Aretia

Aretia lies in eastern Tyrrendor, about an eighteen-hour dragon flight from Basgiath War College and only a few hours from the Cliffs of Dralor. Built in a valley surrounded by hills and caves, the area is notable for its thermal valley, where natural heat and lingering magic keep the ground warm year-round, preventing snow accumulation even in winter.

Aretia embodies Tyrrish resilience: despite its destruction, its people and traditions endure. The Revolution has made it a sanctuary, blending old Tyrrish practices—like rune-adorned temples—with new efforts to create a society free of Navarrian control.

The thermal valley holds deep cultural significance as the ancestral hatching ground of the Dubhmadinn line of black dragons. Following the events of Iron Flame, it resumes its role as a hatching ground, restoring its magical pulse to the region.

Aretia was once the capital of Tyrrendor and the seat of House Riorson until it was destroyed during the Tyrrish Rebellion, when Navarre’s forces burned the city with dragonfire in accordance with the Treaty of Aretia. Though left in ruins for decades, Aretia has since become the center of the Tyrrish Revolution, home to the Assembly, and a stronghold for both riders and gryphon fliers after the fall of Cliffsbane Flight Academy.

By Iron Flame and Onyx Storm, Aretia is being rebuilt into a functioning town with identical green-roofed houses, a forge, a printing press, and new facilities to accommodate the influx of rider cadets, dragons, and gryphon fliers. Its revival marks it as a symbol of resistance, resilience, and Tyrrish identity. As the ancestral seat of the Riorson line, it also serves as the residence of Xaden Riorson, and through his marriage, Violet Sorrengail becomes Duchess of Tyrrendor.

Riorson House	Also called the Fortress of Aretia, Riorson House is the ancestral home of the Riorson family and one of the first structures rebuilt after the rebellion. Its northwest wing includes a reconstructed theater, while its rooftop and defensive turret offer wide views of the city. As both fortress and residence, it anchors the Revolution’s presence in Aretia.
Thermal Valley	A valley above Aretia used as resting grounds for dragons and gryphons allied with the Revolution. Once the ancestral hatching ground of the Dubhmadinn line, it regains this role after hatchlings emerge during Iron Flame. It is also used for cadet training, rune-weaving lessons, and military exercises.
Temple of Amari	A temple dedicated to Amari, Queen of the Gods, identified by columns adorned with Tyrrish runes. It is considered one of Aretia’s most important landmarks, alongside its library.
Wardstone	The wardstone of Aretia was dormant until the events of Iron Flame. A trail behind Riorson House leads to it, climbing the ridgeline before narrowing into a canyon. The path opens into a circular chamber hidden by ancient masking runes that shield it from view overhead. At the center stands a black pillar, twice Xaden Riorson’s height and wide enough for nine people to encircle. Concentric circles and runes are carved into its surface, resembling patterns in Warrick’s journal. When inactive, the stone is cold and lifeless.