Kuroito on the southern bank of Lake Suvo, is the political and financial heart of the realm, representing the traditional values of Kuroi. Next to the capital, the multicultural city of Sugoi that has sprung into existence less than a decade ago is a melting pot of progressive ideas and quirky inventions, known for the unique entertainment venues in its technognomish theme parks. North of Kuroito and near the middle of Lake Suvo, the island of Entoshima is a sanctuary for wounded dragons to heal and regain their strength that very few mortals ever get to see.

To the east, the villages of Komugi and Kumogao seem serene, but the rumors of powerful ninja clans hiding in these idyllic settlements persist to the day. A bit further north, the legendary hot springs of Tamagonsen welcome dragons who seek to lay their eggs in its mineral-rich waters, as well as mortals whom the dragons trust enough to let them bathe next to their precious eggs.

To the west, past the seemingly endless rice fields, the village of Shizuku is a popular destination for soldiers seeking to unwind, as well as travelers and adventurers who reach Kuroi from the neighboring realm of Tambashtra. North of scenic Shizuku, the mighty Suimin is Kuroi’s only active volcano and home to the toastiest dragon caves in the realm. Daring practitioners of martial arts are rumored to dwell in some of these caves as well.

To the north of the realm, the winding road to Hikachi village is only the beginning of the long climb to Mount Shirodan the white dragonrealm. Even more remote than Hikachi village, Soratobu monastery welcomes any pilgrims who seek enlightenment in the teachings of Lifeism by the legendary red dragonborn sage Umo-Wu about passion, optimism, and pleasure.

South of Kuroito, thick forests blanket old roads that predate the arrival of dragons in the valley and lead to the ancient temples of Verdavihara. At the southernmost edge of Kuroi, on the bank of Suido River, a mysterious being known as Hirohachi resides in the ruins of the HIrote Pagoda. Mortals who dare to approach Hirohachi might suffer an untimely death, or they might be granted rare magical boons, depending on the ancient creature’s inscrutable criteria.

What do you think? :)

Colored and black/white versions in HD below!