Draithus

Draithus lies on the southern coast of Poromiel, bordered by the sea to the east and the Medaro Pass to the west. The pass is a perilous trail carved into the granite cliffs, linking Poromiel with Tyrrendor. The city stands on a raised plateau, surrounded by high defensive walls and marked by a spiraling central tower. It is the second most populous city in Krovla and serves as the last Poromish stronghold before reaching the Cliffs of Dralor. Because of its location, Draithus functions as a key border defense—first against Navarre, and later against the Venin.

Historically, Draithus has served as a staging ground for gryphon drifts patrolling the Poromish–Navarrian border, reflecting its role as both a military outpost and a civilian refuge. By the time of Onyx Storm, the city faces severe strain as refugees pour in from other fallen settlements, leaving supplies scarce even before the Venin attack.

In Onyx Storm, the city becomes the focal point of one of the largest battles of the series, when Venin forces led by Theophanie launch a full-scale assault. The confrontation forces Violet Sorrengail, Xaden Riorson, and their allies to make impossible choices—balancing the defense of the city, the protection of fleeing refugees at the Medaro Pass, and Mira Sorrengail’s life. The ensuing Battle of Draithus marks a turning point in the wider war, uniting riders and fliers under extreme losses, while Violet delivers the killing blow to Theophanie with a Dunne-blessed dagger.

Spiral Tower

The centerpiece of Draithus is its spiraling tower, which rises from the city’s center and overlooks the plateau. During the Battle of Draithus, the tower becomes a crucial defensive site when Venin storm the armory housed within. Despite fierce resistance from riders like Imogen Cardulo and Dain Aetos, the armory is compromised, and Quinn is fatally wounded while protecting the city’s alloy-hilted weapons. The loss underscores both the vulnerability and the resilience of Draithus as it withstood one of the most devastating sieges of the war.